[Silthara Palace — Malika's Private Residency — Private Courtyard — Continuation]
Silence.
No answer came; the necklace remained resting upon the white marble, untouched and unclaimed. The morning breeze gently stirred the newly planted lotus blossoms, yet throughout the courtyard...not a single serpent dared breathe too loudly.
Raviel remained kneeling, his forehead nearly touching the stone once more; his trembling hands remained folded before him, waiting and praying.
Levin never moved; his blue eyes remained fixed upon the necklace. Then Duke Aren quietly stepped forward; his calm gaze slowly swept across everyone gathered within the courtyard.
Lady Arinaya. Captain Raevahn. The Royal Knights. The kneeling Raviel. Finally...his eyes rested upon Levin.
"Levin." His voice was neither loud nor commanding, yet everyone immediately turned toward him.
