Rain continued to fall over Yggdrasil.
The storm had lasted for days.
Gray clouds covered the mountain.
The city felt colder.
Heavier.
As if everyone was waiting for something terrible to happen.
---
Kai stood on a balcony overlooking the streets below.
Even from here he could see the tension.
Merchants packed up earlier than usual.
Guards traveled in larger groups.
Citizens avoided empty alleys.
---
Fear was becoming normal.
---
The door behind him opened.
---
Akshay stepped outside.
---
The king looked exhausted.
Again.
---
Kai was beginning to think the man simply never slept.
---
"Couldn't sleep?"
Akshay asked.
---
Kai shook his head.
---
"You?"
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Akshay laughed.
---
A tired laugh.
---
"Not for three days."
---
The two stood silently for a while.
Watching the city.
---
Eventually Kai spoke.
---
"Do you think you'll find them?"
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Akshay didn't answer immediately.
---
Instead he stared toward the distant districts.
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"I don't know."
---