The morning sun broke over a freezing winter sky. Isiah began his day walking through the deep snow outside the estate, attempting to clear his racing mind.
A heavy clutter of ideas and unresolved questions weighed on him. He felt completely certain about his need to level up and ascend to Afan, yet a sharp hesitation held him back now that Ciel was ill. He knew that dragging the boy into dangerous territory in a weakened condition would only put even more distance between them.
Eijar had spent the entire night curled inside Ciel's bedroom, ensuring the child slept peacefully without further complications. His temperature had stabilized, remaining completely normal throughout the hours, needing only a brief rest to recover his strength.
Eijar had assumed Ciel would remain asleep for hours, but when his bright blue eyes fluttered open, he surprised her by asking directly about the previous night.
