The following morning, Aurora woke up far earlier than the sunrise. But instead of going back to sleep, she decided it was the perfect chance to talk with Zale.
Yet when she climbed down and went to check on him, there was no sign of him anywhere in the cave. She stepped out of the cave and finally found Zale near the edge of the valley.
He was standing there with his gaze fixed upon the distant mountains. The early winter air was crisp enough to make every breath visible, and a thin layer of mist hovered above the water. He had clearly been awake for some time, perhaps enjoying the quiet before everyone else began their work.
Aurora slowed as she approached him, suddenly aware that despite everything she had already decided, saying the words aloud felt far more significant than she had imagined.
Zale noticed her almost immediately and turned around. His expression softened when he saw her, and he offered the same small smile he always gave her. "You are awake early."
