The cracked ground of the Ashen Expanse echoed with soft footsteps.
Raven walked calmly, the late afternoon—almost evening—sun bleeding dim amber through the dried trees.
On his back, Siris rested with her arms wrapped loosely around his neck, her chin nestled on his shoulder.
They were both covered in dried blood.
Siris had a faint smile on her lips, her cheeks still flushed from adrenaline and glee. Her blue eyes sparkled with the afterglow of a battle well-fought.
"That was fun," she whispered.
"You stabbed that last beast in its eyes at least twenty times," Raven said dryly.
"He screamed creatively. I appreciated the effort," she replied, kicking her legs lightly as if riding a horse.
Raven snorted. "You also threw a dagger into one of their skulls mid-sneeze."
"I said 'bless you' after. I'm polite."
They both laughed softly. The world, for a moment, felt peaceful.
Then—
The sound hit them first.
Boom.
