In the northern frozen plains, at the Ice Phoenix Palace.
Barbaric and serene, fervent and impulsive, Orion and Lumi were lying tangled together, sating the longing and warmth they felt for one another.
"The frozen plains are beautiful, but they're too cold, too lonely. I was afraid you'd forget about me," Orion murmured after a long while, holding Lumi close. Her skin, cool and smooth like polished marble, was uniquely comforting. "Lorelia has advanced to Lord-rank and is guarding Blackstone City now. Come south with me for a while."
"Mm," Lumi hummed softly, not even opening her eyes. From their first embrace to their passionate kiss, to the complete baring of their hearts, she was utterly spent.
Orion stroked her back and slowly closed his eyes as well.
Emerald Dream Realm, over the Kasenna Sea.
The mirror avatar and Leonidas stood together at the highest point of their beast-wrought palace, gazing toward Dragonflame Island.
