Chapter Two Hundred and Sixteen – "Still Her Master"
Crow hadn't slept. Not really. His mind spun through calculations, decisions, memories from two lifetimes. His body pulsed with divine energy. The real world and the game world were now one, and nothing would be the same again.
Yet even with all the cosmic weight hanging over him, a familiar voice broke the silence.
"Master…" Lyravex's tone was quiet, almost pleading.
She knelt beside him in the dim morning light, her long silver hair cascading down her back, eyes wide and soft like a loyal pet awaiting praise.
"I… need it again," she whispered. "Your hand… please. Head pats…"
Crow looked down at her. A sigh escaped him—not of frustration, but of resigned amusement.
He reached out and placed his hand on her head. Slowly, gently, he began to stroke her hair.
Lyravex practically purred, pressing into his touch like a cat who had waited lifetimes for affection.
"You're hopeless," Crow muttered.
She smiled, eyes closed. "But I'm your hopeless."