The arena was silent.
Only two women stood facing each other.
"You have a wonderful daughter, Veynessa," Yllara said softly, barely moving her lips. Her gaze rested on the girl in the stands who hadn't taken her eyes off her mother.
Veynessa raised her brows slightly and smiled with quiet pride.
"I know. I wouldn't trade her for anyone."
Yllara sighed, glancing to the side.
"Mine doesn't even visit anymore. Runs around the world like she forgot she has a mother. Last I heard, she was exploring the Sand Choir Ruins, chasing some lost melody of an extinct clan."
"Every child has to leave the nest eventually. Even those raised in jade spirit palaces."
"That's true," Yllara nodded, a shadow of melancholy crossing her face. "But mothers are rarely ready for their children to fly on their own."
***
In the stands among the elders, Elder Fenthar glanced at Calista, who stood with arms crossed, eyes fixed on the arena.
"What do you think will happen?"
