Kael did not need to remain in Aeris to see the beginning of the change.
Lessa was already assigning tasks before the group even reached the first road. The reservoir manager was discussing capacity expansion with two farmers, the botanist was collecting plant samples as though he had personally discovered a century-long offense against every living thing in the valley, and three messengers departed in different directions carrying instructions to the villages.
Above them, Glass Sky was still functioning, but it no longer tried to look perfect.
A current of wind crossed the fields.
The clouds split into different densities.
Somewhere far away, rain was still falling, while the road ahead of Kael began drying beneath a strip of sunlight.
He looked back one last time.
"Three years."
The voice answered from the sky:
"At most."
Kael nodded.
"Better."
"Do you intend to come back and check?"
"Probably."
Lessa, standing close enough to hear, raised her head.
