The sky stretched vast and unbroken around them, painted in streaks of pale gold and fading lavender as the morning sun climbed higher. Wisps of cloud drifted lazily, but the higher they soared, the sharper the wind cut across their skin. The Qilin's legs beat with a steady, thunderous rhythm, scattering trails of crimson light through the air.
And yet—despite the beauty, the silence pressed like a weight. Between Luca and Aurelia, the only sounds were the rush of air and the occasional fiery snort from the Qilin. She sat straight and unyielding at the front, her braid whipping furiously behind her, while he kept just enough distance so his presence wouldn't brush against her shoulders.
Luca exhaled softly, breaking the quiet once more. "So, what's the mission this time? What are the details?"
