Chapter 22: The agreement I
Hael returned to Anthanasia's dwelling that evening, but since it was already late, he decided to wait until the morning to greet the huntress.
As he entered his room, he noticed Loki still awake, perched on the windowsill, staring up at the night sky. "Loki," Hael called.
The bird immediately turned, spotting his friend after days of absence. "Hael!" Loki exclaimed, flapping his wings and flying toward him. Hael caught the bird in his arms and gently stroked his head, realizing only then how much he'd missed the creature.
"Where have you been? I've been so worried!" Loki cried.
Hael's expression softened. "Sorry for not returning sooner. I didn't realize how much time had passed."
Loki pulled back, his eyes full of confusion.
"What were you doing all this time? Anthanasia thought you were still with the King?"
Hael's face softened even further, a look that surprised Loki. It was the first time he'd seen such an expression on his friend.
"I was with the King. We talked the entire time," he said.
"The entire time?! Just talking?" Loki exclaimed.
Hael nodded. "We'd take strolls during the day, talking about everything and nothing."