The morning's first light filtered through the blinds of my office as I sat at my desk, staring blankly at the design sketches spread before me. Despite Seraphina and Debra's surprise visit, I couldn't fully shake the weight pressing on my chest. Their arrival had lifted my spirits momentarily, but reality always found its way back in.
A sharp knock at my door jolted me from my thoughts.
"Come in," I called, quickly gathering my scattered papers.
Beta Blaise entered, his usual confident demeanor tinged with something that resembled discomfort. He stood awkwardly at the threshold before stepping inside completely.
"Morning, Elara. Got a minute?"
I nodded, gesturing to the chair opposite my desk. "Everything okay?"
He sat down, running a hand through his dark hair. "Just wanted to give you a heads-up. My sister's coming home next week."
My stomach dropped. "Faye? She's coming back to Storm Crest?"