Artemio had long since disappeared, yet Lara remained rooted where she stood.
The garden had fallen quiet. Only the soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of heavy machinery. She stared at the empty path where the general had walked away, her thoughts tangled so tightly she barely noticed the warmth spreading across her skin.
"Aren't you coming inside?"
Ares' gentle voice broke through her thoughts.
"The sun's out. It's getting hot."
She looked up.
The cumulus clouds that had blanketed the sky moments ago had drifted away, revealing brilliant blue skies and a blazing early afternoon sun.
"When did the weather clear...?"
She hadn't even noticed.
Turning toward him, she frowned slightly.
"Why did you come out? Are you feeling better?"
"The dizziness is gone."
His answer was simple.
Without another word, he reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers as naturally as if he'd done it a thousand times before.
Lara lowered her gaze.
