Key Story (2) - Chapter 18
Milo shut the door to his apartment with a quiet click, the lock sliding into place with an unsettling finality. He lingered for a moment in the hallway, his hand resting on the knob as if he could change his mind and go back inside, back to the warmth and safety of his familiar space. But he knew there was no turning back. Not today.
The chill hit him as soon as he stepped outside, the air dense with fog that seemed to swallow everything in sight. It was autumn, and the world was shifting—getting colder, darker, as if the weather itself mirrored the unease growing in Milo's gut. The muted orange and brown leaves crunched beneath his feet, blending into the soft gray that hung low in the air. The usual city noises were muffled by the fog, giving the streets an eerie silence that only amplified his thoughts.
His breath formed small clouds in front of him, disappearing as quickly as they came. Milo shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, pulling it tighter around him as he walked. His mind was spinning, circling back to the message he had received from Kade. Why now? Why him?
SoulChaser... Kade. It had been a while since Milo had thought about him, and even then, he'd never really considered Kade as more than a flashy player who craved attention on the tournament stage. But Kade reaching out like this—it didn't sit right with him. There was something off about it, something that nagged at him the more he thought about it. Maybe Fayne was right to come with him. Even though he wanted to protect her from whatever was happening, her quiet insistence to join him was oddly reassuring.
At least she knows now, he thought, a small part of him relieved that Fayne would be there. It wasn't like he could do this alone, not with the uncertainty gnawing at him from all sides.
The streets were unusually quiet, the fog wrapping around the buildings like a shroud. As Milo walked, he couldn't help but feel the weight of everything looming over him—the tension with Zenith, the increasing stakes of whatever their operation was, the message from Kade that felt more like a test than an invitation. He wondered if Kade was truly rebelling against Zenith or if this was just another layer to their twisted game.
He checked his phone again, glancing at the time. The train would arrive soon, and Fayne would be waiting. Milo quickened his pace, the café where he would eventually meet Kade already lingering in the back of his mind.
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As Milo stepped off the train, a rush of cool autumn air greeted him, the fog hanging low over the platform like a ghostly curtain. He tugged his jacket closer, scanning the station as passengers moved around him, most disappearing into the mist like fleeting shadows. The city felt different from his own—quieter, somehow more distant, wrapped in the eerie silence of the fog that thickened as he stepped onto the platform.
Through the haze, he spotted Fayne near the entrance, standing with her hands tucked into her jacket pockets. Her white hair stood out against the muted gray of the day, catching the faint light that filtered through the fog. She hadn't seen him yet, her gaze fixed on the ground, but her posture was steady, a calming presence in the midst of the uncertainty that surrounded them.
Milo felt his chest tighten, but this time, it wasn't just anxiety—it was relief. Knowing she was here, waiting for him, gave him a sense of grounding he didn't realize he needed. He approached her quietly, the sound of his footsteps muffled by the dense air.
Fayne looked up as he neared, her expression calm but alert, her blue eyes meeting his with quiet resolve.
"Ready?" she asked, her voice soft but steady, cutting through the thick fog like a gentle anchor.
Milo nodded, though his thoughts still churned with doubt. "Yeah... let's go."
They fell into step beside each other as they walked away from the station, the streets of Fayne's city shrouded in the same thick fog that seemed to follow Milo everywhere. The silence between them was comfortable, but heavy with unspoken thoughts. He could feel Fayne's quiet determination, her calm presence a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside his mind. She was here, willingly stepping into this uncertainty with him, and for the first time since Kade's message, Milo didn't feel entirely alone.
But as they made their way toward the café where he would meet Kade, the knot of doubt tightened in Milo's chest. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to set something into motion—something that would change everything.
And as the fog thickened once more, wrapping the city in its cold, silent grasp, Milo knew they were stepping into unknown territory, where even the smallest misstep could unravel everything they thought they understood.
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As Milo and Fayne entered the café, the familiar scent of coffee and pastries greeted them, but today, the warmth of the place did little to soothe Milo's nerves. The café was nearly empty, except for the soft hum of conversation between a few patrons scattered around. In the corner booth, a figure sat, leaning back with an air of ease that stood in stark contrast to the tension brewing in Milo's chest.
Kade.
