The Day Of Awakening!

Raymond saw the worry in her eyes and, without hesitation, reached out and took her hand.

His voice was steady, reassuring. "It's okay. I'll go with you tomorrow."

Arya looked up at him, her uncertainty meeting his unwavering confidence.

A moment later, she nodded firmly, squeezing his hand back.

"Yes!"

Tomorrow, her fate would be decided.

And Raymond would be right there beside her.

The next morning, before the first rays of sunlight had fully warmed the streets, Raymond found himself skipping his usual morning exercises.

He had barely stepped out of his room when he noticed Arya already waiting outside, her posture stiff with anticipation. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, yet deep shadows beneath them betrayed a sleepless night.

Raymond frowned. "Arya, you didn't sleep, did you?"

She rubbed her red-rimmed eyes, offering him a small, sheepish smile. "I did! ...A little. Right before dawn. But then I woke up again and couldn't go back to sleep."