The Path to Nothingness

The chamber was deathly quiet, save for the faint hum of the golden beacon. Liora's bowed form remained motionless, her apology still lingering in the air like an unexpected storm cloud.

Thane's grip on his claymore tightened as his crimson eyes narrowed. His gaze darted between Liora and Kaelen, searching for any sign of deception. Kaelen, leaning heavily against Thane for support, looked equally stunned, his breath uneven as he stared at the princess.

It was Kaelen who broke the silence.

"What are you sorry for?"

His voice was soft, yet the words carried an undeniable weight. It was a question that seemed almost absurd—Kaelen likely knew the answer already. And yet, he asked. Perhaps out of exhaustion, or perhaps because he needed to hear it directly from her lips.

Liora straightened slightly, though her eyes did not meet theirs. She hesitated, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as though bracing herself for what she was about to say.