The morning advanced slowly.
Sunlight now flooded the entire expanse of the ancient ruins, erasing the dark shadows that had still cloaked every corner of the crumbling buildings the night before.
The cold air gradually warmed, while the morning wind drifted gently, carrying the scent of wild grass growing amidst the concrete rubble.
But for Aurelia…
The thing occupying her mind most right now was not the atmosphere of the morning.
But the figure standing very close before her.
That soft gaze.
That careful touch.
And all the warm emotions that continued to flow endlessly whenever this being looked at her.
The creature beside Aurelia moved slowly.
Its radiant outline pulsed steadily, centered on a core that now felt so deeply at peace.
The units in the background maintained their watch over the network.
Kael sat atop a cracked concrete slab, idly playing with a small stone.
"There's one thing I'm curious about."
Ragnar glanced over.
"What is it?"
