Reunion

As the carriage trundles closer to Seraphina's heart, the temple fading in the distance, I notice something out of place in the bustling street. A large, familiar figure standing beside a small girl. My heart skips a beat. It can't be.

Noelle, ever perceptive, catches the shift in my expression. "What are you looking at?" he asks, curiosity piqued, his eyes following mine out the window. When they land on the figures, his eyes sparkle with recognition.

Without thinking, I rap on the carriage roof, signaling the driver to stop. The carriage grinds to a halt in front of them. My hand is already on the door, and I'm out before the wheels have even fully stopped turning.

Standing before me is Big Ben, his massive frame a wall of protection as he instinctively places Mona behind him. His dark eyes meet mine with a flicker of recognition, and for a moment, we just stare. Then, from behind him, a little head peeks out. Mona.