Milo's gaze lingered on him for a moment before they approached. Kade's silver hair gleamed in the dim light, the streak of cyan catching the eye almost immediately. The way he was sitting—casually, with one arm slung over the back of the booth—made him seem as if he owned the space. His sunglasses, pushed up onto his head, framed his sharp blue eyes that locked onto them the moment they entered. A small, knowing smile played on his lips, as though he had been expecting them all along, like he had everything under control.
Milo's thoughts raced. How did Kade know about this place? A chill ran down his spine at the possibility that Kade had been tracking them, maybe even following them for longer than he realized. Had Kade been there that day when they were trying to save Sable? The idea gnawed at him, the thought that Kade might have been lurking in the shadows, watching their every move. A part of him was convinced this could be a trap. He clenched his fists instinctively, ready for anything.
That's why Fayne's quiet presence beside him felt like an anchor. She moved calmly, though her alert eyes scanned the room, clearly attuned to Milo's unease. Her hand brushed his arm lightly as they neared Kade, offering silent support. It was a small gesture, but it grounded Milo, reminding him he wasn't alone in this.
Kade's posture didn't shift as they approached, but his eyes gleamed with something unreadable. He was still playing his part—the showman, the enigma. As Milo slid into the booth across from him, Fayne taking a seat beside him, Kade's smile grew ever so slightly, but there was a tension beneath it, like he was trying too hard to maintain his carefree facade.
"Didn't think you'd actually come," Kade said, his voice smooth, almost mocking, but there was an undercurrent of something more—something nervous, maybe even desperate.
Milo studied him, trying to read between the lines. There was something different about Kade today. Despite his usual swagger, Milo sensed a subtle crack in his confident exterior. He was here for a reason, and Milo was starting to believe it wasn't just to show off.
"Why here?" Milo asked, his voice steady despite the uncertainty gnawing at him.
Kade leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. "Same café your little group was at the last time, right? Seemed fitting. Plus," he added with a smirk, "it's quiet. No distractions. I like that."
Milo's mind spun. How much did Kade know? The casual mention of the café stirred suspicion. Was Kade playing them, or had he been keeping a closer eye on everything than any of them had realized?
Fayne, ever observant, shifted in her seat, her gaze locked on Kade, searching for answers in his expression. The air between them felt heavy, thick with unspoken tension.
Milo glanced at her, then back at Kade. "Alright," Milo said slowly, his voice laced with caution. "We're here. What do you want?"
Kade's smile faltered for just a split second before it returned, though now it seemed more forced. He leaned back again, his fingers tracing the edge of the table. "We need to talk about Zenith. And about Lynx."
The mention of Lynx sent a jolt through Milo, but he kept his face neutral. Kade's tone had changed—there was an edge to it now, something serious and urgent that cut through his usual showy demeanor.
Milo exchanged a quick glance with Fayne. Something was definitely off, and the fact that Kade had chosen this place, this moment, made it clear this wasn't just another flashy performance.
Kade leans back, playing it cool, but the tension in his posture betrays him. He taps his fingers against the table, his smile twitching as though he's trying to keep up his usual confident façade.
Milo narrows his eyes, deciding to push him. "You said we need to talk about Zenith and Lynx. Why? What do you know, Kade?"
Kade shrugs, his casual demeanor seeming more forced now. "What I know doesn't matter. What you don't know? That's the real problem."
Fayne's eyes flash with suspicion. "Cut the theatrics, Kade. If you brought us here, you must have something real to say. So say it."
Kade's smirk wavers. He glances around the café, ensuring no one's paying attention before leaning forward again. "Alright, alright. I didn't come here to play games. Look, I'm… in deep with Zenith, deeper than I ever wanted to be. At first, it was just about being the best, you know? Proving I was the top ADC, making my name. But it's more than that with them. Zenith isn't just a team. They're running something big, and trust me, it's dangerous."
Milo exchanges a glance with Fayne, his heart racing. He can't tell if Kade is exaggerating or if this is the truth, but either way, it's unsettling. "Dangerous how? What are they planning?"
Kade's eyes darken, the playful glint gone now. "They're using the game scene as a cover. It's not just about tournaments. It's bigger. They've got ties to… things you don't want to mess with. Betting rings, controlling outcomes, pulling strings behind the scenes. And Lynx? He's not just some rogue player. He's part of it, too, but he's on his own power trip. After what happened with Sable… let's just say, he's dangerous in ways you can't imagine."
