Selene stood in silence. Her sword hung limply at her side.
"You're right. Sorry. I just… I didn't think I'd hesitate like that."
She murmured.
Ethan didn't respond right away.
Instead, he looked at her, really looked at her—her trembling frame, her pale face, the way her shoulders shook slightly despite her attempts to appear composed.
"I don't blame you. But you're shaking"
He said at last.
Selene blinked.
"I—"
Before she could say anything, Ethan stepped closer and gently wrapped his arms around her from behind.
Her back met his chest in a sudden, warm shock. Then his chin rested softly on her shoulder, his breath calm and steady.
"You've done enough. Just let go for now. Don't worry about a thing."
He whispered.
Selene closed her eyes for a second, letting his warmth anchor her. For a fleeting moment, the world felt still.
But chaos returned fast.
The air around them shifted.
The faint hum of distortion turned to screams.
