A wildfire of fury and desperation tore through Asahi. His hands shook. He hoisted the Orb of Immortality, then smashed it against the stone, shattering it in grief. This pain, far worse than hopelessness, became dread—the terror of losing everyone he loved.
As the Orb shattered, Asahi gripped a reckless hope that he could bend fate. The cavern heaved with thunderous tremors—a flash split the air. Shadows writhed. Icy terror climbed his spine, wringing his heart.
(BOOM)
Volcanic rage. Aletha, his sister and only anchor, had trusted him completely.
But when Asahi admitted his truth, his words came out sharp and selfish, leaving Aletha's eyes crushed and wounded.
Twisting inside him, guilt and shame cut like a knife—sharp, unyielding, constant. Each new stab reminded him of her disappointment.
Telos, once his comrade, laughed with him beneath Linuxinia's endless stars. Together, they whispered hopes to each other during the long, quiet nights.
