ARE YOU HAPPY?

The imperial library's warmth enveloped them once more, but the atmosphere was tense.

Emirs was kneeling by the fireplace, quaked under the weight of the group collective stare. His eyes darted around the room, pleading for escape.

Ares' voice cut through the silence, low and menacing. "Were you genuinely willing to return and share how to reunite with her kind, or was that just a ruse?"

Emirs stuttered, "I-I don't do well with crowds."

Eleanor rose from her cushion, exasperation etched on her face. "It's clear you're the leader of the angels sent to monitor Enebelle. You must hold an influential title. Can we skip the pretenses?"

Emirs raised his hands in surrender, his eyes wide with shame. "Fine, you caught me. I apologize for my late arrival, but I had to return to my realm. I thought you could handle yourself, and—"