The sundial pulsed with a bright hue before dimming slightly, returning to its normal state, though it still possessed an ethereal, otherworldly aura.
The moment their presence vanished, Ilse collapsed to her knees, exhaling heavily. She never imagined encountering a situation so absurd it would topple everything she'd experienced in her countless lifetimes. She closed her eyes, trying to take it all in.
Slowly, she regained her composure, opened her eyes and stared at Orion, who now stood before her.
"Are you okay?" Orion asked, his voice tinged with concern as he noticed her condition.
"I'm fine," Ilse responded with a nod as she straightened her back and stood up. She couldn't help but look at Orion with a complicated gaze.
