brief separation

Kaine came to pick the pair up from the cottage that afternoon and drove them through the evening back to Veridion. According to Kaine, Darion had to stay home to prepare for Asuriel's 'extended stay,' which she had never agreed to.

Vaerion had his laptop out and was working while they drove back, so his presence was also unimposing. Sensing the somber atmosphere and likely having heard the events from Vaerion, Kaine remained quiet throughout the ride – for which Asuriel was grateful. She wanted a bit of time to collect herself before they returned.

Asuriel spent the first few hours in silent deliberation, contemplating her future and how she would proceed. Everything seemed so hopeless. She couldn't help but feel that dying alongside Elara wouldn't have been so bad…

It overwhelmed and exhausted her; before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.

—