As soon as they left Director Altharion's office, the silence between Kael, Erika, and Eva returned—not uncomfortable, but heavy with unspoken thoughts. The corridor ahead split like a river of possibilities.
Erika glanced to the side, hesitating for a brief moment. Then she took a deep breath and gently placed a hand on Kael's arm.
"I'll go see Stella first," she said, her voice low and resolute. "She needs… me right now. Us. But maybe it's better if I start alone." Her gaze faltered slightly, then steadied again. "She still listens to me, even when she doesn't want to."
Kael nodded slowly. "You're good at that."
Erika offered a small, brave smile—the kind she wore when the world felt too heavy.
"I'll head out. You should see Sylphie first." With a quick nod to Eva, she disappeared down one of the side corridors, her steps light but full of purpose.
