The silence lingered between them, stretching taut with uncertainty. Each passing second gnawed at Athar's courage, and he felt the ground beneath his hopes start to crack.
But then Angelica gently placed her hand back on his shoulder.
She leaned in slightly, closing the distance between them.
"It does not matter, Athar," she said softly.
His eyes widened. The tension that had coiled like iron in his chest loosened all at once. His shoulders sagged, and a quiet, overwhelming sense of comfort swept through him. His breath hitched. The minute hope he had was turning into reality.
"You did nothing wrong," she added, her voice steady. "Standing up against those who push and exploit you takes more courage than most people will ever understand."
"And you do not need to worry," she continued. "Go to your room. Focus on your training. Focus on what matters."
She smiled gently.
"This issue would not bother you again," she said. "Your master will handle it."
