He stood and moved toward them, embracing each daughter briefly.
"I'll return as soon as I can. But the situation in Hermes Kingdom requires my attention, and I can't delay."
"Be safe, Father," Cassandra said quietly.
"Always," Julian assured her.
With a final nod to his daughters, Julian closed his eyes and channeled his power. Space folded around him, and in an instant, he vanished from the room, reappearing in the castle gardens.
And there, just as he had predicted, Eva was seated on a marble bench near the waterfall. The water cascaded down in a gentle curtain, creating a soft, rhythmic sound that filled the garden with peaceful sound. She was looking at the flowers surrounding her, her expression distant and thoughtful.
"You're here," she said without turning around, as if she had sensed his arrival.
"Yes, sister, I am," Julian replied, walking toward her across the garden path.
