Moments later,

Author

When the great iron doors swung open again, the crowd did not just turn - they surged forward slightly, then stopped, as if pulled back by a silent, collective command.

Every eye in the hall was fixed on the two figures stepping out from the side chamber: Aria walking first, her head high, her stance unyielding, and Malphas half a step behind her left shoulder - not leading, not following, but standing exactly where he belonged: at her side. The three children walked directly behind them, Lycian and Fenris with their chins lifted, Drako scanning the room with sharp, watchful eyes, and the Zodiac lining the aisle...