Promises and Lies

She pulled back from the hug slightly, cupping his face in her hands. Her eyes, so full of worry, love, and something else, something heavier.

“You’re not strong enough yet,” she said softly.

Troy blinked. “What?”

She wiped her tears, but her expression hardened, not with anger, but with determination. “I won’t tell you to stop. I won’t tell you to run away. Because I know you. You’re just like your father. Once you decide on something, you never let go.”

Troy’s breath caught in his throat.

“But, Troy…” Her grip on his hands tightened. “You need to become stronger. Not just for yourself. Not just to survive. But because the world isn’t kind. You can’t just want to be a hero. You have to be one. And that means becoming someone who can stand, no matter what comes.”

Her eyes locked onto his, unwavering.

“If you want to change the heroes… if you want to be a symbol of peace, then you have to be unshakable.”

Her words sank into him, carving themselves deep into his soul.