The grand hall of Ciara's castle buzzed with anticipation, and I found myself glancing at the massive doors more frequently than I'd admit.
Riley and Lydia had been gone most of the day, exploring the city together. Normally, I'd stay occupied, but tonight was different. Somehow, Riley's absence had left the air here feeling incomplete, as if the castle itself waited alongside me.
To my right, Aurelia sat perched on a lounge, her arms crossed, looking more than a little irritable. She'd been sulking for the better part of the afternoon, and it was obvious why.
Riley hadn't even glanced back on her way out this morning, so eager was she for her sister day with Lydia.
Aurelia tried to hide her disappointment, but anyone who knew her could see the telltale signs the way she scowled at anyone who so much as chuckled in her direction, the way she kept tapping her fingers, impatient for Riley's return.
