As they climbed the mountain, their conversation flowed naturally, touching on everything they had missed during the years apart. Memories, regrets, small joys, and grand frustrations spilled between them as though they were trying to compress all the lost time into this single moment. For both Lilith and Gabriel, it was a rare chance to talk freely, without the weight of walls or the prying eyes of the palace.
The path grew steeper, but the beauty surrounding them seemed to lift the strain from their legs. Baby dragons darted through the air, their delicate, shimmering wings catching the sunlight as they soared past. Some glided low, weaving playfully between the towering trees and glowing mushrooms that framed the trail. Their soft, musical cries added a layer of magic to the scene, leaving traces of light in their wake like fleeting streaks of stardust.
From the distant city below, the faint sound of bardic melodies carried on the wind. The music reached them in soft waves, blending seamlessly with the natural hum of the mountain and the occasional rustle of leaves. It wasn't loud enough to interrupt their conversation but gave the climb a quiet, almost surreal magnificence.
Gabriel slowed his pace for a moment, turning to take in the extraordinary view with a deep breath. "You know," he said, "it's strange how beautiful this place is. I've missed it... and you." His gaze softened as he looked at Lilith.
Lilith glanced at him, her features unreadable for a moment, but then she smiled faintly. "You're getting sentimental on me," she teased, though her voice was lighter now, the anger from earlier slowly dissipating into the calm of the mountain.
They reached the end of the path, stepping onto the edge of a cliff that overlooked the breathtaking scene ahead. The trail had wound its way up a lower mountain, but now the true peak of their destination stood before them—majestic, towering, and impossibly grand.
Connecting the lower mountain to the larger peak was a wooden bridge, stretching across the gap with elegant simplicity. Its beams were worn but sturdy, blending perfectly into the natural beauty of the surroundings. Beneath the bridge, the mist swirled lazily, catching glimmers of light that cascaded down from the glowing sky above. The view was like something out of a dream—endless horizons, shimmering waterfalls, and floating islands scattered like jewels across the vast expanse.
Lilith paused, her gaze sweeping over the landscape. The cool breeze brushed against her face, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and the magic that seemed to hum in the air. It was a sight she had seen countless times before, but it never failed to take her breath away.
Gabriel stood beside her, silent for a moment, his white hair glowing faintly in the light. He rested his hand on the railing of the bridge, letting his eyes wander across the scene before them. "It really is something, isn't it?" he said quietly, as though speaking too loudly would disturb the perfection of the moment.
Lilith nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Every time. It doesn't change."
Crossing the wooden bridge, Lilith and Gabriel finally reached the peak of the towering mountain. The climb had been long and tiring, nearly taking the entire day, but Lilith could feel the tension in her chest loosening with every step. Now, standing on the mountaintop, a quiet calm washed over her.
The view was nothing short of extraordinary. From here, they could see the entirety of the Sky Reign stretching out below them. The city lay like a glowing tapestry, its radiant towers and bridges shimmering in the fading light. Even the royal palace stood out among the landscape, its spires catching the last golden rays of the setting sun.
Above them, the clouds hung low, their edges tinged with orange and pink as the sun dipped closer to the horizon. Floating islands drifted lazily nearby, their surfaces dotted with luminescent foliage that added to the ethereal beauty of the scene. The mountain's peak felt close enough to touch the heavens, as if this was the meeting place between earth and sky.
Lilith stood near the edge, her dark hair shifting with the breeze as she gazed out at the landscape. The beauty of the sunset and the serenity of the mountaintop worked together to quiet her mind. For the first time since her confrontation with Azareon, her anger seemed distant, replaced by a sense of clarity she couldn't quite explain.
Gabriel joined her, his expression thoughtful as he admired the view beside her. "It's amazing, isn't it?" he said softly, his white hair catching the soft glow of the sun.
Lilith nodded, letting out a quiet breath. "Every time I come here, it feels like the rest of the world just... disappears."
They lay on the soft grass, gazing out at the extraordinary view. The golden hues of the sunset painted the landscape in warm tones, the floating islands casting gentle shadows over the clouds. A serene calmness surrounded them, but Gabriel's mind was far from at ease.
"What will you do now, Lilith?" he asked, his voice low but tinged with worry.
Lilith turned her head to look at him, her expression resolute, her eyes unwavering. "I'll do what I have to do, even if I have to fight him," she said simply, a small, determined smile playing on her lips.
Gabriel sighed deeply, shaking his head as he sat up from the grass. "You know it won't work, right? He's the most powerful being here. You'll get seriously injured." His voice carried the weight of his concern, but there was also a hint of frustration. He stood, brushing bits of grass off his jacket. "Come with me, Lilith. I promise you'll live a peaceful life. Leave it all behind."
Lilith sat up as well, her gaze softening as she leaned her head sideways against his shoulder. "Even if I do, he'll find a way to track me. And I don't want to drag you into this mess. Don't worry about me," she said firmly, her tone laced with quiet resolve. She lifted her head to meet his gaze, her expression serious. "Let's not talk about it anymore. Just enjoy the view."