The room hadn't changed.
The lights glowed at the same steady intensity. The glass walls still reflected the three of them. Yet, the air felt heavier.
Airi sat with her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her gaze was empty. Too many thoughts were moving behind her eyes, colliding, refusing to take shape.
Across from her, Zeyn wasn't leaning back in his chair. He sat slightly forward, fists clenched.
"Now you know." Chana lifted his teacup. "This world has already ended. And your mother has been carrying its weight alone."
Silence fell.
"I couldn't stand by and let her suffer forever," his voice lowered. "My plan was simple. End everything within a few years. But…" He paused. "Developing weapons to fight astral beings isn't as easy as it sounds."
No one answered.
Airi swallowed. Her fingers trembled.
"That… can't be true." Her voice cracked before it could grow loud. "You're lying. You have to be."
She stood up without realizing it.
