After a moment, they pulled away, both of them smiling.
"Come," Ethan said, standing and offering her his hand. "I need to check on Ishtar."
She nodded and took his hand. Together, they walked through the manor and out into the backyard.
What they found when they arrived made both of them stop for a moment.
Ishtar hovered just above the ground, with a green glow surrounding her as excitement lit up her face. She demonstrated something to Rayleigh, who stood below, watching with a smile.
That's right. Rayleigh had been the one to drive Bella to the Stark manor, taking the opportunity to visit Ishtar.
"I don't think I've ever seen her laugh," Bella noted, seeming almost surprised. "Or even smile."
"Yeah," Ethan muttered, a subtle smile forming on his own face.
They approached slowly, and Rayleigh turned toward them when he heard their footsteps.
"I don't know how you were able to do this," Rayleigh said, "But… thank you."
Ethan acknowledged him with a nod.
