He gazed at Avril in his arms as a current of warmth flowed through him.
'Perhaps,' he thought, 'the ultimate goal of everything I've done is to protect this hard-won peace and beauty.'
He gently placed a kiss on Avril's forehead.
Avril's eyelashes fluttered slightly before her eyes slowly opened.
"Good morning."
Her voice was still tinged with the laziness of someone who had just woken up.
"Good morning."
Raylo replied with a smile.
"Get ready. We're leaving for Baisha Port today."
"Mm."
Avril stretched languidly, a sweet smile gracing her lips.
An hour later, the two were fully dressed and standing in the square of Black Stone Castle.
The Storm Griffin King, Baofeng, was already waiting for them.
Upon seeing Raylo and Avril, it let out an affectionate, low cry and nuzzled Raylo's shoulder with its massive head.
"Alright, alright, stop being so clingy."
Raylo chuckled and patted its neck.
Three small heads peeked out from among the feathers on Baofeng's back.
