Nova Peak Powinch

the words feel like a blow, the cold reality settling like ice. she blinks hard, eyes burning, but she forces herself to stay composed. she cannot let the tears fall—not now, not when she needs to be strong for kaldros.

her voice is a whisper, barely audible, but there’s a strength in it, one that even surprises her. i... knew this would happen.

a tremor passes through her, but she stifles the cry that threatens to escape. her heart aches with a deep, hollow pain, but she swallows it down. the weight of it is too much, too much to bear, but she pushes it down, keeps her breath steady.

thank you for telling me, ayovi. her voice cracks only slightly, but she doesn’t look away. who else knows?