Rose Mansion settles into a rare hush. Leon and Nayla move together in the training grounds, close enough to read each other’s weight shifts, while the water room beyond the hall carries Jews’s soft splashes and easy laughter. Rosmira has a quiet desk, a report draft, and the first real breath she has taken in days.
Two weeks here. A month back on Earth. Time keeps behaving strangely.
Leon finishes a drill and wipes sweat from his brow, glancing toward Nayla with new steadiness. She gives him a short nod, less ruler, more partner, and circles him again for another pass.
Nayla Iko
Again. This time, trust the turn before the stride.
In the swim room, Jews drifts on her back for a moment, then pushes through the water with practiced ease. The pool’s calm reflects the mansion lights, turning her into a flicker of silver and skin beneath the surface.
Jews
Rosmira, if you are writing that report, save me the dramatic version and give me the real one later.
Rosmira
I will. I am checking in with the Queen first.
At the Queen’s side of the mansion, the air feels heavier, warmer, almost ceremonial. Rosmira delivers her account, the trip to Earth, Eros’s summons, and the strange pace of time between worlds. Queen Voloria listens without interruption, violet gaze unreadable and intent.
Queen Voloria
Then you returned with more than you left with. Good. Rest while you can, Rosmira. Tell me, when you have chosen your words, what do you wish this bond to become?
Report to Queen Voloria about what Rosmira wants the bond to become