Third person POV:
Selena had just finished braiding her hair when the knock came at her door.
It was not loud, but it was firm enough to make her pause. She glanced toward the window. Morning light had fully broken now, washing the room in pale gold. Most of the palace would already be awake.
She crossed the room and opened the door.
Kael stood there.
He looked the same as always at first glance. Broad shoulders. Straight posture. Dark hair slightly tousled from the wind outside. But something in his expression was different. His jaw was set tighter than usual, and his eyes held a restless edge that made her chest tighten.
"Kael," she said softly. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes," he answered, though the word came too quickly. "May I come in?"
She stepped aside without hesitation.
He entered, and she closed the door behind him. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt heavy, filled with something unsaid.
