The air in Vera's bedroom felt heavy, charged with the weight of an ending no one wanted to name.
Syn stood before a long mirror, his fingers fumbling with the buttons of his old Kingdom soldier's uniform.
The olive fabric clung to his shoulders, he looked like what he was a few month ago. But only this time, he was on the other side.
Aster paced the room, her blonde ponytail swaying with each restless step. Her teal eyes darted between Syn and the floor, as if memorizing him might keep him here.
"This is a mistake," she said breaking the uncomfortable silence, her voice sharp but trembling at the edges. "You should not go, this is like walking into a blackhole, suicidal."
Syn's hands paused, his hazel gaze meeting hers in the mirror's reflection. "It's not a mistake Aster," he said, firm but gentle. "I have to do this, now, before it's too late."
Pako, sprawled across the bed with her tan legs dangling, clutched a crumpled piece of paper—the contract she'd made him sign.
