The warm afternoon air carried the scent of damp wood and fresh leaves as Ember stretched, still half-asleep. She had barely gotten up when Elena’s teasing voice had pulled her from her haze.

  "Sure, don’t go then. I’ll just go with Kaelen instead."

  That had woken her up real fast.

  "You are not going with Kaelen," Ember muttered, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

  Elena had only laughed, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh? Why not?"

  "Because… because you woke me up to go out with you," Ember grumbled, ignoring the warmth spreading across her face. She cleared her throat and quickly changed the subject. "Are you feeling alright now?"

  Instead of answering, Elena leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek before walking away like nothing had happened.

  Ember froze.

  Her ears burned.

  "You—" she started, pointing an accusatory finger at Elena, who was now watching her with her chin resting in her hand, a smug little smile playing at her lips.

  "I should wash my face," Ember muttered, turning away and practically stumbling toward the basin in the corner of the room. She splashed cool water on her face and let out a slow breath, trying to regain her composure. When she turned back around, Elena was still smirking.

  The two stepped outside into the bustling Aelyr settlement. Sunlight filtered through the high canopy above, casting dappled patterns across the woven wooden platforms and rope bridges that connected the different sections of the nest. The air smelled of fruit, fresh earth, and the faint spice of the food the Aelyr were preparing.

  Some children ran past them, playing some game that involved wooden sticks and a small, brightly colored stone. A group of men sat near a large net, weaving it together while chatting in hushed voices. Women worked alongside them, some preparing herbs, others weaving baskets or tending to small fires where food was being cooked.

  Ember noticed the way some of the Aelyr worked in pairs, quietly in sync with one another, and she thought about how different their culture was from Iorph. In Iorph, everyone was expected to be self-sufficient, strong on their own. Here, everything was about community.

  It was strange. Nice, but strange.

  Before she could get lost in her thoughts, Kaelen approached them, a knowing smile on his face. "Didn’t know Iorphs started their day this late," he teased.

  Ember rolled her eyes. "We don’t."

  Elena chuckled beside her. "She just took a nap."

  "More like she went into hibernation," Kaelen mused before his expression turned a little more serious. "The elder wants to see you both."

  "Now?" Ember asked, standing straighter.

  Kaelen nodded. "Her hut is a bit far from here."

  Ember immediately turned to Elena, scanning her face. "Can you walk that far?" she asked, brows furrowed in concern.

  Elena’s lips parted slightly in disbelief. "I told you already, I’m fine!"

  "But you—"

  "I can walk, Ember."

  "You were literally pale a few hours ago!"

  "I am not weak!"

  The two glared at each other, their usual bickering starting up again.

  A few of the Aelyr nearby paused to watch, amused smiles creeping onto their faces.

  "They argue like an old married couple," one woman whispered to her companion.

  The other laughed, shaking his head. "My wife and I were like that before we married."

  Hearing that, both Ember and Elena immediately turned toward the couple and blurted out at the same time—

  "We are not a couple!"

  The couple just exchanged knowing glances and walked away, chuckling.

  Ember groaned, rubbing her face. "Let’s just go before someone else decides to say something stupid."

  Elena, still a little red, nodded. "Agreed."

  And with that, they continued toward the elder’s hut, though neither could shake the flustered feeling in their chests.

  As they approached the elder’s hut, Kaelen slowed his pace, coming to a stop just before the entrance. The structure was larger than the other homes in the Aelyr settlement, built into the thick, winding roots of an ancient tree. The wooden door was decorated with intricate carvings, symbols Ember didn’t recognize, but she could tell they were important. A faint scent of burning herbs drifted from within.

  Kaelen turned to them, nodding toward the door. "You should go ahead."

  Ember frowned. "You’re not coming?"

  "It wouldn’t be appropriate," he said simply.

  "Why?" Elena asked.

  Kaelen only shook his head. "You’ll see." And with that, he stepped back, arms crossed, clearly waiting for them to go inside.

  Ember exchanged a glance with Elena before sighing. "Alright then," she muttered, pushing the door open.

  The moment they stepped inside, they were met with a thick haze of smoke, curling through the air like mist. The dim lighting, paired with the heavy scent of burning herbs, made the space feel almost unreal. Ember's senses went on high alert. Smoke like this could mean—

  Fire.

  Without thinking, she strode forward, following the densest trail of smoke, and pushed open another door.

  What she saw made her stop dead in her tracks.

  A woman was sitting in a large chair—almost a throne—and another woman was perched on her lap. They were close. Very close.

  The seated woman had a strong, commanding presence, her dark hair framing sharp, intelligent eyes. The other, who was sitting comfortably on her lap, had a playful smirk on her lips as she turned her head slightly to glance at them.

  Ember felt heat crawl up her neck. She had just interrupted something.

  "Uh—sorry," she muttered, suddenly finding the wooden floor incredibly interesting.

  Behind her, Elena was staring as well, though instead of apologizing, she tilted her head slightly, her gaze flickering to the source of the smoke. There, beside the chair, was a strange object with embers still glowing at its base, releasing the thick scent into the air.

  Not a fire. Just some sort of ritual burning.

  Still, the scene before them remained...awkward.

  The woman in the chair didn't move. Neither did the one on her lap. For a few seconds, they simply stared at Ember and Elena, as if weighing their reactions.

  Then, the woman on top chuckled. "It's fine," she said, voice smooth and amused.

  The woman in the chair sighed, almost fondly. "You should go."

