The wind changed again. It carried a sharper bite this time.
Tsukihana's nose wrinkled as she let out a small squeak, shifting under the blanket against his chest, while Aurelia moved slightly in her sleep, brushing the edge of his collar with her tiny hands. Velmina, though, didn't make a sound or noise even once.
The overlook had gone silent. The citadel operated continuously in the depths below. The sound of hammers echoed from the forge yard at a distant location. A person in the distance gave commands, but no sound reached this location.
Yumiko stepped forward.
"It's time..."
Asmodeus didn't move.
Yuina approached as well. She held out her arms, not rushing him. Her voice was soft, a tone she rarely used around anyone but her daughters.
"We'll be back. Once things are ready here."
He looked down at them again. Three girls, barely more than swaddled warmth, a few hours ago. Now they felt like something he couldn't hold long enough.
