The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the cobblestones of University Square, painting a map of farewell across the familiar stone. Falcon stood shoulder to shoulder with Aurelia, the weight of her imminent departure settling like dust in his throat. His hands, roughened by weeks of travel, held hers, smooth and cool as moonstone. The air thrummed with unspoken goodbyes, the buzz of students and pigeons a muted backdrop to their silent parting.
"I have to go back," Aurelia said, her voice barely a whisper against the city's roar. "The valley needs me. The villagers, the vines… They're like family."
Falcon knew. Lapis Valley was woven into her, its emerald pulse throbbing in her veins. He envied its permanence, its unwavering claim on her heart. His fingers tightened around hers, tracing the curve of her knuckles, memorizing the feel of her against his skin.
"I understand," he rasped, the words tasting of ashes. "Just… how long?"