  The playful one grinned, pressing a light kiss to the corner of the seated woman's lips before slipping off her lap. As she passed Ember, she winked, trailing her fingers lightly over Ember’s left arm. "Not bad," she mused, as if testing the strength of Ember’s muscles.

  Elena’s eyes narrowed.

  Ember, caught completely off guard, took a half-step back. "Uh—"

  The woman only chuckled before stepping outside, leaving them alone with the woman on the throne.

  As soon as she was gone, the remaining woman cleared her throat. "I assume you are the ones Kaelen spoke of?"

  Ember and Elena quickly snapped their attention back to her.

  The woman leaned forward slightly, her gaze sharp as she studied them. "Introduce yourselves. Tell me your story."

  Elena nudged Ember slightly before stepping forward, taking the lead. "I’m Elena," she said, voice steady despite the awkward start. "This is Ember. We are from Iorph and—"

  She began recounting their journey, their encounters with the Aelyr, and their reasons for traveling.

  But Ember quickly noticed something.

  The woman—the elder, she assumed—was paying far more attention to her than to Elena.

  Elena noticed it too.

  When she was in the middle of explaining something about their destination, the elder suddenly lifted a hand. "That’s enough."

  Elena frowned slightly but stopped speaking.

  The woman’s gaze flickered between the two of them. Then, casually, she asked, "Are you two a couple?"

  Ember and Elena immediately turned red.

  "What?! No!"

  The elder smiled, an amused glint in her eyes. "Is that so?"

  Elena crossed her arms, muttering under her breath, while Ember shifted uncomfortably, trying to shake off the embarrassment.

  Finally, the woman leaned back, resting an elbow on the arm of her chair. "I am Freya, elder of the Aelyr," she said smoothly. "The woman you saw earlier is my wife, Maia."

  Elena and Ember exchanged glances, both thinking the same thing. She was the elder’s wife?

  Freya smirked. "I called you here because I was curious."

  "Curious?" Ember asked warily.

  "Yes." Freya tilted her head slightly, watching Ember closely. "My son told me about you."

  Ember blinked. "Your son?"

  Elena’s jaw dropped. "Wait—that little kid we met? He's your son?"

  Freya chuckled. "Yes. He told me there was a strange, angry woman traveling with a girl who cried a lot."

  Ember and Elena both froze.

  Elena’s face turned red for a different reason now. "I do not cry a lot," she huffed.

  Freya lifted a brow. "I heard otherwise."

  Ember, meanwhile, groaned, running a hand down her face. "You’re telling me we’re here because a kid called me angry?"

  "He was rather persistent," Freya said with a small smile. "And now, after meeting you in person, I can see that he wasn’t wrong."

  Ember scowled, and Elena quickly stepped in before she could say something she’d regret. "So… what exactly do you want from us?"

  Freya leaned back, regarding them thoughtfully. "I want to understand why two Iorphians are here, far from their home, traveling with my people."

  Ember and Elena exchanged glances.

  "We just need safe passage," Ember said.

  Freya nodded slowly. "I see. Then allow me to ask you one more question, Ember."

  Ember hesitated. "…What?"

  Freya’s gaze sharpened. "Why are you here?"

  Ember's breath caught slightly, her mind flashing back to Iorph. To her father. To the expectations that had suffocated her for years.

  She clenched her jaw. "That’s none of your business."

  Freya’s lips curled into something between a smile and a smirk. "I thought so."

  Elena looked between them, confused by the tension.

  Freya finally waved a hand. "That is all. You may go."

  Just like that?

  Ember narrowed her eyes. "That’s it?"

  "That’s it," Freya confirmed. "You’ll leave with our people tomorrow, yes? Then rest. You’ll need it."

  Elena exhaled, clearly relieved this strange conversation was over. She nudged Ember, motioning toward the door.

  Ember hesitated a moment longer, watching Freya carefully, before turning away. "Fine."

  As they walked out, Elena glanced at her. "She really got under your skin, huh?"

  Ember groaned. "I hate her already."

  As the door shut behind the Iorphians, the soft laughter that had been contained within Freya's chest finally spilled free. The elder leaned back against her throne, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

  "You were enjoying that," Maia murmured as she approached once more, her movements fluid, effortless, like a dancer who knew every step of her partner's rhythm.

  Freya hummed, her gaze still lingering on the closed door. "A little."

  With the ease of someone who had done it a thousand times before, Maia slipped onto her lap again, her arms draping around Freya’s shoulders. The elder welcomed the warmth, her hands instinctively finding their place along Maia’s waist.

  "And?" Maia prompted, running her fingers through Freya’s dark hair, pushing stray strands away from her face. "What do you think of them?"

  Freya sighed, closing her eyes briefly as she felt her wife’s touch. "The younger one—Elena—she’s... dense."

  Maia laughed softly. "Oh?"

  "She doesn’t pay much attention to the depth of the situation," Freya elaborated, tilting her head slightly. "Her emotions are there, but she doesn’t see them clearly yet."

  Maia nodded thoughtfully. "And the other?"

  "Ember…" Freya’s voice took on a thoughtful edge. "She’s of warrior blood, no doubt about that. The way she moves, the way she carries herself—trained, disciplined, but not tamed."

  Maia traced slow, absent-minded patterns on Freya’s shoulder. "And yet," she murmured.

  "And yet," Freya echoed, "she is completely captured by that girl."

  Maia's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "It was obvious."

  Freya chuckled again, eyes half-lidded as she rested against her wife. "Not to Elena, apparently."

  There was a pause, filled only with the quiet crackle of embers in the incense burner, the soft rustle of their breath against each other’s skin. Then, Maia spoke again, her voice teasing.

