I wiped the last of my tears away before letting out a slow breath.
Golden light gathered beside me as Exodus returned to my hand. The familiar weight settled comfortably in my grip, almost as if the sword itself had been waiting for me to come back.
"...Welcome back."
The voice beside me made me smile.
I turned just in time to watch the black flames surrounding Zeref slowly fade into countless crimson embers. The dark aura disappeared together with the demonic armor until only the familiar red robe remained, swaying gently around him. He stretched one arm before spinning his staff through his fingers with practiced ease, the movement so natural that it almost made me laugh.
"It suits you better," I admitted, unable to hide the smile on my face.
"I was thinking the same thing." Zeref rested the staff over one shoulder before looking at me from head to toe. His smile softened the moment his eyes met mine. "And it's good to have you back too."
Something warm settled in my chest.
