"It's been a while," Selner heard his voice and turned toward him.
"You slew something ancient," she said with a quiet smile, jumping off the skull.
She didn't crash—she drifted down like a feather, landing gently in front of Adrian.
Then, for a moment, she froze.
Her eyes met his.
Time stood still.
Her heart began to race. Loud, wild, as if it would betray her thoughts.
She quickly looked away.
"How did it—"
"Selner," Austin's voice broke through.
She took a breath, steadying herself. "I'm sorry... I just lose control sometimes."
She apologized even though she didn't have to.
Austin let out a soft sigh and walked up to her.
He gently held her hand.
"You don't have to look away… or feel sorry. I may not be the same Austin who once loved you, but I'd never blame you for still having these feelings."
He said just enough—enough to comfort her, without betraying Valerie.
Selner bit her lip and shook her head.
