The Aurelion jet descended through a layer of thin clouds, revealing the coastline of Olyndria below. The sea glittered under the afternoon sun, its surface rippling with shades of deep blue and turquoise. White buildings stretched along the shoreline, climbing gently into emerald hills where rows of villas overlooked the ocean. From above, the entire country looked like a painting.

Evelyn leaned closer to the window, unable to hide the smile that spread across her face. "It's beautiful," she murmured. "I didn't get to see it properly last time." Lena stretched in her seat, rolling her shoulders. "You were a bit preoccupied. What happened? Something about Alexander collapsing?"

Evelyn let...