the rain

Several days had passed since Vaerion left for Ardent Crest, and he wasn't due back for another day. Kaine and Darion looked after Asuriel diligently from the shadows, but she hadn't personally called on them for anything.

She politely declined when they offered to help or keep her company, which made them proceed with a more hands-off approach.

Asuriel had resumed work at the Lounge, picking up so many shifts that she practically lived at the bar. It was the only way to stop her mind from racing, the only thing preventing her from falling apart.

She had managed to maintain a calm disposition the day after the incident, but all of that composure disappeared.

Elara was gone. Forever.

Her initial shock wore off, and grief settled in. Texts and calls went unanswered, and any questions presented by her coworkers were ignored.