Noah pulled a sharp breath into his chest as something cold tapped the bridge of his nose. For a split second his hand twitched toward instinct, toward reflex, but then her laughter followed, bright and harmless, and the tension melted out of him just as quickly. He huffed a low chuckle, shaking his head.
”All right,” he said, a smile finally breaking through in full. ”For fun, then.” His voice softened, for he was glad she was able to find the joy in it. The world needed that as much as it needed vigilance.
He reached up, brushing at his nose as if she were still there. ”You did good work today, Nova. This shrine wouldn’t be what it is without you.” He glanced toward the fountain, water glimmering with starlight even in the cold. ”She will know who shaped its heart.” Turning back to the empty space she occupied, he continued, ”Thank you for your time. And for trusting me with your magic.” Then, a hint of dry humor returned to his eyes. ”And if you find yourself in the Kraai sometime—drink’s on my tab. Consider it payment, or hospitality, or a standing invitation.” His smile lingered, quiet and genuine.
FIN
”All right,” he said, a smile finally breaking through in full. ”For fun, then.” His voice softened, for he was glad she was able to find the joy in it. The world needed that as much as it needed vigilance.
He reached up, brushing at his nose as if she were still there. ”You did good work today, Nova. This shrine wouldn’t be what it is without you.” He glanced toward the fountain, water glimmering with starlight even in the cold. ”She will know who shaped its heart.” Turning back to the empty space she occupied, he continued, ”Thank you for your time. And for trusting me with your magic.” Then, a hint of dry humor returned to his eyes. ”And if you find yourself in the Kraai sometime—drink’s on my tab. Consider it payment, or hospitality, or a standing invitation.” His smile lingered, quiet and genuine.
FIN
s e n t i n e l
