The tension was thick in the air, and Malvoria knew it. Knew it because every time Elysia looked at her, something flickered in those violet eyes—something she wasn't sure even Elysia herself had fully acknowledged yet. And it amused Malvoria to no end.
As they left the glowing crystal caves behind, stepping back into the open wilderness of the mountain, Malvoria allowed herself the smallest, most fleeting of smiles. The experience had been… satisfying.
Watching Elysia's expression shift from awe to wonder, seeing her touch the crystals with such reverence, and the way she had turned to Malvoria, just for a second, with something close to gratitude—well, it made the effort worth it.
But of course, she wasn't about to say that out loud.
The fresh mountain air was crisp against her skin, the sky a perfect shade of cerulean stretching endlessly above them. The wind carried the scent of pine and damp earth, ruffling the leaves in a soft whisper.
