Aurora walked slowly through the quiet halls of the Celestial Palace. Her footsteps echoed across polished marble, the soft sound swallowed by towering pillars and silent prayer lanterns flickering overhead. Servants bowed as she passed, but she didn't see them. Her mind felt heavy. Full. Too full to hold.
She found him standing where she knew he would be.
At the far end of the western balcony, facing the layered dawn sky. The horizon glowed with pale gold, streaked with faded lavender where the stars died into daylight. Wind drifted across the balcony, pulling his black hair across his face, brushing the faint gold strands against his cheek.
He didn't turn when she stopped behind him.
For a while, neither spoke.
The breeze moved between them. The world felt endless. Cold and warm at once.
Finally, her voice broke the quiet.
"Adam."
He remained still.
