Black Morass her body

irene hesitated, her emerald gaze flickering between the altar and ione. the reverend mother’s words stirred something within her, a faint hum of possibility she hadn’t allowed herself to acknowledge before. yet, the weight of them also felt heavy, as though they carried expectations she wasn’t sure she could meet.

slowly, she stepped forward, her movements careful, deliberate. she approached the altar with a quiet reverence, feeling the cool air shift around her as she drew closer. her gaze lingered on the jagged edges of the stone, tracing the places where water had smoothed its surface, as if imagining the stories it could tell.

she glanced back at ione, a flicker of determination cutting through the uncertainty in her eyes. if solentia demands strength, then i’ll find it. if she demands clarity, i’ll search for it. i came here to see what i’m capable of... and maybe this is part of it.

turning back to the altar, irene let her palm press gently against the cool stone, feeling its roughness against her pads. she closed her eyes briefly, allowing the stillness of the moment to settle over her. when she spoke again, her voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried an edge of resolve.

i’ll rise.