The wind swirled and danced, whistling through the grass that tickled Adrestia’s skin as the sun washed her body in a yellow-gold warmth. 

“Pup, your mother is looking for you.”

“I know. I just wanted more time outside. It’s nice out here.”

Bryce groaned as he lowered himself to the ground beside Adrestia. “It is. Reminds me of when you and your brother were younger. You tormented your brother the second you had a sword in your hand.”

Laughter bubbled between the two. 

“He should have learned to block better.”

Adrestia hadn’t noticed it then, how the grey had crept into his beard, and in his temples. How when they had gotten up, he was slower. She wished she had noticed it then. But what difference would it have made? They were gone. And she was still here. Cursed. Her blood contained black goo that would one day kill her. All for the idea of being a hero.