Aurelia wrapped her arms around her daughter, trembling, her voice breaking. "You're okay… you're okay…"
Alice gripped her mother tightly. "I thought I died… I thought he…"
"I know," Aurelia whispered, her voice trembling as she held Alice even tighter. Her fingers dug into her daughter's back as if to make sure she was truly there. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, the relief washing over her like a crashing wave.
Tears she had held back in the face of war and bloodshed now slipped down her cheeks in silence.
She didn't try to stop them.
She just held her daughter.
On the side, Anton let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. His shoulders slumped in visible relief as he watched the two embrace.
One life, at least, had been spared.
Across the hall, King Magnar scanned the gathered group of survivors, his eyes briefly settling on Alice.
"Has everyone returned?" he asked, his voice calm but tight.
There was a pause before Aelric stepped forward.
