The Owner of the Fool's Compendium

Adrian, Aiden, and Sevan sat in their room, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows against the walls. The weight of the ceremony still hung in the air, thick and suffocating.

Even though the day had passed, none of them could shake the lingering heaviness in their chests.

Sevan sat at the edge of his bed, hunched forward with his elbows on his knees, hands clasped together. His usual composed expression was strained, his brows drawn together in silent thought.

Adrian lay on his back on the bed across from Aiden's, one arm draped over his face as he let out a long exhale.

"That was…" he trailed off, unable to find the right words.

"Yeah," Aiden murmured in agreement.

He sat upright on his own bed, running a hand through his hair. The image of Savion's body rising, dissolving into golden dust under the sun, was burned into his mind. It was beautiful in a way, almost serene...but also final.