[Reminder: Do Not Read]
The sky above Irasios shimmered with stars not yet named—residual energy from the collapsed false timeline scattering like glitter over a rewritten page. Below, in the softened silence of a world rescued, Verena stood at the highest tower of the restored Astrarium, watching the constellations realign.
She hadn't spoken much since their return. The others needed rest, needed celebration, needed time to hold each other and confirm they were still here. Still real. But Verena had come here alone, her cloak billowing in the cold wind as her thoughts raced louder than any crowd.
It was done, wasn't it?
Then why did her chest feel heavy?
Saphira coiled loosely around her shoulders. "You're doing that thing again," the snake said flatly.
"What thing?"
"The brooding. You always come up here when you're overwhelmed."
Verena didn't deny it. Her hand rested against the stone railing. "I don't know what comes next."
