A Monolith stood beside the approach to the Corridor, its maul braced against the floor, while Gunners watched from sheltered positions behind it.
Kaiden followed his mother's attention upward as Gorefiends shifted on the perches overhead. She was plainly pleased by the strength gathered around them, taking her time to inspect the defenders before looking back at him.
"The new ones are all at the cap," he told her.
"Good."
Her hand closed around his elbow with a satisfaction that made him grin. He offered it properly, and she kept hold as they continued toward home.
By the time they reached the Verdant Expanse, the women had brought the filled containers back through the island gate and ridden the carriage home. Nyx was lifting the last cases from the platform with her spatial power while Alexandra held the palace doors open for her.
Together, Kaiden and Vespera crossed the clearing to the palace, where Alice hurried down the steps to greet her mother.
