"Welcome…"
The voice was strangely calm. Its eerie softness echoed in the vacuum of space.
As the soft lips opened up to utter more words, the speaker's golden eyes radiated such warmth that it became scary.
"… I've been expecting you."
Right now, Ciel was floating a distance from the dark cocoon, her eyes fixated on the approaching group.
She had a pleasant smile on her face, and even though she was meant to be intimidated by the crowd that neared, nothing about her pleasant demeanor was tainted.
Her white attire remained stagnant as she stood still, waiting for the group to draw even nearer—until they stood a short distance from her.
"Only eight of you? I thought there would be more." Ciel smiled as she looked at the team.
She could see Maria Helmsworth, Anabelle Frederick, Beruel, Aurora Vindiel, Lemi Vindiel, Jerry Keller, Ciara Epilson, and of course Aloe Vida.
The gang was all present—or, almost.