Reina smiled, pushing her hair back.
"I'm sorry, am I too late?"
"M-Miss Reina!" Kai beamed.
Reina's expression softened. "Kai."
Her tone carried an easy warmth as both Rune and Duke Aurelius rose from their seats.
"Reina," Duke Aurelius said, already stepping forward. He pulled her into an embrace.
Reina chuckled softly, patting his back before turning toward Rune. He didn't wait, his arms wrapped around her the moment Duke Aurelius let go.
When they stepped back, Reina's gaze swept the room briefly.
"Ah, Uncle is late as usual," she remarked.
Almost on cue, two presences formed out of thin air.
"We're not."
Reina turned, smiling as Archmage Silas and Alys appeared.
Celestia's breath caught slightly.
She had seen the brooch used before, Rune had demonstrated it, but this was different. Effortless. Precise. Like stepping through space was as simple as walking through a door.
Before she could think further, Alys gasped and rushed forward, pulling Reina into a tight hug.
