The sun hung low in the skies above the Magnus estate, casting long shadows over its winding marble paths and skybound gardens. After answering every question thrown his way by his family—his abrupt disappearance, the mysterious spatial rift, the journey across galaxies, and his battles beside Valeris and Veyra—Asher finally asked for something of his own.
Quiet time.
Not to rest.
But to return to the place he truly called home.
The old outer mansion, perched near the edge of the estate grounds, was still there. Not touched by renovations or noble vanity. A wide garden sprawled around it, half-wild, half-tended. And in its heart stood the one person he had missed more than anyone else.
Emily.
She was kneeling by a flowering bush, pruning crimson blossoms with gentle care. The wind rustled her long silver-fox tail, and her ears twitched faintly before she even heard his footsteps.
"Asher…" she whispered before she'd even turned.
He didn't say anything.
He just walked forward.
