ASHES BETWEEN US

Three days had passed. Ayla was healing, slowly. Viper never left her side, and Leon came often. To her surprise, they'd learned to tolerate each other—for her sake.

That night, the garden was quiet under the moon. Roses swayed in the breeze as Ayla stood alone, arms wrapped around herself. Her thoughts were a storm she couldn't quiet.

Footsteps approached behind her. She didn't turn.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," Viper said.

"But you did," she replied, her voice steady.

He paused. "I couldn't protect Elara. I thought maybe… with you…"

Ayla turned toward him. "You protected me your way. But hiding the truth wasn't protection. It was control."

Viper looked away. "She would've loved you. Elara had fire—just like you."

"She died broken," Ayla said. "That fire cost her everything."

"She ran from my father," he murmured. "But not from me."

Ayla met his eyes. "Then why do I feel like I'm still running?"

"Because you've had to make choices no one your age should."

She exhaled. "Now I have to choose again. Between you… and Leon."

Viper didn't answer. He didn't need to.

"I love him," she whispered. "But I see myself in you too. Parts I never understood."

He reached into his coat and handed her a necklace. A tiny photo of Elara sat inside.

"She wore this the night she left. I kept it all these years."

Ayla closed her fingers around it. The weight felt personal.

"Take your time," Viper said. "Whatever you decide—I'll accept it."

He walked away, fading into the dark.

Ayla stayed beneath the stars, the necklace pressed to her chest.

She didn't have the answers yet.

But tomorrow, she'd start searching.

Not as someone's daughter.

Not as someone's lover.

But as herself.