By the time Kalden arrived at the royal house, the grand party had long since ended, and the guests had dispersed into the night. The sprawling estate, once alive with music and chatter, now lay in eerie silence. Kalden walked in through the ornate doors with Aria cradled in his arms, her unconscious form resting limply against his chest. His expression was cold and unreadable, but the air around him seemed to crackle with power, making it impossible for anyone to meet his gaze.
Inside the royal hall, Aria's family, including her brothers, stood frozen in shock. Queen Seraph, King Alden, and even Helena were too stunned to speak as Kalden strode past them without so much as a glance in their direction. His crimson eyes blazed with an unspoken warning, and the weight of his presence made it clear that no one dared question him.
