His voice rose to the heavens above, resonating deeply within the dappled woman. She listened, breath held, as his song echoed around them.

It was beautiful. Serene.

She leaned back from the giant of a man, meeting his gaze. Never had she felt so connected as she did in that moment, so grounded, so reassured.

A brilliant smile broke across Devika’s face, tears still spilling from her joy-filled eyes.

Duskbreaker.

His face, his voice, his name, his presence, imprinted upon her heart.

For once, she did not feel so lost, and she was ever so grateful.

She didn’t know how to express such gratitude, for she had never felt it before. How could she repay him for this kindness? Did he know the depth to which he had touched her life? Did this moment hold the same significance for him?

She hoped so.

Leaning forward, she pressed her forehead to his, eyes closing as she collected herself, letting herself bask in this otherworldly connection.

To think the stars, her only companions, knew her now… She couldn’t even put into thought what that meant.

So she let it settle, focusing on this moment of warmth and familiarity, letting it fill the empty spaces within her, if only for now.