Aurdis had already been waiting for him in the palace garden just as they had agreed. Earlier, Erend had contacted her through their telepathic connection to tell her that he wanted to see her before leaving again.
She accepted immediately without hesitation. She had not asked how long he could stay or why he suddenly wanted to meet. Simply knowing that he wished to see her had been enough.
That had made Erend's heart feel a little lighter.
Moonlight bathed the royal garden in a soft silver glow. Ancient trees swayed gently beneath the quiet breeze, countless grass and flowers bloomed beneath them.
Erend spotted Aurdis standing beside a stone pathway beneath one of the trees.
The moment their eyes met, neither of them said a single word.
Erend began walking toward her.
Aurdis did the same.
At first their steps remained slow, almost hesitant, but with every passing second they unconsciously walked faster.
