Death

Esteria and El-Kharis stood together by the window, a moment of rare peace between them as the silence hung in the air. The moonlight reflected off the polished floors, casting a soft, silver glow around the room. Despite the weight of the situation, a sense of intimacy settled between them, as if the world outside could cease to exist for just a fleeting moment.

Esteria leaned against the window, feeling the cool breeze brush against her face. El-Kharis stood beside her, his presence so overwhelming yet comforting, like a mountain that could not be moved. She turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of his profile—the sharp angles of his face softened in the gentle glow of the moon.

"El..." she whispered, her voice still laced with the remnants of fear. "What if I can't do this? What if I can't protect myself from him?"