All three women made their way back to the castle on foot, laughing and chatting even with their exhaustion.
Dirty marks covered their faces. Uriel had only a few smudges on her cheek and forehead, but Arianna and Laela were practically caked in dirt and grime.
"I can't help but feel you still went easy on us," Laela said, glancing sideways at Uriel.
Arianna nodded in agreement. "I agree."
Uriel smiled but said nothing further.
Aiden was standing in the courtyard, waiting for them as they entered. The cratered grounds had been completely repaired, as though the battle had never happened.
"You three made fifteen dragon eggs hatch prematurely," Aiden said, crossing his arms.
All three women froze mid-step. Arianna winced and brought one hand up to cover her mouth. "Oh no…"
Laela scrunched her face in visible remorse, with her eyes widening slightly. "We didn't mean to—"
Uriel pressed her lips together and looked away sheepishly.
