The sun had dipped low over Rinascita casting long shadows across the rocky landscape. The air smelled faintly of rain, though the sky was stubbornly clear. You leaned against the cold stone, letting the rough texture ground you after a long, exhausting mission.
It wasn't your best day β mistakes, close calls, too many what-ifs swirling in your mind.
You didn't notice Zani until she was suddenly beside you, her presence as quiet and steady as ever. No dramatic entrance, no unnecessary words. Just there.
You blinked at her. "You move too quietly, you know that?"
She just gave a faint nod, not quite smiling but not entirely serious either. Her eyes, dark and sharp, lingered on you for a second longer than usual before drifting to the horizon.
"You did well," she said after a moment, voice low and sure.