  "I wonder if Kaelen told them that we are also excellent at bringing two lost souls together," she mused, drawing her fingers down Freya’s arm. "You know, we are quite experienced in love."

  Freya exhaled in amusement, a slow, pleased sound escaping her lips as she turned her head into Maia’s neck, inhaling deeply. "Mmm. We are, aren’t we?"

  Maia smirked. "Shall we play matchmaker, then?"

  Freya lifted her head slightly, her dark eyes meeting Maia’s. "No."

  "No?" Maia raised an eyebrow.

  "In the matter of the Iorphians," Freya murmured, tilting her face closer, "we need not push their feelings."

  Maia studied her, waiting.

  Freya smiled, brushing her lips against the base of Maia’s throat, savoring the way her wife’s breath hitched slightly. "They already know."

  A slow, pleased hum left Maia’s lips. "How wise."

  Freya looked up from Maia’s chest, her gaze shifting to her wife’s face, watching as a playful gleam lit up her deep, honey-colored eyes.

  Maia leaned down, her lips barely an inch from Freya’s. "And what of us, my love?"

  Freya smiled against the heat between them. "I think we are long past needing to realize anything."

  A small chuckle, warm and full of love, escaped Maia before she closed the distance, pressing her lips to Freya’s in a kiss that tasted of smoke, fire, and years of unwavering devotion.

  The soft scent of burning herbs filled the air, and in the dim haze of the room, the only sounds left were those of love—slow whispers, quiet laughter, and the echo of two souls entwined.

  The night air was crisp as Elena and Ember stepped out of Freya’s hut, the glow of lanterns casting soft halos of light along the winding paths of the Aelyr settlement. The moment the door shut behind them, they both exhaled, almost in sync.

  "What… was that?" Ember muttered, scratching the back of her head.

  Elena, walking beside her, let out a small huff. "I have no idea."

  They fell into silence, both lost in thought about the bizarre yet strangely intimate encounter with the Aelyr elder and her wife. The memory of Maia’s fingers tracing Ember’s arm surfaced in Elena’s mind, and a strange, unwelcome irritation bloomed in her chest. She had never felt something quite like this before, and it frustrated her that she couldn't put it into words.

  So, instead, she settled for saying the most absurd thing that came to mind.

  "You should wash that place," Elena suddenly said, nodding towards Ember’s arm.

  Ember blinked at her. "Huh?"

  "In case she left a mark on you or something," Elena mumbled, not quite looking at her.

  "A mark?" Ember repeated incredulously, raising an eyebrow. "Elena, what are you even talking about? She barely touched me."

  "Yeah, well… you never know," Elena muttered, crossing her arms.

  Ember tilted her head, eyeing her curiously. "You’re acting weird."

  "I am not acting weird," Elena shot back, too quickly.

  "You totally are." Ember smirked, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Wait—are you jealous?"

  Elena nearly tripped over her own feet. "What?! No!"

  Ember chuckled. "You so are."

  Elena huffed and looked away, her cheeks burning. "Just wash it, okay?"

  Ember rolled her eyes but didn't push it further. Instead, she turned the conversation to something else that had been bothering her.

  "Do you think Freya knows about Iorphs?" Ember asked, glancing at Elena.

  Elena, grateful for the change of topic, shrugged. "I don’t know. I didn’t read anything about the Aelyr in the book."

  "Hmm." Ember thought about it for a moment, her mind turning back to the way Freya had studied her so intently, as if she already knew something about her. But she let it go.

  They continued walking, weaving through the settlement, occasionally meeting different Aelyr along the way. Some greeted them with nods, others with soft smiles. The smell of something unfamiliar wafted through the air, and soon enough, they found themselves near a small gathering where Aelyr were cooking.

  Elena eyed the food suspiciously. "Oh no."

  Ember grinned. "Oh yes."

  Before Elena could protest, Ember grabbed a piece of something that looked questionably edible and held it up to Elena’s mouth.

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  "No," Elena said flatly, pressing her lips together.

  "Yes," Ember insisted.

  "I'm not eating that."

  "You said that last time, and you ended up liking it."

  "That is not what happened—mmph!"

  Ember shoved the food into Elena’s mouth before she could finish, grinning mischievously as Elena reluctantly chewed.

  After a moment, Elena swallowed and frowned. "...Okay, that one wasn’t bad."

  Ember smirked. "Told you."

  Elena just rolled her eyes and nudged her.

  They eventually made their way back to their hut, the quiet hum of the settlement fading behind them. Inside, the air was warm and still, the small lantern casting a dim glow against the walls.

  Ember flopped onto her bed with a sigh, stretching out her arms. "Finally."

  Elena glanced at her own bed, hesitating for a moment before making her way over to Ember’s side.

  Ember cracked an eye open. "What do you think you’re doing?"

  Elena wordlessly lifted the blanket and slid in beside her.

  Ember sat up slightly, looking down at her. "You really can’t live without me, huh?" she teased.

  Elena, unimpressed, pinched Ember’s stomach.

  "Ow!" Ember laughed, swatting her hand away. "Rude."

  Elena settled against her, pressing her forehead lightly against Ember’s shoulder.

  For a while, they just laid there, taking in each other’s warmth, the scent of smoke and earth clinging to their clothes. The quiet was comfortable, neither of them feeling the need to fill it with words.

  Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, Elena murmured, "I wonder how Freya and Maia had a baby."

  Ember, half-asleep, stumbled over her response. "Huh—what?"

  Elena's eyes remained closed. "They’re both women. How did they have a child?"

