The Gathering Storm Above Amethyst Summit
For a moment, Selena froze - then so did Rias. Both pulled back without thinking.
A hush fell where laughter had been just moments before. The air inside the room grew heavy, like the calm right after a shout.
"This… is this a sign of a breakthrough?" Selena whispered, her silver lashes trembling slightly.
Her fingers tightened on the red fabric, a whisper of silk breaking the quiet. Staring at Kevin - sitting there, legs folded in the yard - the spark she often wore slipped away like sand through fingers.
One moment they stood silent, frozen in place. Then came a shared breath, sharp and sudden. Their eyes locked, wide with disbelief.
Few words came from Leon - slow thoughts on growing things, on staying steady inside. Not rushed, just quiet ideas about roots and patience.
What path brought us here from there?
Fascinated but calm, Leon stood there squinting slightly, his expression more curious than tense.
