The skies were quiet now.
A fragile kind of silence that lingered in the wake of horror.
Achilles stood on the radiant land of the Vessel of Adrastia, his gaze lost in the sweeping clouds beyond. The echoes of battle still played within his mind- the exploding phoenixes, the devastated seas, the look in Atlana's eyes as she stood behind them now.
Had he become overconfident?
Had the weight of power dulled his caution?
He clenched his fist at the thought, his eyes narrowing.
A voice broke the silence beside him.
"What are you thinking about?" Rose asked, her figure hugging him from behind, her tone casual.
Achilles did not answer immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet.
"I'm thinking… about how power can possibly obscure one's gaze. How strength could make someone feel invincible. And when that happens, mistakes follow."
Rose smiled.
