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Her fingers touched the seal. She broke it gently. She unfolded the parchment.
The paper smelled faintly of a different city, different air, different ink.
Lily's eyes moved across the words. Her expression shifted as she read. First excitement.
Then surprise. Then a tightening around her eyes. Then something quieter.
The City Lord watched her silently, not interrupting.
Lily's voice was softer when she finally spoke.
"She wants me to return," Lily said.
The City Lord nodded.
"Yes," he replied.
Lily continued reading aloud, voice gradually becoming more emotional as the letter's meaning settled into her.
"She says… she found a good teacher," Lily murmured. "A real one. A serious one. She says I should return for study."
Lily's fingers tightened slightly on the letter.
"She says she is waiting for me," Lily said, voice quieter now. "She says… come back soon."
The City Lord's eyes remained steady.
