"Time means very little for us. You've dallied about for centuries."

Coira hops down from the railing, coming closer to the couple.

"What happened to our son?"

Ruin's body stiffens. "I don't know. I don't much care, either."

Slowly, cruelly, she smiles. "You are a terrible liar. You always have been." Coira leans up and presses a lingering kiss to Ruin's lips, then steps back, smirking at Mary Anne. "It's been a pleasure to meet you, and perhaps we can... chat again sometime."

Coira walks from the balcony, disappearing into the castle, her footsteps vanishing after only half a dozen. Only when the sound of the ocean rushes into his ears does Ruin exhale a ragged breath.