The Death of his Luna

r now, thick with the sense that things were changing, shifting beneath my feet. Each step felt like a decision, a co

my thoughts. The weight of what Kael had asked me to do sat like a stone in my stomach. Spy

red, their voices low and murmuring amongst themselves. They seemed unaware of the danger looming overhead, of the trai

, his arms crossed, his gaze flicking over the others. His posture was relaxed, but the tensi

"Elira. Thought you'd be hiding in

I replied, forcing a small smile. "How

ust going to slip up and say, 'I'm the traitor'? Doesn't work that way. They're too c

n't ease. "You're right. I just can't shake

row furrowed, his express

e looking over my shoulder, making sure I don't slip up. And it'

n me. He could see the doubt creeping into my eyes, the dou

, confuse

words more than hear them. "You're carrying the same weight he is. The burden of

der. I'm just trying to survive

n't have to wear the title to lead, Elira. You already do it

blunt, but there was something in his voice that made

miliar voice called out from

an I have

ked every bit the leader he was, even if his face was more worn than usual. There was something in his e

d, excusing myself

pressure of his presence. Despite everything, I couldn't ignore the connection between u

I followed him down the narrow corridor, the silence between us stretching uncomf

ce low, urgent. "The traitor is still out th

my voice steady. "But you don't have to tell me tha

aid, his gaze firm. "I know this isn't easy for you. Hell, I k

idn't want to feel the weight of it all on my shoulders. But Kael was right. This wasn't just ab

ured. "I'll do w

epped closer, his presence overwhelming. "I'm

atch. But I pushed it down, focusing on the

ting for something or if he was just lost in his own thoughts. But I could feel the tension b

ost imperceptible shift in his deme

I replie

t. Doubt. Fear. The weight of his words hung heavy on my ches

ower, and about survival. I had no idea who the traitor was, or if they'd alrea