"Hello, Polycaste."Ragriel opened her arms.There was no warning before she stepped toward me, wearing the radiant smile of a woman who apparently believed revealing herself as my eldest sister erased the theft, deception, and violence preceding the introduction.I moved aside.She embraced empty air.For several seconds, Ragriel remained perfectly still with her arms wrapped around nothing. Then she slowly straightened and looked at me.Her mouth turned downward."You moved.""An excellent observation.""Mother said you allowed her to embrace you.""Mother asked permission."Her arms lowered.For the first time since the fighting began, genuine embarrassment disturbed the delight upon her face. She looked at the frost-covered ground between us, then raised her eyes again."May I hug you?""No."Her frown deepened. "At least you answered."The masked guard approached before she could attempt another form of affection. Asterion moved half a step closer to me, while Faolan recovered th
Last Updated : 2026-10-28 Read more