Aire’s room was quieter than the rest of the castle.

Aire stood near the center of the room, as her fingers lightly touched the fabric laid out before her.

The gown rested across her bed in careful arrangement. It was a jade green gown with deep, soft tones. Nothing too loud, and nothing that would demand attention.

Madam stood behind her.

Her presence alone was enough to anchor the room.

"Not that one," Madam said, her voice calm but firm. "The other."

A maid immediately stepped forward and lifted the gown away, replacing it with another.

This new one was a brown gown that was softer, and flowing. It looked elegant without effort.

Aire glanced at it briefly.

"It’s... beautiful," she said, her voice quiet. If she should be honest, she preferred the other gown.

Madam watched her reflection through the mirror. "It is appropriate," she corrected.

Aire didn’t argue.

She allowed the maids to guide her gently toward the chair before the vanity. Her movements were slow, and careful as she was still learning how to exist in spaces like this. Since the ball, things had changed a lot.

She now had three guards stationed before her room, with no one coming on without her permission. Except the Alphas.

Her hands rested lightly in her lap as one maid began loosening the ties at the back of her corset.

Another moved toward her hair.

Madam stepped closer.

Her eyes swept over Aire with quiet precision, noting everything. The slight tension in her shoulders. Aire’s fingers curled faintly when she thought no one was looking.

"You are distracted," Madam said. "What is on your mind?"

Aire blinked softly at her reflection. She lowered her gaze slightly.

"I was just thinking," she admitted.

Madam didn’t ask what about again.

She reached forward, adjusting a strand of Aire’s silver hair that had fallen out of place. The had trimmed it a day before the ball, but it seemed like they’d need to trim it again tomorrow.

"Thinking is useful," Madam said. "But not when it shows on your face. It looked so obvious that it could be used against you."

Aire let out a small breath that almost sounded like a laugh.

"I’ll try to hide it better," she said.

Madam’s lips pressed together faintly. "Do not try," she corrected. "Do it."

Aire nodded. "Yes, Madam."

Silence settled between them again.

The maids worked around her with practiced ease. The fabric shifted on her body after the fastened a new corset on her. The pins in her hair clicked softly as they left her hair, and the faint scent of oils filled the air as her hair was carefully brushed and smoothed.

Aire watched it all through the mirror.

Her fingers tightened slightly in her lap before she forced them to relax again. She coudltn take her mind off her uncle, and the little human girl.

Madam noticed.

"Your posture," Madam said, disturbing Aire’s thought.

Aire straightened immediately. Her shoulders pulled back, and she lifted her chin slightly.

Madam stepped back just enough to observe again.

"You will sit beside Alpha Nate tonight," she added. "He requested it."

Aire’s breath paused. She would prefer to seat with Alaric, who she’s familiar with. Then she nodded. "Yes."

Madam’s gaze lingered on her.

"You will not shrink," she continued. "You will not hesitate, and you will not allow anyone to question your place like Alpha Rowanfall did."

Aire swallowed softly. "I understand."

Madam studied her for another moment.

A soft knock on Aire’s door stopped Madam from saying the next words she had in mind to say.

Before anyone could respond, the door opened slightly.

A maid stepped in.

"Madam," she said, bowing lightly. "There is someone here to see the Luna."

Madam’s brows drew together faintly.

"At this hour?" she asked. "It’s almost dinner." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

The maid hesitated.

"The lady is important, Madam."

Aire turned slightly in her seat. "Who is it?"

The maid stepped aside, and then Mabel walked in.

At that moment, everything else faded.

Aire’s eyes lit up immediately. "Mabel—" She was already on her feet before the word fully left her lips.

The maids barely had time to step back as Aire crossed the room quickly, closing the distance between them.

She reached her and wrapped her arms around her without hesitation.

"Mabel..." she repeated, softer this time. Her voice cane out relieved, and warm as she shut her eyes softly.

Mabel stilled, then her arms came up in return after three seconds. She held Aire just as tightly as she was held.

"I missed you too," she said gently. Her voice was soft and perfect.

Aire pulled back slightly, her hands still resting on Mabel’s arms as she looked at her properly.

"Where did you go?" she asked. "You just... disappeared after the ball."

Mabel’s expression shifted just enough to seem real. A small sigh left her lips. "A distant relative sent letters to me," she said. "They needed help."

Her gaze softened. "I couldn’t refuse."

Aire’s brows pulled together slightly. "Are they alright?" she inquired, concerned.

Mabel nodded. "They will be."

She tilted her head just slightly, her lips curving faintly. "I came back sooner than I planned."

Aire blinked. "Why?"

Mabel’s smile deepened just a little. "I did because I missed you."

Aire’s expression softened immediately. Warmness flickered in her eyes.

"You didn’t have to rush back for me," she said softly.

"I know," Mabel replied.

Aire stepped forward again and pulled her into another hug. This time, the hug was tighter.

"Thank you for being here," she whispered, her eyes closing as she rested against her.

Mabel’s arms wrapped around her again. She held her, and her chin rested lightly against Aire’s shoulder.

Her eyes, however remained open. They lifted slowly, meeting Madam’s gaze across the room.

There was no warmth in them when they met Madam. She stared at Madam coldly. Madam didn’t look away. She held Mabel’s gaze, but said nothing.

Mabel’s hand moved slowly against Aire’s back. It was a soothing motion as she traced Aire’s back.

"You should be getting ready," she murmured softly. "I didn’t mean to interrupt."

Aire pulled back reluctantly. "You’re not interrupting," she said quickly. She felt so comforted with Mabel.

Mabel smiled. "I always am," she replied lightly.

Aire shook her head. Her fingers lingered on Mabel’s sleeve for a moment longer before she let go.

"You can stay," she added.

Mabel tilted her head slightly. "Only if Madam allows it."

All eyes shifted to Madam. Madam watched her for a long second. Just when everyone thought she’d say no, Madam parted her lips.

"You may stay," she said.

Mabel bowed her head slightly. "Thank you."

She stepped further into the room and guided Aire back to her seat.

Mabel watched her with a soft and gentle gaze.