Strolling Through the Stars

The bright moon hung overhead.

The breakthrough at the Wizard Tower in the Shadow Plane had lifted Soren's spirits.

If they could raise a Wizard Tower in Port Nyanzaru, they would have no trouble protecting themselves even when the Time of Troubles erupted in full. A Wizard Tower was a powerful deterrent, and it could kill gods. Few deities would risk testing one, even if the chance of that happening was low. They had not yet secured the tower, but now that they had made a breakthrough, they could press on. Soren believed taking it was only a matter of time.

A gentle evening breeze blew through the window.

Something stirred in Soren's heart. He pushed open the door and stepped into the courtyard, then leaped lightly onto the roof.

Goria stood on the rooftop in a long robe. Sensing Soren's arrival, she turned and smiled tenderly before looking back up at the brilliant stars, as though lost in thought.

"Finished memorizing your spells?"

Soren walked over and stood beside Goria, gazing with her at the quiet night sky.

Goria smiled and nodded. "Mm."

The soft night breeze lifted Goria's long hair. A fragrant strand brushed Soren's cheek, and he glimpsed a thread of silver among it. The Water of Life had healed her hidden injuries, but a few silver-white strands remained. The price the Northern Witches paid for years of divination was apparently more than a shortened lifespan. There were other costs no one understood. To catch even a glimpse of the future and destiny, one always had to give up a great deal.

Soren studied Goria's lovely profile. Her expression was calm, like clear water soothing his heart.

A sudden pang of guilt struck him. He reached out and drew Goria into his arms, then kissed her hair.