Christina burst into the grand chamber, her golden hair slightly disheveled from flying at full speed.
The moment her pink eyes landed on Aestrea, relief flooded her face.
She didn't hesitate.
She rushed forward and threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and burying her face against his chest.
"Aestrea…" she whispered, voice trembling with genuine worry.
"Thank the stars you're back! I was so deeply worried about you... After you disappeared, I kept thinking the worst. I couldn't stop imagining something had happened to you…"
Aestrea gently wrapped his arms around her in return, one hand resting lightly on her upper back while the other settled at her waist.
The hug looked warm and reassuring from the outside, but his blood-red eyes remained cold and sharp, scanning every small detail of her expression.
There was still a chance, however small, that this was Nyarlathotep wearing Christina's skin. He couldn't allow himself to drop his guard...