Milo tenses, the mention of Sable reigniting his anger. "We already know Lynx is dangerous. What we need is information that will help us stop them."
Kade shakes his head, exasperated. "You don't get it. I'm not here to hand you a cheat sheet. I'm here because things are getting out of control. Zenith's next moves—they're going to bring more than just players into the crossfire. And if you and Raxian's team keep poking around, you'll be next."
Fayne leans forward, her voice sharp. "So why now, Kade? Why reach out to Milo now? You've been quiet all this time. What changed?"
Kade hesitates, the mask slipping slightly. "Because I thought I could handle it. I thought… if I just kept my head down, played my game, I'd be fine. But now? Zenith's plans are escalating. They've got more than just Lynx targeting you guys. They've got people in places you don't even realize. And I don't want to go down with them when it all falls apart."
Milo's suspicion grows. "And you expect us to trust you? For all we know, this could be some setup, and you're just trying to throw us off."
Kade flinches, but he quickly recovers, crossing his arms. "Look, I don't care if you trust me. But if you want to survive what's coming, you'll listen. I'm offering you a way to stay ahead of them. Lynx might be your problem now, but there's more at play than just him. There's a whole web, and if you're not careful, it's going to trap all of you."
Fayne watches him closely, her voice quiet but firm. "And why should we believe you aren't part of that web?"
Kade meets her gaze, something vulnerable flashing in his eyes. "Because I'm trying to get out of it."
A silence falls over the table, heavy and charged. Milo can feel the weight of Kade's words settling in. For the first time since they sat down, he starts to see past the bravado, the showman persona. Kade is scared—he's hiding it well, but it's there.
Milo leans forward, his voice low and serious. "Alright. Let's say we believe you. What's the next move?"
Kade exhales, his shoulders dropping slightly, as though relieved they're finally on the same page. "There's going to be another stream tomorrow—Nyx's stream. But it's not just for the fans. Zenith's using it to send a message, and if you're smart, you'll be watching. They're about to make their next move."
Fayne frowns. "What kind of move?"
Kade shrugs, leaning back once more. "You'll see. Just… be ready. And tell Raxian to stay out of it. Lynx is still after him, and this stream might just set him off."
Milo clenches his jaw, already knowing there's no way they're staying out of this. "We're not running from this fight, Kade."
Kade shakes his head, a small, bitter smile playing on his lips. "You're more stubborn than I thought. Just… don't say I didn't warn you."
Fayne and Milo exchange a glance. They still don't know how much of this they can trust, but one thing is clear: Kade is scared of Zenith, and if someone like him is nervous, then they're walking into something far bigger and more dangerous than they realized.
As they stand to leave, Kade calls after them, his voice softer this time. "Be careful, Milo. You're getting in deeper than you think."
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As they walked through the streets, the morning fog clung to everything, making the city feel quiet, almost muffled. The soft light of the early day filtered through the haze, giving everything an otherworldly glow. Despite the early hour, Milo felt like they'd already been up for ages. His mind was still reeling from the meeting with Kade—everything about it felt off, like he was only seeing half of the puzzle.
Fayne walked beside him, her hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket, her gaze fixed ahead. The misty air brushed against their skin, cool and crisp, but it did little to shake the heaviness that hung between them.
Milo sighed, glancing over at her. "So, what do you think? Kade... He doesn't seem like he's fully with Zenith, but I don't know if we can trust him."
Fayne kept her eyes ahead, her expression unusually guarded. She had been quiet ever since they left the café, not offering much in response to Kade's cryptic words. But now, her silence felt heavier, as though something more was on her mind.
After a few moments, she finally spoke, her voice soft but laced with exhaustion. "I'm tired, Milo."
Milo blinked, caught off guard by the admission. "Tired of... Kade? Zenith? What do you mean?"
Fayne stopped walking, standing still on the fog-shrouded sidewalk. She turned to face him, her pale eyes reflecting the muted light of the morning. "I'm tired of all of this. The scheming, the games, the constant worry about what Zenith is planning next. It's exhausting." She paused, her breath coming out in a visible puff in the cold air. "I just want it to be over."
