With the important words spoken and the heavier ones set aside for later, Luke and Ilyrana eventually took their leave from the hidden harbour. There was no dramatic farewell, no lingering sense of urgency forcing them to stay. Things had been said. Intentions made clear. And for the first time since stepping back into Virencia, Luke felt something rare—space to breathe.
They would return soon. That much was certain.
But not today.
The cave swallowed them again as they retraced their steps, the echo of their boots softened by stone and distance. When they emerged back into daylight, the sea greeted them once more—wide, endless, indifferent. The sun hovered just past its climb, signalling that noon was approaching. The day was still young, almost teasingly so.
Luke paused for a moment at the edge of the path, glancing back toward the horizon.
It felt strange, knowing that this—that—would be their road next.
