The Real Queen!

Lorene looked like she wanted to argue, but before she could, Raymond glanced past her, his focus shifting. "Where's Sylph?" he asked, his tone sharp with concern.

"I'm fine!" came Sylph's voice, weak but steady, from behind Lorene.

Raymond's shoulders relaxed slightly, though his expression didn't lose its edge. "Good," he said, turning back to Lorene with a faint smirk. "See? We're all in one piece."

Lorene still looked worried, but she sighed and relented, lowering her hand. "Next time, be more careful," she said, her voice soft but firm. "You're not invincible, you know."

Raymond chuckled again, wiping the blood from his cheek with the back of his hand. "Not invincible, no," he agreed, his eyes glinting with humor. "But close enough."