The following day, at noon.
The star rail train finally came to a stop in the Snow Domain.
Wrapped in the temperature-regulating clothing Xarion had specially prepared for her, Rory stepped off the star rail. The moment her boots touched the frozen platform, her eyes immediately found the figure waiting outside.
Yuel.
He stood alone in the swirling snow.
No one knew how long he had been there. A thin layer of frost had already settled across his military uniform, dusting his shoulders and collar like pale ash. In the time they had been apart, his frame had grown noticeably leaner.
Something in Rory's chest tightened, as if lightly struck.
A faint ache spread through her heart.
"Yuel!" She hurried toward him, her voice filled with concern and warmth. "Have you been waiting long?"
"Not long."
Yuel pulled her into his arms the instant she reached him, holding her tightly.
