The observatory stood like a forgotten monument, buried in silence.
No one had stepped foot here in years. Its walls, worn by wind and time, held stories no one cared to remember.
The vines crawling up the stone pillars had made it their home, and the shattered glass of its once-great dome let in rays of cold sunlight, cutting long shadows across the cracked floor.
Alden sat near the entrance, arms draped loosely over his knees. He stared at the floor, then at Hera, who was crouched at the center of the circular room, her hands trailing over faint runes carved into the stone tiles.
They hadn't spoken for a while.
Then his voice broke the stillness.
"Do you really think this plan will work?"
Hera didn't answer immediately.
She traced another line across the dirt, her fingertip glowing faintly as a soft breeze circled her wrist. Then she looked up, her lips curling into a small, teasing smile.