  Ember's brain, still hazy with sleep, short-circuited. "Uh—uhm. Well, uh—maybe—"

  Elena hummed softly. "Mmm. Thought so."

  "What does that mean?!" Ember exclaimed, looking down at her, flustered.

  Elena just smiled lazily. "Nothing. Goodnight."

  Ember groaned, burying her face in her hands. "You are infuriating."

  Elena let out a sleepy laugh.

  Despite her frustration, Ember found herself smiling too.

  The morning air was filled with the murmurs of the Aelyr people, the usual hum of daily life replaced by something more somber. The warmth of the nest, once bustling with laughter and chatter, now felt eerily empty. It was as if the entire place had exhaled, holding its breath for what was to come.

  Ember was the first to wake, though she almost panicked when she opened her eyes and saw nothing but a mass of dark hair clouding her vision. It took her a moment to realize it was just Elena’s hair, soft strands draping over her face like silk.

  With a small huff, she carefully pulled away and sat up. The hut was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the floor as the early morning light seeped in through the cracks. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and began packing their things.

  It wasn’t much—just the essentials they had gathered along the way. But when she was done, something caught her attention. Two maps lay on the ground, identical in size and design. One was the map they had received from the Toads, and the other was the one given to them by the Aelyr.

  She frowned. Holding them up side by side, she couldn’t see much difference between them.

  She turned to Elena, who was still asleep, face half-buried in her pillow.

  Ember reached over and shook her gently. "Hey, wake up."

  Elena groaned. "Five more minutes..."

  Ember rolled her eyes. "You have five seconds. Do we need both maps, or just one?"

  Still half-asleep, Elena barely cracked open an eye. "Both."

  Ember furrowed her brows. "But why? They look the same."

  Elena let out a sleepy sigh and muttered, "They're not."

  That was all the explanation she got. Ember huffed but didn’t argue. If Elena said they needed both, then they needed both. She tucked them away and turned back just in time to hear footsteps approaching.

  Kaelen stood outside their hut, carrying two wooden trays with breakfast. The food was the same strange-looking dish as yesterday, though Ember was too hungry to complain.

  "Morning," Kaelen greeted, handing the trays to them. "You should eat quickly. We’re leaving soon."

  Elena had finally sat up, rubbing her eyes. "How soon?"

  Kaelen glanced up at the sky. "Less than an hour."

  Ember took a bite of the food and muttered, "Great."

  Kaelen tilted his head slightly. "How was your meeting with the elder?"

  Ember nearly choked. The memories of the previous night—Maia sitting on Freya’s lap, the casual way they spoke of love, and the way Freya had called her ‘the angry woman my son told me about’—flashed through her mind.

  She swallowed quickly and cleared her throat. "It was… okay."

  Kaelen raised an eyebrow. "Just okay?"

  Ember nodded. "Just okay." Then, before he could press further, she added, "Thanks for breakfast," and promptly shut the door.

  Elena smirked at her. "You looked flustered."

  "I did not," Ember grumbled.

  Elena hummed in amusement, but said nothing more.

  Once they finished eating, they grabbed their things and stepped outside. The nest, once teeming with life, now felt strangely hollow. The homes stood quiet, their woven roofs casting long shadows under the morning sun.

  The people were gathered at the center of the nest, surrounding a raised platform where Freya and Maia stood. Their son, the same little boy who had run up to Ember when they first arrived, stood beside them, eyes wide with curiosity.

  As they approached, they could hear Freya’s voice carrying over the crowd.

  "Once again, we prepare for our journey," she said, her voice calm and steady. "As we have done for generations, we move forward—not as wanderers, but as seekers of knowledge and protectors of what we hold dear."

  Ember and Elena stopped near the edge of the crowd, listening as Freya continued.

  "We do not leave because we are weak. We leave because we are strong. Because to remain in one place forever is to invite stagnation, and stagnation is the death of progress."

  A few Aelyr nodded solemnly.

  "Our ancestors did not fear the unknown, and neither do we. The forest is alive, and so must we be. The world is changing, as it always has, and we will change with it. This is our way."

  She paused, letting her words settle over the crowd before continuing.

  "We leave behind what is familiar, but we carry with us what truly matters—our knowledge, our people, our love." She turned her gaze to Maia then, who met her eyes with an expression so full of warmth that it made Ember’s chest ache.

  Freya smiled faintly. "And love," she said, "is something that never fades, no matter how far we travel."

  The crowd remained silent for a long moment before a soft murmur of agreement rippled through them.

  Maia, who had been standing quietly at Freya’s side, finally spoke. Her voice was softer, but no less firm.

  "We are the Aelyr," she said. "And no matter where we go, the sky will always watch over us, and the earth will always welcome our steps."

  Freya nodded. "So let us move forward, together."

  A chorus of voices rose in agreement, some solemn, others determined.

  Ember exhaled slowly. There was something deeply moving about the way the Aelyr spoke of their journey—not as something tragic, but as something natural, something right.

  She glanced at Elena, who was watching with quiet admiration.

  Freya’s gaze swept over the crowd before settling on the two of them. She gave a slight nod, as if acknowledging their presence, then stepped down from the platform.

  The crowd remained still, as if holding its breath. A strange, anticipatory silence settled over them, broken only by a faint, distant sound—a deep, resonating hum, like the whisper of an ancient melody carried by the wind.

  Then, a shadow fell over them.

  A massive shape drifted into view, its presence so vast that it momentarily darkened the sky. Elena’s breath hitched as she craned her neck, her eyes widening with wonder.

