The rain in Sovereign City tasted like ash and ozone. Vahn Ryker stood in the shattered lobby of the Sovereign National Bank. The chaotic noise of the dying city was a stark contrast to the heavy silence of the abyssal realm he had just left.
Aria's arms were still wrapped tightly around his neck. Her face was buried in his chest.
She was trembling. Her pristine Crimson-Lotus Vestments were completely soaked by the relentless downpour blowing through the blown-out glass doors.
Vahn didn't care about anything else. He just smiled, resting his chin on the top of her head and gently stroking her pink-gold hair.
"I'm perfectly fine, Aria," Vahn said softly. His voice carried a warm tone. "The parasite is gone. My base stats are stabilizing. You don't have to hold me together anymore."
Aria sniffled and pulled back just enough to look up at him.
