"And I you," Hild replied warmly. Nightmares no longer troubled her, not from that dark other version of Darrow, but she still remembered how he had saved her. How gentle and caring he had been when she silently clung to him once that nightmare city had faded.

She felt a sudden pang in her heart for the loss of him, but it was only a part of their relationship, not the whole. Leaning in on impulse, Hild pressed a kiss to his cheek. When she pulled back, it was with a bright smile.

"It was meant to be, and I am happy for it."