Milo looked at her, seeing the weight in her eyes, the quiet frustration that had been building for so long. "I get it," he said softly. "It's been a lot for all of us. But we're so close. Kade's message... It might be the break we need to figure out what Zenith's planning."
Fayne shook her head, her white hair catching in the soft breeze. "I don't care about the game, Milo. I never did. I only started playing League for Rax's sake. I did it because it was something we could do together, something he loved. But all of this..." She waved her hand as if gesturing to the fog around them, but it was clear she meant more than that. "This isn't what I signed up for. I didn't expect our lives to get dragged into some underground conspiracy."
Milo stayed silent, taking in her words. He had known, of course, that Fayne's involvement in League had always been more about supporting Raxian than anything else. But hearing her say it now, with the exhaustion clear in her voice, made him realize just how much this entire ordeal had weighed on her.
Fayne continued, her voice quieter now. "I just want my normal life back. I want Raxian to stop blaming himself for everything, and I want us to be done with Zenith. I'm tired of feeling like we're constantly being pulled deeper into something we never wanted to be part of."
Milo exhaled, feeling the weight of her words sink in. He had been so focused on solving the puzzle of Zenith, so consumed with figuring out their next move, that he hadn't stopped to think about how all of this was affecting Fayne—and Raxian, for that matter.
"I know it's been hard," Milo said quietly, glancing down at the pavement. "But once we finish this, it'll be over. No more scheming, no more games. We'll get our lives back."
Fayne gave him a small, tired smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I hope you're right, Milo. I really do. Because I don't know how much more of this I can take."
They resumed walking, the fog slowly lifting as the day brightened, but the weight of the conversation still lingered. Fayne had always been the steady one, the one who could find calm in the chaos. But now, Milo could see just how much this whole situation had worn her down.
As they approached the station where Milo had first arrived, Fayne's voice softened. "It's funny... I never thought something like this would happen to us. It all feels so surreal."
Milo nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah. Sometimes it feels like we're caught in someone else's story." He hesitated, then added, "But we'll finish this, Fayne. We'll make sure of it."
Fayne looked at him, a glimmer of determination returning to her eyes. "We have to. For Rax. For all of us."
Milo gave a small nod, appreciating her resolve. The conversation had reminded him just how much was at stake—not just in the fight against Zenith, but in keeping their friendships and lives intact.
As they reached the station, the fog finally began to clear, the day ahead of them filled with uncertainty—but at least they were facing it together.
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Fayne stood at the station, watching as the train carrying Milo disappeared into the distance. She waved softly, though her hand lingered in the air even after he was out of sight. There was a weight in her chest she couldn't shake, a feeling of exhaustion that went beyond the physical.
As she lowered her hand and turned away from the platform, the familiar streets of her city greeted her—calm, quiet, and dotted with the vibrant hues of fallen autumn leaves. The crisp air nipped at her face, making her pull her jacket tighter around herself. Fayne sighed, knowing she needed to get back home and change for the pumpkin patch, where she had plans with Ryan and a group of friends.
She walked slowly, letting the cool breeze fill her lungs as she processed the events of the day. Kade's sudden appearance, the strange weight of their meeting, and the tension between Milo and her—none of it sat right. Everything felt like it was spinning out of control, and she was tired. Tired of the schemes, tired of feeling like she was always one step behind, never quite knowing what was happening around her.
For a long moment, she wanted to disconnect. To let go of everything—Zenith, Sable's kidnapping, Lynx—and just live her life. She hadn't asked for any of this. All she had ever wanted was to support Raxian and her friends, but now it felt like they were trapped in a web far bigger than them all. Every day, she felt more and more like a pawn in someone else's game.
Fayne rounded the corner, her apartment coming into view. The building was modest but comforting—her safe space. As she climbed the stairs and entered her home, the familiar warmth of the apartment wrapped around her like a blanket. She kicked off her shoes and let her jacket fall to the side, already feeling the weight of the day pressing on her shoulders.
She needed a distraction. Something simple, something fun. The pumpkin patch with Ryan and his friends was supposed to be just that—a lighthearted outing. But before she could enjoy it, she needed to shed the weight of everything else. Walking to her closet, she pulled out an oversized sweater in a soft, autumnal green, feeling the knitted fabric between her fingers. It was cozy, and exactly what she needed right now—comfort without thinking too much about it.
