Shadow, Miko, and Arthur entered Diona's room.
The child was curled up, trembling, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her breath came in ragged bursts, her eyes wide with fear. Shadow immediately guessed she had been tormented by a nightmare.
Miko rushed forward, lifting Diona into her arms, rocking her gently.
"Shhh... it's okay," she tried.
But the little girl only cried harder, her fear unshaken. Miko froze, helpless. She had no idea how to soothe a child and finally gave up, looking toward the others.
Shadow stepped forward, gently taking Diona into his arms. He held her firmly, offering steadiness when her small body shook.
Then Whisper, the shadow-born presence, reached out—not with voice, but with thought. Their words brushed against Diona's mind, soft and calm, like a breeze through the night.
"Diona... why are you crying?"
Her reply was broken and trembling.
"Mom... Dad... Where are they?" She broke down again, sobbing into Shadow's shoulder.
Shadow patted her back slowly, his silence protective.
Whisper spoke again, their voice flowing gently within her thoughts.
"Your mom and dad are watching you, Diona."
Her tears only grew sharper. "But... they're dead. How can they watch me?"
Whisper hesitated, unsure. For a long breath, silence stretched between them—until Shadow, without speaking aloud, gave them an idea. Whisper's tone returned, careful and soothing.
"When a kind and good person dies—or sacrifices themselves—destiny grants them a chance. A chance to watch over the ones they love. So, Diona, your mom and dad are watching you now. And they would be sad to see you cry."
Her sobs slowed into sniffles. She looked uncertain, fragile hope flickering in her eyes. "Really?"
"Yes," Whisper assured, their tone warm.
Diona clung to Shadow, the storm of grief easing though not gone. After a pause, she whispered,
"Can I ask... what's your name?"
Whisper paused. They had none.
"My name, you ask...?" Their words faltered, leaving silence in the air.
Then Shadow's thought stirred in them. Whisper took it, and answered:
"Call me Void."
Diona tilted her head, trying to repeat it. "W... oid..."
"Void," Whisper corrected.
"Woid?" she tried again.
Whisper sighed, resigned. "Yes. Void."
Shadow: ...
Whisper muttered, "Why are you laughing? It's the best I could think of."
Shadow: ...
Flustered, Whisper raised their tone. "From now on, everyone will call me Void."
Miko and Arthur exchanged looks and nodded.
Curious, Diona reached out to touch them, but her hand passed through—Void's form was made of pure darkness. Disappointment flickered on her face, but wonder quickly followed.
When Shadow tried to place her back on the bed, she clutched at him tightly, trembling.
"Don't leave me... I want to stay here... just a little longer."
Her small hands shook, the nightmare still heavy on her mind.
Miko suggested gently, "Let's take her to the kitchen. She must be hungry."
Diona didn't understand—her deafness left her lost.
Void saw her confusion and whispered into her mind.
"That big sister's name is Miko, and that big brother is Arthur. They will protect you and care for you like family."
Her teary eyes lifted. "Take... care of me?"
"Yes," Void assured. "And right now, they're talking about taking you to the kitchen so you can eat."
Her brows knit together in confusion. "Why kitchen... and not dining room?"
"So you can choose what you want to eat," Void explained.
Her sorrow cracked, letting a little joy through. She reached out toward Miko, eager. Shadow carefully passed her over, leaving a glowing mark on Miko's arm—granting her the ability to communicate with Diona directly.
Miko understood at once. Smiling gently, she held Diona close and whispered, "Let's eat something, cutie."
For the first time that night, Diona's face softened into the smallest of smiles.
To be continued...