Hours Later
The soft hues of twilight bathed the castle in a warm glow as Salviana descended the grand staircase, her earlier unease from the strange dream slowly dissipating.
By the time Alaric returned home, the evening air carried a cool stillness.
As soon as she spotted him entering the hall, Salviana rushed to greet him, her flowing gown trailing behind her.
"Salviana," Alaric said with a soft smile, his arms opening for her.
She melted into his embrace, the familiar scent of him instantly soothing. He pressed a tender kiss to the crown of her head.
"You're home," she whispered, the tension in her shoulders easing.
"Always," he replied with quiet conviction.
Hand in hand, they made their way back upstairs. Salviana sat on the edge of the bed, watching as Alaric changed out of his formal attire into simpler evening clothes.
The light in the room softened, casting long shadows as the sun dipped below the horizon.