Erend lingered in silence after his last words. His figure stood rigid in the chamber.
His brow furrowed deep, shadows gathering in the creases of his face as he stared at the stone wall without really seeing it.
His mind churned with possibilities and fears that gnawed and clawed at him. But none of it offered clarity.
The weight of helplessness pressed down hard on him.
Sylmira stood quietly across from him.
She did not speak or attempt to soothe or console. She knew better than to break his thoughts now.
All she could do was stand still, her hands folded before her chest, watching him in silence.
Finally, Erend exhaled a long weary sigh.
His shoulders slumped slightly.
He turned toward her, the decision already heavy in his voice. "I need to go back to my world first for now."
He did not explain more or say what awaited him or what plans he meant to set in motion. But the wise and perceptive Sylmira understood without needing the details.
