Shion collapsed in Calista's arms.
One moment she was a storm—tense, burning with pride and defiance—and the next, she simply flickered out. As if the life inside her had only ever been borrowed for the sake of the fight. There was no scream. No dramatic fall. Just silence... and her head resting gently against Calista's shoulder.
Calista's heart didn't falter.
But her hands never let go.
She tightened her grip on the girl's back, unmoving for a breathless moment. Then, without a word, she began walking through the palace corridors. Her own chambers were the closest. And only there... would no one be allowed to intrude.
***