Seraphine POV
Teleportation always felt like being folded. Not moved. Folded. Space compressed around my body, my organs politely pretending they weren't being rearranged, and then, Reality snapped back into place.
The Capital Mage Tower greeted me with its usual oppressive dignity. Tall ceilings. White marble floors polished to perfection. Runic pillars glowing faintly with restrained magical authority.
And people. So many people. Young mages in layered robes, their conversations died instantly the moment I appeared at the center of the teleportation circle. The air shifted. Spines straightened. Heads bowed.
Respect. Fear. Curiosity. "Welcome back, Lady Seraphine."
All of the above. But two figures did not bow immediately. They stepped forward. High Mage Hector Sky. High Priest Choco. Both looked like men who hadn't slept properly in days.
