Meeting at the Wings (5)

Ms. Pellion kept her gaze steady and unwavering as she continued to study Arthur, who was now actively attempting to avoid any form of eye contact. His eyes darted around the room, focusing on anything and everything except the piercing golden stare that seemed to see straight through to his very soul. The weight of her attention felt almost physical, pressing down on him like a heavy blanket made of lead.

"What was their name?" Ms. Pelligon asked, her voice completely lacking any trace of sympathy or compassion.

Arthur bit down hard on his lower lip, the sharp pain serving as an anchor to keep himself grounded in the present moment. He took a shuddering breath before attempting to force himself to answer, the words feeling like broken glass in his throat.

"L-Luke... Luke Thomas. He was my only friend," he managed to whisper, each syllable carrying the weight of unbearable loss and regret.