Way

He sat cross-legged, his palms resting on his knees as he meditated in the early morning hours. The storm in the Elysian had calmed, but folded clouds still charged the air with an electric tension. He sensed Ariha's presence before she even spoke, her silvery burning hair illuminating the dimly lit surroundings.

"Are you prepared?" she asked, her voice cutting through the silence.

He opened his eyes and met her piercing gaze. "I am," he affirmed, his voice steady and confident. All the cooking and runesmithing had done great work to recalibrate his mind from the chaotic thoughts.

But Ariha shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she studied him intently.

"Close your eyes and sit with your palm on your heart," she instructed.

He did as she asked, his rough, calloused hand resting over his chest. He could feel the steady thump of his heartbeat beneath his fingertips.