Altar of Twilight You believe me like a god

Aureli's tail whisked in satisfaction. He doubted the boy would change his mind, but a few days to solidify the idea would be good for him. He would have little time to think while he adjusted to his training.

"I will depart at once, then," he said to the pair, nodding to Leto in acknowledgement. He turned back to Delos with a swell of sentiment in his chest. The boy was still skinny, still just a little sickly — but still bright and promising in the physician's eyes. He had a sudden insight, wondering to himself if Ulysses had seen him in just the same way.

The idea suffused him with warmth, and he felt a pang of sadness and grief for the man. He hoped that he and Delos would have more time together, and that he would be able to see him, one day, as an accomplished healer in his own right.

"Gather your strength," he advised the boy, a promise in his voice. "I will see you in a few days' time."

And then he turned to depart.

He would notice much later on that Moke had not departed from them at his side.