Kael took one last deep breath, as if he were about to plunge into an icy lake—the kind of jump you take knowing it will hurt, but it's even worse to just stand there staring at the water. He turned to Sylphie, Amelia, and Irelia, offering them a tired, crooked smile.
"I'm going to disappear for a few days."
Sylphie opened her mouth—perhaps to scold, perhaps to plead—but decided to swallow her words. She just nodded slowly, her eyes gleaming with that irritating mixture of worry and approval. Irelia crossed her arms with an expression that said "don't do anything stupid," even though she knew he was going to do exactly that. Amelia gave a trembling wave, as if trying to offer support but also grieving in advance.
Kael raised his hand in a gesture that was half theatrical, half genuine farewell.
"I'll be back in one piece. Or… something close to it."
"Kael," Sylphie called, firmly—and it's always her firmness that pierces. "Come back alive."
