I stared at the words I'd written on the wall. THEN I CHOOSE TO KEEP FIGHTING.
The defiance felt hollow without a voice to speak it. Without a howl to proclaim it. Just charcoal on stone. Silent and small.
Astro moved closer. I could feel his presence beside me, solid and warm in the cold chamber. He'd stayed with me for three days while I burned. Had tried to help even though it damaged his own hands.
"Haven." His voice was soft. "Look at me."
I turned to face him. His silver eyes were intense, searching my face for something.
"The voice is gone. That's true. But there are other ways to communicate." He held out his hand, palm up. "Other ways to be heard."
I looked at his hand, not understanding.
"Trust me." His expression was serious. Almost desperate. "Please. Just trust me."
I placed my hand in his.
