“Yes, thank you. I’m sure he is, Voltaire.” Aurora patted his hand. “Well, we should board the other one, I suppose.” Aurora boarded the vessel and when Voltaire went to pass her, she reached out to him. “Do please sit here. I-I’d like some company.”
“Your concern does you justice. Older sister, I take it?” Voltaire sat carefully beside her.
“Yes. I love my brother very much. He can be exasperating and forgetful, but…but he’s my baby brother.” When Voltaire’s arm came around her shoulders, Aurora didn’t push him away. Instead she leaned into him, soaking up the support he offered. 9
The vessel clicked its way through city streets, but Aurora quickly realised that while the city looked beautiful and immaculate, it was also deserted. Not once did she catch so much as a glimpse of man, woman or child.
“It’s a singular city that’s devoid of denizens, don’t you think?” Voltaire’s breath was warm on Aurora’s cheek as he whispered in her ear.