The morning came soft and gray, the sun hidden behind a veil of clouds. Alex woke first, as he always did, the warmth of Artemia and Saeko pressed against him. He lay still for a moment, listening to their breathing, feeling the steady rhythm of their hearts.
Then he rose.
They trained together in the penthouse's private courtyard—a small space of stone and greenery, hidden from the city's eyes. Alex moved through his forms with his sword, the dark blade cutting the air. Saeko practiced her katana, the wind swirling around her. Artemia thrust her spear, lightning crackling at its tip.
They did not speak. They did not need to.
When the training was done, they dressed in their traveling clothes. They shared a simple breakfast—bread and cheese, fruit and tea. Then they parted ways.
Alex kissed Artemia's forehead. He kissed Saeko's cheek. They did the same to him. Then they walked out the door, each heading in a different direction.
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The Earth Dragon
