In the dimly lit infirmary, Jayce quietly made his way towards Poppy, her form seated on a chair near the foot of Ekko's bed. Ekko himself lay motionless, his body still recovering from the arduous medical procedures aimed at restoring his mobility. The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest indicated a peaceful slumber.
As Jayce entered, Poppy's eyes widened, her initial shock giving way to recognition. Before she could let out a scream, Jayce swiftly closed the distance between them with supernatural swiftness, his hand swiftly covering her mouth, ensuring Ekko remained undisturbed.
With utmost care, Jayce guided Poppy out of the room and into the hallway, ensuring a safe distance from the sleeping Ekko. In that moment, Poppy's emotions overwhelmed her, and she embraced Jayce with such intensity that they both tumbled to the ground. Tears streamed down her face as she released a torrent of pent-up emotions, and Jayce held her tightly, offering the only solace he could in that moment.
Poppy, through tear-stained eyes, noticed the transformation that had taken hold of Jayce. His gaze had hardened, and his face carried the weight of his recent experiences.
Poppy's eyes, filled with curiosity and concern, locked onto Jayce's as she questioned him about his whereabouts during his absence. Sensing the weightiness of his endeavors, she inquired, "Jayce, where have you been all this time?"
Jayce's voice carried a hint of weariness as he replied, "You don't want to know, Poppy. But I'm getting closer. Closer to achieving what I set out to do."
Finding solace in his embrace, Poppy pressed her head against his chest, seeking comfort in his steady heartbeat. In a soft, muffled voice, she whispered, "I'm just glad you're alright, Jayce. That's all that matters to me."
In that vulnerable moment, their connection strengthened, as they found solace in each other's presence amidst the chaos that had consumed their lives.
With meticulous planning and days of preparation behind him, Jayce stood ready to embark on the daring mission of rescuing Riven from the clutches of Duke Kassadin. Reciting a chant he had learned from Ekko, he made a slight alteration, uttering the words, "Make my body weightless, Let me fly like the wind." In an instant, he felt weightless, his body floating gracefully off the ground. Elated, he couldn't help but let out a soft laughter, only to quickly remember the gravity of his mission. With a newfound focus, he soared towards the Duke's imposing castle in Dorset.
At the Duke's Castle, explosions reverberated through the air, violently shaking the eastern wall. Guards scrambled to regain control amidst the chaos. Amidst the tumult, a shadowy figure stealthily made its way towards Riven's chamber in the castle's western wing. Riven, awake and on high alert, demanded in a determined voice, "Who is that?"
"It's me," Jayce replied, relief coloring his voice.
Overwhelmed with joy, Riven exclaimed, "We were told you perished in Valonia, but I knew it had to be a lie."
Moving swiftly, Jayce released her from her shackles and gently lifted her off the ground. However, as he turned to leave, his gaze fell upon Irelia standing at the door, tears streaming down her face. "They said you were dead. I sensed your presence, but I thought my mind was playing tricks on me. You're alive," she whispered through her tears.
Jayce's cautious nature kicked in. He knew that Irelia, if not handled carefully, could jeopardize their stealth. "Listen to me, Irelia. Did you know that your father tried to have me killed?" he revealed, his voice steady.
Shock and disbelief washed over Irelia as she stammered, "Th-that can't be true. He would never... he likes you."
Jayce's tone remained firm as he continued, "It's true. The pendant of the black phoenix he gave me was a beacon that led the Earth Kingdom soldiers straight to me. If you reveal that I'm alive, he will attempt to strike again."
Wiping her tear-stained face, Irelia nodded resolutely. "I won't tell him, but how will I find you again?"
Jayce deliberated for a moment, considering whether to disclose his location. "I will be in hiding, but there are friends at the Fyre Academy who know how to reach me," he finally revealed.
Irelia nodded once more before swiftly departing.
With Riven in his arms, Jayce ascended to the castle's roof, his weightless form carrying them both effortlessly. And then, with a determined purpose, he took flight, soaring through the night sky, leaving the Duke's castle behind as he and Riven ventured towards an uncertain future.