Cold night air brushed against Alex's face as he stepped beyond the palace gates.
The lights of Avaloria glowed faintly behind him, distant now, muffled by towering stone walls and heavy silence. Mist curled low along the ground, rolling lazily like something alive.
Then his gaze lifted.
Azreal stood just beyond the gates.
Tall. Still. Wrapped in midnight-black robes that seemed to drink in the surrounding light. Vast wings, folded neatly behind his back, stirred the mist with a faint, unnatural breeze. His eyes glowed softly.
Waiting for him.
Alex's lips curved upward.
"Looks like you were ready to go even before me."
Azreal's gaze shifted toward him, slow and measured. A faint smirk touched the corner of his lips.
"Well," Azreal replied calmly, "I was getting bored standing here anyway."
Alex let out a quiet chuckle and stepped closer, Zara appearing at his side as naturally as a shadow following its owner.
He tilted his head and glanced toward her.
