The portal opened a few steps from the Guild of Information.
Kiara stepped forward, her heart pounding so hard that for a moment she thought she might not be able to stand. The air outside Arkala felt different—free, alive, real.
Before her, the facade of the guild rose as always, noisy and cheerful, with people coming and going, engrossed in their conversations… After all, to everyone, that place was just a tavern.
And then she saw him.
Barto was walking towards the entrance, his brow slightly furrowed, lost in thought. He looked like someone who hadn’t slept well in weeks. Thinner. More serious. More hurt.
Kiara felt something inside her chest break… and rebuild at the same time.
“Barto…” she whispered, barely a whisper.
He lifted his head.
And he stood still.
The world disappea
