A flash of golden light disappeared as quickly as it came. By the time Luca regained his senses, he found himself back at the altar.
The sky was dim, with dawn just breaking, and Lucia and the others were nowhere to be seen.
Rubbing his temples, Luca realized time had passed far more quickly than expected—morning was almost here.
"Luca, you're finally back!" a delighted voice suddenly rang out.
Turning his head, Luca saw Lucia and Sophia ascending the stone steps toward him.
Lucia, her face beaming with joy, rushed forward and gave him a fierce hug. "You idiot, we thought you'd died in the Divine Ruins!"
Both women looked haggard, as though they hadn't rested properly.
Luca chuckled wryly. "It's only been half a day since we parted, and you're already mourning me? If I were gone for a few days, would you have prepared a coffin for me?"
"...Half a day?" The two women froze in confusion.
