Lucien stood in front of Lithira's domain, his brow furrowing at the sight. Unlike its usual hard, half-circle barrier, it now appeared soft, almost like a delicate shell. The unusual appearance worried him.
It was her first time experiencing heat, and the effect on her was intense, leaving her in visible anguish.
He made his way inside, where Brigantiea was already waiting, arms crossed over her chest, her expression irritated and tense.
"What took you so long?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing at him.
Lucien stepped closer and embraced her, feeling the weight of her anxiety. "I'm sorry. I had to see my father off," he explained softly.
Brigantiea let out a frustrated sigh, but her arms eventually circled him. "You know dragons in heat can be... unpredictable," she muttered, motioning toward a door sealed tightly.
From behind it, the sound of something heavy slamming against the walls reverberated.