They had all been searching, and nobody had come. Erato sobbed with despair and relief, clinging so tightly even though his arms felt safe and strong. She had been longing for this for so long, so long-
The cool air on her skin made her shiver, dressed only in her threadbare underwear and flimsy gown, without the starchy scratch of the straightjacket to break the wind. Asterion was warm and solid though. And the pure relief of freedom! To feel real air again was bliss.