Dydra walked through the dimly lit corridors, her footsteps soft against the cold stone as the faint clinking of silverware guided her forward. The sound grew clearer with each step, until she reached the dining hall. Warm golden light spilled from chandeliers above, casting a soft glow over the long table at the center of the room.
It was laden with food—more than she had ever seen in one place. Platters of roasted meat glistened under the light, their skins crisp and golden, juices still seeping into the carved wood beneath them. Bowls of buttered vegetables—carrots, peas, and seasoned greens—sat neatly arranged beside trays of freshly baked bread, still warm, the scent rich and inviting. There were delicate pastries dusted with sugar, glazed fruits shining like jewels, and pitchers of deep red wine that caught the light with every subtle movement. Silverware clicked gently against porcelain as it was handled with practiced elegance.
And there he was.
