Chapter 61 - 60 - A Nobleman’s Bargain
The vortex reached its peak.
The wind roared with wild elegance, forming perfect spirals in the air. Droplets of water shimmered like shards of glass beneath the sunlight, spinning in a mesmerizing orbit, as if the universe itself was paying tribute. Streaks of lightning flickered in and out among the vortex, like silver threads weaving softly around the little girl.
And then, as if someone had pressed an invisible switch—everything slowly began to fade.
The spiraling wind lost its strength.
The glimmering droplets lost their form and began falling one by one to the earth, creating soft patters like the first hint of rain.
The static in the air dissolved into faint traces of light, then vanished entirely.
Silence returned.
And in the center of it all—Mira.
The small figure remained seated cross-legged, but her shoulders began to sway. Her head drooped forward like a flower wearied by the storm. Her breaths came in short gasps, chest rising and falling heavily. Sweat beaded along her temples and chin, dripping silently between strands of hair clinging to her pale skin. Her eyelids never opened—and at last, she slowly collapsed forward, falling asleep atop the grass.
Riven moved at once.
Without a second thought, he darted toward her, his knees hitting the ground with a thud he didn’t register. He caught her gently, cradling her in his lap. His hands trembled slightly as he touched her sweat-dampened face.
"Mira...!" he whispered, voice thick with panic and desperate affection.