  The creature descended with slow, deliberate grace, its enormous form settling just above the treetops before finally lowering itself onto the ground. It was the same being that had filled the night with its hauntingly beautiful song—the great sky-whale.

  The children were the first to react.

  "Woofy’s back!" they cried, their voices filled with joy as they ran forward.

  "Woofy?" Elena whispered, unable to take her eyes off the creature.

  The sky-whale was unlike anything she had ever seen. Its massive body shimmered with faint bioluminescent streaks, scars of time and age tracing along its vast form. Despite its size, it moved with remarkable gentleness, lowering itself with care as the Aelyr gathered around.

  On its back was something that made Elena’s awe grow tenfold—a mountain-like structure, carved with openings like caves leading into what seemed to be rooms. It was not just a creature. It was a living, breathing home.

  She stood frozen, drinking in the sight, her heart racing in excitement.

  "Move," Kaelen’s voice cut through her trance, shaking her back to reality. "Unless you plan to stand there all day staring."

  Elena barely heard him. She was already moving—no, running—toward the creature.

  Her hands reached out before her mind even caught up, her fingers pressing into its skin. It was cool to the touch, smooth yet sturdy, like the surface of a river stone that had been polished by time. Beneath her palms, she could feel the slow, steady pulse of life.

  A delighted squeal left her lips.

  "This is amazing!" she exclaimed, pressing her hands and even her bare feet against it to feel it better. "It’s warm—it’s actually warm! And it’s alive! I mean, obviously, but—!"

  Ember, who had been watching her with an amused smile, finally walked forward and placed a tentative hand on the creature. It rumbled softly in response.

  "It’s… gentle," she murmured.

  Kaelen crossed his arms. "Of course it is. Woofy’s carried us for generations."

  Elena, still overwhelmed by excitement, turned to him. "You guys actually live on this thing?"

  Kaelen shrugged. "Where else? We Aelyr don’t settle in one place for long. Woofy carries our home wherever we go."

  Elena’s eyes shone with childlike wonder. "This is—this is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen."

  Ember chuckled. "You’re like a kid right now."

  Elena grinned. "Can you blame me?"

  She ran her hands along Woofy’s surface again, laughing softly to herself before looking up at the towering structure on its back. "How do we even get on?"

  Kaelen gestured toward the others. "Follow them."

  The Aelyr were already moving, walking toward Woofy’s sides, where large, vine-like tendrils extended downward, forming natural ramps. Some climbed with ease, while others assisted the elderly and children.

  Elena grabbed Ember’s wrist, practically dragging her along. "Come on!"

  As they ascended, the world around them shifted. The air felt different up here—crisper, lighter, as if standing on the edge of the sky.

  The mountaintop-like structure on Woofy’s back was even larger than it had seemed from below. The stone-like formations weren’t just random caves—they were carefully crafted dwellings, seamlessly blending with the creature’s body. Some openings led into small rooms, while others stretched deeper, forming winding tunnels. The Aelyr navigated them with ease, slipping inside as if returning home.

  At the very front, standing near Woofy’s massive head, was Freya. Maia stood beside her, one hand resting lightly on her wife’s shoulder.

  Freya exhaled slowly and lifted her hand.

  A soft glow surrounded her fingertips, spreading outward like ripples in water. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but Woofy responded immediately. The creature let out a deep, melodic hum, as if acknowledging her presence.

  Elena felt a chill run down her spine.

  She exchanged a glance with Ember, who was just as captivated.

  "They can communicate?" Elena whispered.

  Kaelen, standing beside them, nodded. "Only Freya knows how. It’s why she leads."

  Maia tilted her head, watching her wife with a fond smile. "He’s happy to see you again," she murmured.

  Freya smiled softly. "Of course he is. He never forgets us."

  She placed her palm fully against Woofy’s skin, and for a moment, everything was still. Then, slowly, Woofy stirred.

  A great shift rippled through its body, and the world seemed to sway beneath them. The air grew heavier, charged with energy.

  Then—

  Woofy rose.

  The ground fell away as the massive creature lifted itself into the sky, carrying its people with it. The Aelyr remained calm, as if this was nothing new to them. Children laughed, clinging to their parents, while the adults continued their movements as if they were merely boarding a ship.

  But for Elena and Ember, it was breathtaking.

  The world below shrank as Woofy ascended, leaving the nest behind. The forest stretched out in endless waves of green, rivers cutting through like silver veins. The sky expanded around them, endless and infinite.

  Elena turned to Ember, her eyes bright. "I don’t think I’m ever going to forget this."

  Ember, still taking it all in, simply nodded. "Yeah."

  Freya and Maia finally stepped away from Woofy’s head, their silent conversation ending. The elder turned to the people.

  "Rest now," she said. "We have a long journey ahead."

  With that, the Aelyr began retreating into their homes within Woofy’s back.

  Elena exhaled, finally letting herself relax. She and Ember followed, stepping inside one of the caves.

  The air inside was warm, comfortable. The stone walls held faint traces of bioluminescence, casting a soft glow that made everything feel dreamlike.

  Elena stretched, flopping onto one of the furs provided. "This is crazy."

  Ember sat beside her, leaning against the wall. "Yeah. But I like it."

  Elena turned her head toward her. "Me too."

  Inside the caves, life thrived.

  The families of the Aelyr lived in open spaces, with hardly any walls or barriers separating them. It was a strange contrast to what Elena and Ember were used to—there was almost no privacy, yet the Aelyr seemed entirely at ease. Conversations flowed freely, children weaved between adults without hesitation, and laughter rang through the dimly lit tunnels. It felt… warm. Homey.

