The hustle and bustle of Oakvale faded behind them.

Dustin didn't leave immediately. On a night when the moon hung clear and bright, he appeared without warning in the courtyard of Grace's private residence outside the palace. A few dishes sat on the stone table beside a bottle of wine.

Dressing in a simple, elegant casual dress, she sat alone and drank under the moonlight. When she saw him, she didn't seem surprised. Instead, she smiled and gestured to the stone bench across from her, as if she'd known he'd come to say goodbye.

"Leaving already?" she asked casually, filling a glass for him.

Dustin sat and took the glass, letting the smooth warmth of it settle in his hand, and nodded.

"Yes. My business here is done," he replied.

Grace raised her glass and spoke earnestly. "I truly owe you my thanks. Without you, I wouldn't have even made it to Elysium Isle, let alone obtained the immortal essence tablet to save my father."

He clinked his glass lightly against hers, the crisp r