The quiet star-filled space remained calm for a few moments after Christina spoke.
The distant stars continued to revolve slowly around them, and their soft light reflected across the four figures standing together.
Compared to the chaos spreading across the world below, this place felt strangely peaceful.
Kael remained silent for a moment. His eyes moved slowly from Christina to Nina and then to Asana. He studied their faces carefully, almost as if he feared that this moment would disappear the moment he blinked.
Nina was the first to break the silence.
She raised her hand and lightly touched his cheek. Warm flames flickered softly around her fingers but they did not burn him. Her eyes held both relief and lingering pain.
"You are staring too much," she said quietly, though a faint smile appeared on her lips.
Kael let out a small breath.
"I still find it hard to believe," he replied. "After everything that happened… you are all standing here."
