— REN —
The festival lights are still visible when I return—golden dots scattered across the valley like fallen stars. Music drifts faintly on the wind, laughter rising and falling in lazy waves. I heave a sigh of relief.
Zoryn is there. I can feel her.
She's calm, warm, and full (as always), and she's surrounded by company that she enjoys. Our bond is humming with contentment, so cozy it almost makes me turn around.
Almost.
"You took your time," Daeleon says, materializing beside me without warning. Gold smoke bleeds off his shoulders as he folds his arms, gaze fixed on the valley below.
"We handled the situation," I reply coolly. "Well, you decapitated the situation and abandoned me."
He snorts. "You always did have a talent for understatement."
We stand in silence for a moment. The night feels wrong in that way that only comes after violence; it's too happy and peaceful, even when danger is hiding in the shadows. I lower my head slightly and take another breath to relax.
