The moment Penelope entered the space—
She immediately headed toward the Golden Cave.
Her tiredness disappeared.
Excitement replaced it.
Because according to oddy—
Alyanna has awoken from her long slumber.
"Please be awake."
Penelope thought as she quickened her pace.
And the moment she entered the cave—
She froze.
The entire cave glowed softly.
Golden crystals illuminated the surroundings.
Warmth filled the air.
And at the very center—
The fledging was gone.
In its place—
Sat a majestic golden-red bird.
Penelope's amber eyes widened.
"...Alyanna?"
The phoenix blinked.
Her beautiful ruby eyes slowly landed on Penelope.
For a moment—
One human.
One phoenix.
Simply stared at one another.
Then—
"Sister?!"
The tiny phoenix froze.
Her little eyes widened.
And suddenly—
Tears appeared in them.
"Sister!"
"You're finally back!"
"What took you so long!"
"I thought you forgot about me!"
She cried as she flapped her wings.
As though afraid.
