Mei closed his eyes.
'Did you numb my feelings?' Mei asked.
His question was directed at the person whose footsteps he had been hearing behind him. A figure emerged from the shadows.
Levka.
'I merely toned it down,' Levka's voice was soft. It was a genuine sympathy that was both a comfort and pain.
'I…didn't want it,' Mei said, his voice quiet. He turned to meet Levka's eyes, his emotions swirling on his own.
Levka's smile was as cool as a spring morning, but her eyes held a deeper, more profound sadness. 'You will feel overwhelmed. I just wanted to lessen it a bit.'
A voice, smooth as velvet and sharp as a blade, cut through the tense air. 'Welcome back, Argil…or should I greet you as Sayo?' Levka's tongue clicked in mild annoyance.
'Where is he?' Mei demanded, ignoring the verbal jab.
'Somewhere,' Levka answered simply, leading the way.
Mei followed her quietly, the weight of his old name and his past pressing down on him.