  Kaelen guided them through the winding paths, eventually stopping at an empty cave.

  "This one’s for you," he said, stepping aside.

  Elena and Ember placed their belongings inside. The space was simple—some woven bedding, a few small, bioluminescent stones embedded into the walls for light. It was cozy in its own way.

  But before Ember could settle in, Elena grabbed her wrist.

  "Come on, let’s go outside!"

  Ember groaned. "Elena, we just got here—"

  Elena pulled harder. "Exactly! That means we haven’t seen anything yet. You can sleep later!"

  Kaelen chuckled as he walked past them. "Good luck keeping up," he said to Ember before disappearing down another tunnel.

  With no choice but to follow, Ember let Elena drag her out onto Woofy’s back.

  —

  The moment they stepped out, the wind kissed their skin.

  Woofy glided smoothly through the sky, his massive form cutting through the clouds with effortless grace. There were no rails, no safety measures—just open space and an endless drop below.

  Ember instinctively reached for Elena’s wrist.

  "Be careful," she warned.

  Elena barely noticed. She was already moving forward, eyes wide as she took in the world below.

  It was breathtaking.

  From up here, the land stretched endlessly, a vast tapestry of greens and blues. Rivers snaked through forests, their waters gleaming under the sunlight. Mountains stood tall in the distance, their peaks dusted with snow.

  Elena laughed, spreading her arms as the wind whipped through her hair. "This is amazing!"

  Ember stayed close, watching her.

  Elena twirled, the clouds drifting around them like mist. "Come on, Ember! Just for a moment, forget everything else."

  Ember hesitated.

  Then, with a small sigh, she stepped forward.

  Together, they danced.

  There was no rhythm, no structure—just movement. They spun, leapt, and let the wind carry them. The sky became their stage, the clouds their audience.

  For a moment, there was no Iorph. No destination. No worries.

  It was just them.

  Their laughter echoed into the open sky.

  Eventually, tired and breathless, they sank onto Woofy’s back, sitting side by side.

  The wind had calmed. The sun was beginning its descent, painting the sky in soft hues of gold and pink.

  Elena turned her head toward Ember, smiling. "We should do that more often."

  Ember smirked. "You’re going to get yourself killed one day."

  "Yeah, but at least I’d die having fun."

  Ember rolled her eyes but said nothing.

  Silence settled between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the kind of quiet that came after shared joy—the kind that didn’t need to be filled.

  After a while, Elena spoke again, her voice softer.

  "You ever think about what’s waiting for us?"

  Ember glanced at her. "What do you mean?"

  Elena hugged her knees to her chest. "I mean, after this journey. After we find whatever we’re looking for. What then?"

  Ember didn’t answer immediately. She looked out at the horizon, her expression unreadable.

  "I don’t know," she admitted. "But… I don’t think it matters right now."

  Elena hummed in agreement.

  Another breeze rolled past, ruffling their hair.

  Elena leaned back, lying against Woofy’s warm skin. "Whatever happens, I think this is the happiest I’ve been in a long time."

  Ember looked down at her.

  For a moment, she wanted to say something. Something important.

  But instead, she just lay down beside her.

  Elena’s eyes were slipping shut, lulled by the gentle movement of Woofy beneath her and the warmth of Ember at her side.

  But every time she dozed off, a firm shake on her shoulder jolted her awake.

  "Stop," she mumbled, swatting at Ember’s hand.

  "No," Ember said simply.

  Elena groaned. "Why not?"

  Ember didn’t answer. She just kept nudging her, poking her cheek, tapping her forehead—anything to keep her from sinking into sleep.

  Elena was about to argue when she noticed it.

  The sky had changed.

  The deep blue of dusk had melted into something surreal. Ethereal.

  Elena sat up, breath catching in her throat.

  Glowing creatures floated all around them, their bodies translucent and shimmering like stardust. They moved in slow, elegant patterns, their forms bending and twisting as though swimming through an invisible sea.

  Some were enormous, their jellyfish-like tendrils trailing behind them, pulsating with soft light. Others were smaller, delicate things with wings so thin they looked like glass.

  Woofy himself had begun to glow, a faint, bioluminescent pulse rippling across his massive form.

  The world was no longer just sky and clouds. It was a dream.

  Elena’s fingers curled into the fabric of her sleeves. This… this is the kind of thing I wanted to see.

  She barely noticed when her lips parted, whispering in awe. "It’s beautiful…"

  Ember, who had been watching her this whole time, gave a small smile. "Told you it was worth staying up for."

  Elena turned to her, her eyes wide with wonder. "You knew this would happen?"

  "Kaelen mentioned it when we were back in the caves." Ember leaned back on her palms. "Figured you wouldn’t want to miss it."

  Elena turned her gaze back to the sky, watching the creatures drift in and out of view, like spirits dancing on the wind.

  The Eldari—they were here, too.

  She had only seen them from below before, but now, they were close enough that she could see the delicate patterns etched into their glowing wings. They floated with grace, their bodies moving in unison, as if listening to a song only they could hear.

  A soft hum filled the air, a harmony so faint it was almost more felt than heard.

  Elena wrapped her arms around her knees, taking in every moment.

  "I’ve always wanted to see something like this," she murmured. "To be here. Among them."

  Ember was silent.

  She wasn’t looking at the sky.

  She was looking at Elena.

  The way the soft glow of the creatures reflected in her eyes. The way the wind played with her hair, lifting strands of red and letting them fall again.

  The way she looked so alive.

  Ember had never been one for poetic thoughts. But right now, the sky, the creatures, the light—it was all background noise.

