"You don't have to decide right now," Rex said while lying back down on the grass and folding his hands behind his head. His tone was lighter now, almost teasing.
"Take a minute. Think it through. It's not every day someone tells you to overthrow your own empire and start from scratch, after all."
Despite herself, Lilla let out a faint, shaky laugh at his words. Her chest still felt heavy with doubt, but a tiny spark of hope had ignited within her. Maybe, just maybe, there was a path forward, one she hadn't seen before.
Ys, who had remained silent throughout the conversation, gently rested a hand on Lilla's shoulder, her emerald eyes warm and understanding. "Whatever path you choose, Lilla," she said softly. "You can count on me."
The reassurance made Lilla's lips tremble, and she blinked back fresh tears. For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't feel entirely lost.