I lay there for a while, listening to her breathe. Feeling the warmth of her body against mine. Watching the faint patterns of energy that now overlaid my vision like a second layer of reality.
This was what I'd fought to protect.
This connection.
This love.
The entity could design my existence. Could manipulate human evolution for millions of years. Could watch and wait and scheme.
But it couldn't manufacture this.
It couldn't create the feeling of someone choosing to stay by your side through cosmic horror and uncertainty.
That was purely human.
And it was mine.
I extracted myself from Natalia's grip carefully, making sure not to wake her. She mumbled something incoherent and rolled over, clutching a pillow instead of my arm.
Close enough.
I made my way back downstairs.
My mother was alone in the kitchen, washing dishes. Luka had apparently retreated to the living room. I could hear the faint sound of sports commentary drifting through the house.
