The embrace lingered. Three bodies pressed together, sharing warmth that had nothing to do with temperature. Alex's arms wrapped around both women, pulling them close. Saeko's hand rested on Artemia's shoulder. Artemia's face was buried in Alex's chest, her blue hair spilling over his arm like a waterfall of silk.
Then Artemia pulled back.
She looked at him. Her violet eyes were bright, shimmering with something that might have been tears but refused to fall. She had not changed. Her blue hair was the same shade as the sky after rain. Her skin was pale, almost luminous. She wore traveling clothes—simple, practical, but somehow elegant on her.
She did not speak. She simply stepped closer, reached up, and pulled his face down to hers.
The kiss was not gentle.