  Because even in all this breathtaking beauty, her eyes kept finding their way back to her.

  Elena sighed contently, tilting her head back. "You think we’ll ever see anything like this again?"

  Ember’s voice was quiet. "Maybe."

  Elena turned to her. "Maybe?"

  A small smirk tugged at Ember’s lips. "Depends. You planning to stick around long enough to find out?"

  Elena laughed softly. "I guess I am."

  They sat there, the wind carrying them higher, the world below forgotten.

  For tonight, there was no destination. No worries.

  Just a sky full of glowing creatures… and the two of them, sharing a moment that neither of them would ever forget.

  From the entrance of their cave, Freya and Maia stood side by side, watching the two Iorphs sitting atop Woofy’s back, silhouetted against the glowing creatures of the night.

  Freya had their son resting against her shoulder, his small arms dangling as he slept soundly, completely unaware of the world beyond his dreams.

  Maia glanced at the scene before them and chuckled softly. “They’re oblivious, aren’t they?”

  Freya hummed in agreement. “Painfully so.”

  Elena and Ember sat close, yet not quite touching. Elena’s attention was lost in the spectacle of the sky, while Ember—though she pretended otherwise—was watching her.

  Maia smirked. "I’ll bet you… Ember will be the first to confess."

  Freya raised an eyebrow, adjusting the child on her shoulders. “Oh? And why is that?”

  “Isn’t it obvious?” Maia crossed her arms. "That girl’s got warrior blood, but she’s hopelessly caught in Elena’s gravity. It’s only a matter of time before she can’t hold it in anymore and tells her.”

  Freya considered this for a moment, watching the way Ember’s gaze softened when Elena wasn’t looking.

  Then, a slow smile spread across her lips. "I disagree."

  Maia turned to her, intrigued. “Oh?”

  Freya tilted her head toward the two Iorphs. "Ember may fall first, but she’s stubborn. She won’t admit it so easily. Instead…" she smirked knowingly, "she’ll act. She’ll initiate the moments first—small touches, stolen glances, maybe even a kiss before she ever says a word about how she feels."

  Maia laughed under her breath. "Oh, so you think she’ll just let her actions do the talking until Elena finally realizes?"

  "Exactly."

  "Then you think Elena will be the first to put it into words?"

  Freya smirked. "More like she’ll push Ember into saying it first. She’s dense, but once she catches on, she’ll start teasing her—probably until Ember has no choice but to say it out loud."

  Maia exhaled through her nose, amused. “Alright then, Freya. You’re on.”

  Freya glanced at her wife. "What does the winner get?"

  Maia leaned in, lips brushing just barely against Freya’s jawline. "Oh, I can think of a few things," she murmured.

  Freya chuckled, her voice low. "I like the sound of that."

  They turned their attention back to the Iorphs, their eyes twinkling with amusement.

  Ember still hadn’t looked away from Elena.

  Elena, still unaware, continued to gaze at the sky, lost in her own world.

  Maia shook her head with a grin. "Poor things. They have no idea they’ve already lost to each other."

  Freya’s lips curled upward. "Love is a war where both sides surrender."

  The night air was crisp, carrying the faint hum of the glowing creatures as they drifted through the sky. Their soft, luminescent bodies pulsed with life, moving like waves in an unseen ocean. The world felt vast yet intimate at the same time, as if this moment existed outside of reality—just them, floating in the night.

  Elena, still curled up against herself, let out a deep breath, watching it disappear into the cool air. "I could stay here forever."

  Ember, still pretending not to stare, scoffed. "You say that now, but wait until you get hungry."

  Elena turned to her with a lopsided grin. "You always ruin my poetic moments, you know that?"

  "Someone has to keep you grounded," Ember teased, stretching her arms behind her head.

  Elena rolled her eyes, but her smile didn’t fade. She shifted slightly, leaning back on her hands as her gaze wandered back up to the floating creatures. The light reflected in her irises, turning them almost golden.

  A moment passed in silence, comfortable and easy.

  Then, Ember hesitated before speaking again. "So… you really plan on staying?"

  Elena turned her head slightly, watching Ember from the corner of her eye. "Of course. Where else would I go?"

  Ember opened her mouth, then closed it. She had no answer for that.

  Elena frowned slightly, studying her. "You don’t want me to, do you?"

  Ember blinked, caught off guard. "What? No— I mean, yes— I mean—" She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "Of course, I do. It’s just… I don’t know. You’ve never really belonged to one place, Elena."

  Elena tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her expression. "Is that how you see me?"

  Ember hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Like the wind. Always moving. Always searching for something."

  Elena considered this, her fingers idly twisting in the fabric of her sleeves. She had always felt that way—like she was meant to chase something just out of reach. But here, in this moment, with Ember and the endless sky, that restless part of her was… quiet.

  She looked at Ember, her voice softer now. "Then maybe I’ve found what I was looking for."

  Ember stilled.

  Her heartbeat betrayed her, hammering too loudly in her chest.

  She forced a smirk, trying to play it off. "That’s dramatic, even for you."

  Elena laughed, bumping her shoulder against Ember’s. "Yeah, yeah. Guess you’re rubbing off on me."

  Ember swallowed, looking away before her expression could betray her. She was painfully aware of how close Elena was. How easy it would be to reach out and—

  No.

  She wasn’t that reckless.

  …Was she?

  She was about to shift away when Elena shivered slightly, hugging her arms around herself.

  Ember frowned. "You’re cold again."

  "Yeah, well," Elena muttered, pulling her knees up to her chest. "Not much I can do about it."