She changed quickly, slipping into the high-waisted jeans she loved, paired with brown combat boots that were both practical and stylish. The mirror reflected back a more grounded version of herself, someone who looked like she had it all together, even though she felt like she was barely holding on.
Fayne grabbed a long scarf from the hook by the door, its soft plaid pattern adding a bit of color to her outfit, and wrapped it loosely around her neck. She caught sight of herself again in the hallway mirror, noticing how the scarf contrasted with her white hair, now slightly tousled from the earlier breeze.
She took a moment, staring at her own reflection, trying to muster up the energy to pretend everything was fine. But the longer she looked, the more she could feel the cracks under the surface.
Shaking off the thoughts, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door. The chill of the autumn air hit her again as she walked down the stairs and onto the street, but it felt refreshing this time, as though it carried away some of her lingering doubts. Ryan had texted her the night before, confirming their plans to meet at the pumpkin patch, and she felt a bit of relief knowing she wouldn't have to dive into any heavy topics. Not yet.
As she walked, the familiar sights of her city blurred around her, the vibrant reds and oranges of the trees, the cozy cafes lining the streets. She was looking forward to just being with her friends—no talk of Zenith, no schemes, just normalcy. For a little while, at least.
But even as she moved forward, heading to meet them, the weight of everything lingered in the back of her mind, a quiet reminder that this break wouldn't last forever.
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Fayne arrived at the pumpkin patch, the crisp autumn air mingling with the scent of hay and fresh pumpkins. The sun was just starting to peek through the thinning fog, casting a soft, golden light over the field. Rows upon rows of pumpkins stretched out before her, their vibrant oranges and deep greens standing out against the muted tones of the surrounding fields. It was the perfect setting for a quiet, lighthearted day—something that she desperately needed after everything that had been weighing on her.
She spotted Ryan and the group up ahead, already milling around the entrance. Ryan, with his usual easygoing smile, waved her over. The others—people she'd grown close to over the past few weeks—were chatting casually, their laughter filling the air. There was no tension here, no schemes or hidden dangers lurking just beneath the surface. It was just a group of friends enjoying the fall, and Fayne couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as she walked toward them.
"Hey!" Ryan greeted her, his voice warm as he offered a playful grin. "You made it. Ready to find the perfect pumpkin?"
Fayne smiled, a genuine one this time. "You bet. I need something huge—bigger than anyone else's."
"Always the competitive one," Ryan teased, nudging her lightly as they walked through the gate into the patch.
The group dispersed, each person wandering in different directions to explore the rows of pumpkins, but Fayne stuck with Ryan. The conversation was light, drifting from random jokes to shared memories of their recent outings. Ryan had a way of making everything feel easy, like the world wasn't as complicated as it really was. Fayne appreciated that about him—his ability to keep things simple, to focus on the present rather than the chaos that had been consuming her thoughts.
"Hey, what do you think of this one?" Ryan called out, lifting a medium-sized pumpkin with a slightly lopsided shape.
Fayne wrinkled her nose playfully. "It's cute, but I'm looking for something a little more… symmetrical. You know, something that'll really shine when I carve it."
"Of course you are," Ryan said with a chuckle, setting the pumpkin down gently. "You've got high standards, huh?"
"Always," she replied with a smirk, her eyes scanning the patch for something that stood out.
As they walked, the crunch of dried leaves underfoot and the gentle hum of conversation around them created a peaceful atmosphere. Fayne felt herself relax more and more with each passing minute. The pumpkin patch was beautiful in its simplicity—children laughing in the distance, families picking out pumpkins together, and the warm glow of the sun slowly burning off the remaining fog. It was a perfect escape from everything else.
They stopped by a particularly large pumpkin that caught Fayne's eye. She knelt down, inspecting its smooth, even surface and perfectly round shape.
"This," she said with mock seriousness, "is the one."
Ryan raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Of course you'd find the perfect pumpkin within five minutes. You're efficient."
"Just lucky," Fayne shrugged, grinning as she carefully lifted the pumpkin into her arms. It was heavier than she expected, and Ryan quickly stepped forward to help her carry it.
"Let me grab that before you drop it and ruin your masterpiece," he said, flashing a grin.
