Augustus stood at the Temple entrance, watching An Li disappear into the sky.
He turned, walked into the Temple, knelt before the statue, and began to pray.
The fallen angel flew swiftly.
Black mist surged up from the Sea of Death below, engulfing its body.
An Li closed her eyes and buried her face against the fallen angel's chest.
When she opened her eyes again, the black, scorched earth of Death Island was already in sight.
The fallen angel landed at the entrance to the Grand Cathedral, set the boxes on the ground, and released An Li.
An Li ran into the cathedral. "Grandpa!"
Gregor was crouched at his workbench, busy with his work.
He looked up at the sound, and An Li was already throwing herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her cheek against his beard.
"Grandpa, I'm back!"
Gregor steadied the culture dish in his hand and patted An Li's back. "I'm glad you're back."
An Li let go, ran outside, and dragged the two large boxes in before opening them.
They were packed with things.
A silver vanity box, a bracelet set with gemstones, a silk scarf woven with gold thread, and all sorts of pastries and sweets.
She thrust the vanity box into Gregor's hands. "Grandpa, this is for you."
Gregor looked at the silver vanity box in his hands. Flowers were carved into its surface, and it was set with a pale blue gemstone.
He ran a finger over the gemstone. There were no energy fluctuations; it was merely an ordinary ornament.
He did not turn his nose up at it, either. He set the vanity box on the table and accepted it with a cheerful smile.
An Li then slipped the bracelet onto Gregor's wrist.
The bracelet was silver,