The first rays of dawn kissed Royce's eyelids, a gentle nudge to awaken. Her hand instinctively reached out, seeking the warmth of Apollo's body beside her. But the space was empty, a chilling void where his presence had been. A wave of disappointment washed over her as she sat up, the realization dawning upon her…that he was gone.
Royce closed her eyes, her mind reaching out, seeking the remnants of the Sigma’s energy. A vivid image appeared, a snapshot of the moments before his departure: Apollo, his silhouette etched against the morning light, his gaze fixed upon her, his expression a mixture of gentleness and longing. He had watched her sleep, a tender smile playing on his lips. A soft telepathic message, a farewell, a promise. "I will not be here when you wake. Only because I know th
