"So… when will you be coming back?" Katherine asked as the three women stood together to see Cassian off at one of the exits of the Beacon of Knowledge.
"Not sure…" Cassian replied, his tone slightly lowered as he looked away for a moment. "Could be months… maybe even a year."
"Try to come back as early as you can," Lucy said with a gentle smile, her hand lifting to brush through his hair in a soft, familiar gesture.
"I'll try," Cassian answered, giving a small nod as he climbed onto the horse.
They had already said their real goodbyes back in the room—lingering moments, close embraces, holding onto each other just a little longer, until there was nothing left unsaid between them.
But the hunger for more was still there—stronger than ever in Katherine. She absentmindedly stroked the little kitten in her arms, her gaze lingering on Cassian as she spoke.
