[VOLUME 15: THE PRIMORDIAL PILGRIMAGE][ARC 3: THE RIVER OF FLOWING SAND]
The morning air of Pangea was usually thick with chaotic magic, but as Elara stepped out of the enchanted silk pavilion, it felt crisp and clear.
The heavy, suffocating despair from the night before was gone. In its place was a quiet, thrumming resilience. She looked down at her hands; the violet runes of her Twilight domain were calm, settled perfectly beneath her skin. She had let them carry her weight, and in doing so, she had found her footing.
"You look rested, my heart."
Li stepped into her line of sight, handing her a steaming cup of tea brewed over the campfire. The Heavenly Emperor's golden eyes swept over her face, searching for any lingering shadows of last night's vulnerability. Finding none, a soft, devastatingly beautiful smile graced his lips.
"I am," Elara murmured, taking the tea and letting her fingers deliberately brush against his.
