The journey began in silence, but it was not the silence of fear; it was one of peace.
The ship glided through the star-strewn darkness like a shadow among shadows, the hum of its engines steady and soothing. Inside, the atmosphere was almost gentle. Aerish had fallen asleep in Liora's arms, her small chest rising and falling, bunny still clutched tight in her hands.
Xu Kai sat near them, speaking softly with Shen and Irel, though his gaze often strayed back to the two people who mattered most.
Liora rested her cheek against her daughter's hair, breathing in the faint scent of milk and lavender, and for a moment she thought perhaps this journey would truly be safe. Perhaps, for once, the universe would grant them peace.
But the universe had other plans.
It happened too quickly for anyone to react.