  Ember hesitated for all of half a second before exhaling sharply and shifting closer.

  "Come here," she muttered.

  Elena blinked at her, clearly trying to hide the grin threatening to form. "Oh? Is this you offering to keep me warm again?"

  "Shut up and take it before I change my mind," Ember grumbled.

  Elena barely bit back a chuckle before scooting in closer. Their sides pressed together, and Ember instinctively adjusted, draping an arm over Elena’s shoulders in a way that felt… natural.

  Elena leaned her head against Ember’s shoulder, her breath warm against her collarbone. "Mmm. Yeah. Definitely a living blanket."

  Ember sighed, rolling her eyes. "You’re an Idiot for sure."

  "And yet, here we are."

  Neither of them moved.

  Neither of them wanted to.

  From the entrance of the cave, Freya and Maia exchanged knowing looks.

  Freya smirked. "So… does this count as initiation?"

  Maia crossed her arms, humming thoughtfully. "Hmm. I don’t think so. No confessions yet."

  Freya chuckled. "Well, at this rate, we might not be waiting long."

  Maia watched as Ember’s arm subconsciously tightened around Elena, even as she pretended nothing was happening.

  A slow smile spread across her lips. "Yeah," she murmured. "I think you’re right."

  he sky stretched endlessly above them, shimmering with the slow, rhythmic dance of glowing creatures. Their faint hum pulsed in the air like a distant lullaby. The world felt like it existed in a dream, drifting somewhere between reality and the unknown.

  Ember felt the weight against her shoulder shift slightly, and when she looked down, she found Elena’s breathing had evened out, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Her face was relaxed, lips parted slightly, the chill of the night no longer a concern now that she was tucked against Ember’s warmth.

  She fell asleep on me.

  Ember swallowed. It wasn’t the first time someone had leaned on her for comfort, but something about this moment felt… different.

  A few strands of Elena’s red hair had fallen across her face, catching the soft glow of the creatures above. Ember hesitated before carefully brushing them away. Her fingertips barely grazed Elena’s skin, but even that tiny touch sent an odd, unfamiliar sensation through her chest.

  Shaking the thought away, Ember exhaled and carefully shifted her arms around Elena.

  She wasn’t about to leave her out here all night.

  With slow, practiced movements, she lifted her off the ground, adjusting her weight so Elena’s head rested against her shoulder. She was lighter than Ember expected, and her body instinctively curled against the warmth, her fingers twitching slightly in her sleep.

  Ember hesitated again, then held her closer, cradling her against her chest before making her way back toward the cave Kaelen had shown them earlier.

  The night air was colder now. The warmth of Woofy’s back had shielded them from most of it, but here, away from his body heat, the chill bit through Ember’s clothes.

  Elena stirred slightly, letting out a small noise of discomfort.

  "We’re almost there," Ember murmured under her breath, even though she knew Elena was too asleep to hear her.

  By the time she reached the cave, the temperature had dropped further. Ember crouched down, carefully lowering Elena onto the cave floor. The surface was smooth but still cold, and almost immediately, Elena shifted, curling in on herself with a small shiver.

  Ember frowned.

  Not good enough.

  She glanced around, searching for something—anything—to help.

  Kaelen had said this place was safe, but they hadn’t exactly prepared bedding or fire. And with the way the air moved through the cave, a fire wasn’t an option anyway. It’d just smoke them out or bring attention they didn’t need.

  Blankets, then.

  With a sharp exhale, Ember pulled off the small pack she had carried with her and began pulling out whatever fabric she could find. A couple of extra wraps, a cloak she had barely worn, and a thick cloth that had been meant for makeshift repairs. It wasn’t much, but it would do.

  She set them down, layering them over the cold ground until the surface was at least softer.

  Then, without hesitation, she leaned down, sliding her arms beneath Elena again.

  The moment their bodies touched, Elena instinctively curled against her warmth.

  Ember had to fight back a sharp breath.

  Ignoring the way her heart decided to do something stupid, she carefully laid Elena back down onto the makeshift bedding, adjusting the fabric around her to block out the cold.

  But even with that, Elena’s brows furrowed, and she shifted uncomfortably. A quiet murmur left her lips, barely audible, but Ember caught one word.

  "Cold…"

  Ember clenched her jaw, staring at her for a long moment.

  …Damn it.

  She let out a slow breath, then, with no other real choice, she pulled off her own cloak and laid it over Elena. The fabric was still warm from her body heat, but Elena only burrowed into it slightly, still looking like she was trying to fight off the cold.

  Ember ran a hand down her face.

  This is ridiculous.

  She’d fought creatures twice her size. She’d trekked through places far worse than this. And yet, for some reason, the simple act of lying down next to Elena felt more terrifying than any battle she had ever faced.

  But she wasn’t about to let her freeze.

  So, before she could second-guess herself, she lay down beside Elena, pulling the blanket over both of them.

  The moment she settled in, Elena shifted again, rolling slightly to press closer against her warmth. Her forehead brushed Ember’s shoulder, and her breath was soft against her collarbone.

  Ember went rigid.

  Stars above…

  She had to remind herself to breathe.

  Slowly, her muscles relaxed, and she exhaled, letting the warmth settle between them.

  Outside, the wind howled softly, but inside the cave, it was quiet.

  Ember could feel the slow, steady rhythm of Elena’s breathing.

  Could feel the way her body unconsciously trusted Ember’s warmth.

  It wasn’t long before sleep finally pulled Ember under, her last thought being that maybe—just maybe—she wouldn’t mind waking up like this.