Galen followed Aveloria down the hall without speaking. His steps were steady behind her, and he didn't push her to talk. She didn't look back at him once. Her mind was still on the discussion, her father's reaction, Eirene's expression, and the heavy weight of the decision she had just announced. The air between them stayed quiet until they reached her chambers.
Aveloria pushed the door open and walked inside. Galen entered right after her, and the moment the door shut behind them, he finally spoke.
"What was that?" he asked. His voice wasn't angry, but he sounded serious. "This sudden announcement. Accepting your mates. Calling for all of us to gather in three days. What are you doing, Aveloria?"
She didn't answer right away. She sat down on the edge of her bed and stared at the floor. Her thoughts were still tangled, but she had known this conversation was coming.
