Chapter 80: Sparks of Rhythm
By the time they reached the upper ridge, twilight had thickened into velvet blue. The valley below shimmered like a sea of stars, each glowing vine and crystal pulse reflecting the heavens above. It was hard to tell where sky ended and Novalis began.
Ava stood still for a moment, simply watching. Her breath misted faintly in the cooling air. "I don't think I'll ever get used to this view."
Kael, standing beside her, followed her gaze. "That's good. Getting used to something means you've stopped appreciating it."
Zephyr appeared behind them, balancing on a jut of rock like it was the most natural perch in the world. "Or it means you've stared at it too long while everyone else packs up camp."
Brian's deep chuckle carried across the ridge. "You could've helped instead of performing bird impressions."
"Birds are majestic," Zephyr protested. "You're just jealous."
"Of what? Your hollow bones?" Brian shot back.
