After squeezing Strax tightly, almost breaking his ribs, Xenovia finally let go. Her eyes, still teary, analyzed him as if she were looking at something precious—and, at the same time, strange.
"You've changed again, huh..." she muttered, crossing her arms. There was affection in her voice, but also a hint of poorly concealed concern.
Strax just smiled, a discreet smile, but one laden with acceptance. "I don't have many choices... except to keep getting stronger."
He rose slowly, adjusting the torn cloak over his shoulders as the heat around him finally began to subside.
Before Xenovia could respond, a voice intruded with the familiarity of someone who had been there all along:
"They appeared out of nowhere," said Kryssia, appearing to Strax's right like a well-meaning shadow. Her silver hair danced in the wind, and her eyes remained fixed on the devastated sky. "They came from that direction. Hiding their presence... until the last second."
