Thomas stepped out of the car. His blazer slightly neater than usual. His hair trimmed and shirt tucked in. He almost looked like a respectable civilian instead of a fringe scientist known for playing with dangerous forces.
After the destruction of the last Magic experiment, he had done surprisingly well. The military kept him on payroll—probably out of guilt, leverage, or both—under the vague title of "consultant." With no real job to do, he gave input on other projects and avoided causing trouble.
In short, he was thriving quietly, doing his best impression of a normal man.
But Conrad… Conrad hadn't changed.
The former soldier stood with a hollow look in his eyes, shoulders still broad and posture straight, but something about him felt like it was carved out of grief.
No money or distraction could fill the void Magic had left in him. And it wasn't just Magic he had lost, it was her. Elis. The Elf who'd changed everything for him.
