My eyes caught a figure standing on the terrace. Elijah stood tall with his back to me. A bag was slung over his shoulder, and he wore a cap.

The guards stood guard over him in a tight formation. As soon as I saw him, I ran toward him.

"My king?" I called out cautiously.

Elijah turned, his gaze meeting mine almost unblinkingly. His face looked fine—no wounds, no signs of harm. The moment our eyes met, he smiled at me.

"Delilah..."

"Thank the moon goddess, you're all right, King Elijah."

"I'm sorry... I must have worried you, didn't I?"

We embraced. Relief washed over me now that I was...