••{AZERIA'S POV}••
The doors shut behind Luceris with a heavy thud that echoes throughout Azræl's chambers.
Mother remains exactly where he left her, staring at the space he was standing in. Nayeesha stands quietly near the foot of Azræl's bed, and Aunt Ærella's eyes move from the doors to me, then back again.
The moment I turn toward the doors to go after Luceris, Mother calls my name.
"Azeria."
I stop, glancing over my shoulder.
"Let him go," she says, her voice calm.
I turn around to face her fully.
"I can't."
Mother's eyes narrow. "This isn't the time to be sentimental."
My nails bite into my palms as I curl my fingers into fists.
"I'm the reason he came here in the first place," I say sharply. "So with all due respect, Mother, mind your business."
Her expression hardens into a glare but I don't give her the chance to respond.
I leave the room, stepping into the hallway and closing the doors behind me.
