The atmosphere was thick with tension as Eileen and I waited for Aurelia and Lydia to return. The cavernous chamber, now littered with the remnants of our battle, seemed even more oppressive in the aftermath of our victory.
I knew exactly what was going to happen next. Aurelia had made up her mind. The revelation from the demon killer's last words had shattered something between her and Lydia, something that couldn't be easily mended.
Eileen paced nervously, her blue eyes flicking toward the doorway every few seconds. I could see the worry etched on her face, the concern for our friends mingled with uncertainty about what lay ahead.
I reached out, taking her hand in mine. Her fingers were warm, and the touch seemed to ground both of us in this moment of uneasy calm.
"It's going to be alright," I whispered, trying to offer some reassurance even though I wasn't entirely sure myself.
