章 277: Unexpected Guest

Time seemed to slip away in a blur, the swift passage of moments blurring into one another until dawn gracefully cast its golden hues upon the horizon. With the first rays of light, Aliyah sprang lithely from the perch of a sturdy tree, her senses keenly attuned to the figure before her—Raphael.

There was an enigmatic air about him, his countenance devoid of any discernible emotion. After a fleeting pause that seemed to stretch into eternity, Aliyah's voice broke the silence.

"Are you ready?" she inquired, her words hanging in the air, laden with anticipation.

The lack of response from Raphael only deepened the intrigue. His gaze remained fixed upon her, an impenetrable mask concealing his thoughts. Yet, despite his silence, he took a deliberate step forward, his movements imbued with purpose.