The dark canopy of the sky was filled with stars and moonlight. The mainland had yet to light up, while the beach was washed in a pale, hazy glow under the moon. The surface of the sea swayed endlessly with gentle waves, drawing out silvery bands of moonlight that shimmered as if countless stars were dancing upon it.
Chill gusts carrying the scent of the ocean swept over, making Saphen shiver despite himself, yet he did not feel cold at all. His heart was beating far too fast, his blood seeming to surge wildly through his veins.
His expression showed no emotion whatsoever. He only stared toward the distant sea.
At that moment, a figure swiftly drew close to him. The tentacles were already gone, and Vorthax had taken on the body of an ordinary human. With clear satisfaction, he leaned his head against Saphen's shoulder. Even though this made him look somewhat hunched over, since Saphen was truly much shorter than he was, Vorthax did not mind in the slightest.
