Beyond the Darkness (Part II)

I stood perfectly still, the heavy door now sealed tightly behind Daena, the echoes of her footsteps fading slowly into silence. Yet the warmth of her presence lingered stubbornly in the chamber, wrapping around me like a ghost, gentle yet relentless, whispering of home, safety, and love. Each heartbeat felt painfully loud, each breath strained beneath the oppressive weight of my choices.

"You did what was necessary," I whispered fiercely to myself, my voice trembling despite my effort at conviction. But the words rang hollow, failing to quiet the storm of emotions surging through my chest.

[Are you really sure about that?] the system murmured softly, its tone unusually gentle, sensing my fragile state. [Because you seem anything but certain.]

I clenched my fists tightly, nails digging painfully into my palms, welcoming the distraction of physical pain. "I can't let her get hurt because of me. Azael will destroy her if she stays."