The noise of celebration continued to swell behind them.
Laughter. Music. The soft chime of crystal glasses clinking together. Voices layered over one another as the Atlantean court processed what had just happened.
But out here, near the edge of the Grand Hall, beside the towering crystal wall that revealed the endless ocean beyond, it felt distant as they focused on each-other primarily.
Mera stood quietly for a moment, her fingers unconsciously brushing over the ring resting on her hand. The pearl at its center pulsed faintly, its glow reflecting softly in her pink eyes.
Her thoughts were still catching up. Everything had changed in a matter of minutes, but hearing what Albedo said, she didn't feel overwhelmed any more.
If anything, she felt… strangely at ease. Her gaze shifted toward Albedo. He stood beside her, calm as ever, leaning lightly against the railing as if they had simply stepped away from a normal gathering.
"…Hey," Her voice was quieter now.
