That night.
Javier lay on the ground, arms folded behind his head.
The stars above the ruined dwarven town blinked faintly, flickering in the cold air.
Beside him, Buddy had curled into a resting position, softly breathing, feathers slightly ruffled.
The air was quiet.
No monsters.
No sounds of battle.
Javier looked at the sky, eyes half-lidded.
He had just finished cleansing the miasma in this region, planting one of his mana-sealing devices so the corrupted fog wouldn't return.
Another area secure.
Another step forward.
But right now, none of that mattered.
He exhaled.
"Liana... I missed her."
His voice was barely above a whisper.
He imagined her beside him.
That familiar presence, warm, gentle, always calm no matter how reckless he acted.
He wanted to sleep beside her.
Hug her, bury his face into her shoulder, feel her heartbeat against his chest.
Then kiss her lips like he always did.
And she would return it without hesitation.
Soft. Sincere.
