The Sovereign War (2)

The sun rose slowly, shining across a sky that looked broken. The clouds were torn and colored strange shades of purple and gold like bruises. 

The platform near the Third Gate looked like a sharp rock sticking out from the world, and it gave off a weak, tired energy. 

Below them, the sea no longer spun wildly but now moved slowly in quiet waves like it had taken a deep breath and was holding it. The air didn't smell like salt anymore; it smelled strange like lightning and an old forgotten dream.

Ning Que was on his knees at the edge of the platform. The wind pulled at his coat like angry hands. His face looked tired in a deep way, like the tiredness lived in his bones. He didn't look at the sun or the sea. He only looked at the person lying beside him.

Mireya was there, not moving very quietly. Her body wasn't fading as fast anymore, but it still blinked in and out like a weak light. Parts of her skin looked clear like glass, glowing faintly.