Chapter 52: How long mama?

“That is it,” old Rakuya murmured at last, her voice a thin rasp as she set down the slender brush. The final drop of purple ink glistened on Seraphina’s iris like a dying star. She leaned forward, her breath faint and cool as she blew gently across Seraphina’s eyes. Then she gave the princess’s silver hair a soft, grandmotherly pat, as though blessing the transformation she had crafted.

Seraphina blinked. Her sight swayed like a ship on slow waters—blurred outlines, swimming colors.

Steady… breathe, she told herself, fingers curling around the edge of the wooden bench. She remained still until her vision sharpened again.

Rakuya tilted her head, studying her handiwork. “Can you see well now, my princess?”

“Yes, Rakuya.” Seraphina rose and drifted toward the tall bronze mirror in the corner. For a heartbeat, she almost recoiled. The woman staring back at her was familiar yet utterly foreign. Her once blue eyes now glowed with a deep, enchanting violet. Her silver hair spilled to her wa