They carried the pumpkin over to the area where the others had gathered, everyone laughing and comparing their finds. Some pumpkins were small and round, others tall and narrow, but each had its own charm. The mood was light, carefree, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Fayne wasn't thinking about anything other than this moment.
Once they set the pumpkins down, the group decided to sit at one of the nearby picnic tables to take a break before carving. Someone had brought hot apple cider, and they passed it around as they chatted and joked. Fayne took a sip, the warmth of the drink spreading through her, helping to melt away the last of her lingering tension.
"So," one of Ryan's friends piped up, "what's everyone's pumpkin-carving strategy? Going for scary or cute?"
"I'm going for terrifying," one of the guys said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "I want to make something that'll freak out the neighbors."
"Same here," Ryan said, casting a mischievous glance at Fayne. "I'm going all in on the creepy factor."
Fayne rolled her eyes playfully. "You do that. I'm going for classic—something that'll look good with a candle inside. Sophisticated."
"Of course you are," Ryan teased. "Always the classy one."
The banter continued as they passed around carving tools and started sketching out their designs. Fayne's hands moved automatically as she began carving, her mind blissfully free of worry for the first time in what felt like ages. The repetitive motion of the knife against the pumpkin was calming, grounding her in the moment.
As she worked, Fayne couldn't help but glance around at her friends. They were all so at ease, completely disconnected from the chaos that had taken over her life lately. It was a strange feeling, being here with them, knowing that while she was carving pumpkins and laughing along with their jokes, the world outside this little patch was so much more complicated. But for now, she let herself relax. She let herself enjoy the simplicity of it.
Ryan leaned over to inspect her pumpkin, his brow furrowing with exaggerated concentration. "You're really going all out with the details, huh?"
Fayne smirked, brushing a stray lock of white hair from her face. "Told you—sophistication."
He laughed, shaking his head. "You're ridiculous."
"I know," she said, smiling as she continued to carve.
For a little while, everything felt normal. The world outside the pumpkin patch could wait.
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As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting warm golden light over the pumpkin patch, Fayne took a step back to admire her finished creation. The intricate design she had carved into the pumpkin glowed with the soft afternoon light, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she smiled—really smiled.
"Looks perfect," Ryan said, nudging her shoulder as he looked over her work. "Definitely the classiest pumpkin here."
Fayne gave a small, playful laugh. "Told you."
The group around them was wrapping up, some of them laughing at their less-than-perfect pumpkins, while others took pictures of their masterpieces. The air was filled with a lightness that felt so distant from the weight of Fayne's everyday reality. She breathed it in, savoring the moment for what it was—a fleeting escape.
As she helped Ryan and the others gather their things, her phone buzzed in her pocket. For a moment, she hesitated, reluctant to check it. She wanted to hold onto this peaceful afternoon just a little longer, to pretend that everything was normal. But reality had a way of intruding, even in the most tranquil moments.
She pulled out her phone, the screen glowing with a message from Milo.
Milo (text): "Got some updates from Kade. It's… bigger than we thought. Let's talk soon."
Fayne's smile faded just slightly, the weight of the real world slipping back into her mind like an unwelcome guest. She glanced up at Ryan, who was chatting with one of his friends, completely unaware of the storm that was quietly brewing beneath the surface.
For a moment, Fayne just stood there, holding her phone tightly in her hand. She wanted to stay in this peaceful bubble, to keep carving pumpkins and drinking cider with her friends. But deep down, she knew the reprieve wouldn't last. The shadows of Zenith's schemes and the threat of Lynx's next move were still there, waiting.
She slipped her phone back into her pocket, forcing herself to push the thoughts aside—at least for now. This moment, this small slice of normalcy, was something she needed to hold onto for as long as she could.
Ryan turned to her with a smile. "Ready to head out?"
Fayne nodded, glancing at the pumpkins one last time before they made their way back to the parking lot. The day wasn't over yet, and there would be plenty of time to deal with everything later. But for now, she let herself walk beside Ryan, breathing in the cool autumn air, holding onto the fleeting warmth of the present.
And as they left the pumpkin patch behind, Fayne couldn't help but feel a quiet resolve settling in her chest. This wouldn't last forever—the peace, the fun. Eventually, she would have to face whatever was coming. But until then, she was going to make the most of these moments, the ones that reminded her that life was still more than just shadows and schemes.
For now, she would hold on to that.