There was a bitter smile on Val's face. "I may be immortal, but that does not make me unbound by time", he then said. "Time passes and things change... And they must end", he added, his voice low.

Adrien looked down at his feet. For more than one reason, he felt like he wanted to cry.

"Thank you for listening", he heard Val's voice whisper.

Adrien nodded, but said nothing in response. He looked at the path in front of him; far away, he could see the tower - its windows reflecting the setting sunlight, its rooves glowing against the sky.