The snowy wind stopped.
Not weakened, nor blocked by some kind of barrier, but truly halted completely in midair. The pure white snowflakes hung suspended around Noan, like countless tiny shards of crystal nailed into this gray world by an invisible hand.
Monica was still kneeling on one knee on the ground. Vaelyth too held her posture with head bowed, her long silver hair draped down beside her shoulder, the calm that had come after making her choice still lingering on her face.
Noralia stood off to the side, her gaze still carrying its worry.
Everything seemed frozen in that moment.
But Noan could still move.
So could Yuna.
She stood beside him, the corner of her mouth slightly curled, her gaze fixed toward the depths of the snowy curtain. The smile on her face was still gentle, but within that gentleness was hidden a very strange kind of exhilaration.
"It's here." Yuna said softly.
Noan followed her gaze.
