The lounge was silent, heavy with thoughts none of them could voice. Charles sat curled in a corner of the long couch, knees pulled to his chest. Edeline and Keal sat nearby, lost in thought. Edward leaned back with his arms crossed, eyes narrowed in quiet contemplation.
Ezekiel entered slowly, his usual energy drained. He didn't speak at first—just slumped into a chair opposite the others.
"It's going to be… an exchange," he said at last, breaking the silence.
Everyone turned toward him, startled.
"Exchange what?" Keal asked sharply, sitting up straighter.
Ezekiel went quiet again, his gaze fixed on the floor.
"…Nothing," he murmured. "Just… between me and the Empress's daughter."
Edeline frowned. "They don't even know what really happened. Not the full story."
Keal sighed. "We're all stuck now. And if anyone says something more… things will turn into something ugly."
Edward tilted his head. "Hmm?" he said, not quite understanding. But Ezekiel didn't answer.
