The sleek, black vehicle hummed silently through the glittering streets of Elarion's noble district. The party was over.
Inside, the silence was heavy. Selyne, completely drained from the excitement and social exhaustion, was fast asleep, her head resting against the plush upholstery.
This left Azrael alone with Ilythia.
He kept his gaze fixed on the passing lights, his posture carefully relaxed. He could feel her cold, crimson eyes on him, analytical and assessing. He waited. He knew this wasn't over.
"You got your reward," she said finally, her voice cutting through the quiet hum of the car.
Azrael turned. "I did?"
Ilythia reached into a small, warded compartment beside her seat and retrieved a small, heavy velvet pouch. She didn't hand it to him. She tossed it onto his lap.
Clink.
He opened it. Inside, five mid-grade Aether Stones glowed with a soft, internal light. It was a fortune. Enough to buy a small estate.
