When Avaawoke, it was dark. She felt dizzy. She opened her eyes to find herself in his arms, his warm, even breath stroking the nape of her neck.

She took Jeorge Milton's hand and perched on the windowsill, stunned.

Jeorge Milton awoke with his hands on his side. It was void.

He squinted again, scanning his surroundings. Then he saw she was on the balcony. Her long hair was swaying in the breeze...

The doorbell interrupted his reading, sending tremors through his emotions.

Then Avaturned back and saw Jeorge Milton had awoken.

She approached the door silently, and when she peeked through the wall and saw Goden Bran's face, she...