The sky above Ebonreach was a tapestry of obsidian and starlight. From the castle rooftop, the world below seemed distant—muted beneath the watchful silver eye of the moon. The chill of night carried the scent of stone, ash, and frostvine blooming in the gardens far below.
Sofia lay beside Quinn on the cold stone, arms folded behind her head. He mirrored her, staring into the stars as if searching for answers.
"Do you think the Hollowborn ever look at the stars?" he asked after a long silence.
"No," she replied without hesitation. "They're too busy devouring what's beneath them. Monsters don't dream."
"But we do," he murmured, voice barely more than a breath.
She turned her head toward him, her expression unreadable. "Quinn... I need to tell you something."
He sat up quickly, sensing the shift in her voice. "What is it?"
She hesitated, then spoke. "Tomorrow, I leave the city."
The words hit like a blow to the chest.
"For how long?" he asked, his voice strained.
"Two years," she said. "I've been chosen for elite field training beyond the walls. It's dangerous. But I need to go."
"I can come with you," he said quickly, rising to his knees. "I've been training, I'm ready—"
"No," she said gently, yet firmly. "You're strong, but not ready. There's more for you to learn here."
His hands clenched at his sides. "But I'll fall behind."
She pulled him into a tight embrace. "No. You'll rise. Because every day I'm out there, facing monsters, I'll be thinking of you. So promise me—keep training. Grow stronger. Become someone I'll be proud to stand beside when I return."
Quinn pressed his forehead to hers, eyes stinging. "I promise."
Then he rested his head against her chest, trying to be brave. But a single tear slid down his cheek, soaking silently into her tunic.
Sofia held him tighter.
And under the stars that night, two souls—young, fierce, and bound by more than friendship—made a vow. Not just of strength. But of love. And of a future worth surviving for.