While Aether was busy teasing Stella, who was acting all needy and shy… he just couldn't help himself from taking it even further. Her reactions were too cute, too tempting. Meanwhile, far away, near the teleportation station of the Aurora Empire—
Step...Step...Step...
Finnian, with heavy, dragging steps, walked slowly toward the entrance, looking like a man heading to his own execution. His eyes were half-lidded, his shoulders drooped, and his breath was shaky. Today… he was finally ready to leave this Empire once and for all.
The people working there paused in their tasks, almost holding their breath. Their eyes silently followed him as he raised his foot to step on the first stair leading to the portal when—
Turn!
"Not again!!" the people groaned in unison, their faces full of frustration, watching Finnian dramatically stop, pivot around, and once again walk back exactly 20 steps before pausing.
Again?
Yes. He had been doing this since last night. Literally. All. Night.
