Her lips pulled into a sharp smile, almost mocking herself. And yet, no matter how much she wanted to laugh it off, her hand still trembled when she lowered it from the window.
She turned away and forced herself to keep walking.
By the time she reached her quarters, the unease hadn't faded. Instead, it had twisted into something else, something that made her chest tighten with irritation.
Obsession.
Her mind wouldn't let go of his words, his presence, or the cold certainty behind them.
Alice threw herself onto the bed without even changing out of her uniform, staring at the ceiling as moonlight spilled in through the blinds.
"…Everdusk Stone, huh."
The words slipped out before she realized it.
Her heart gave a small, traitorous flutter.
For years, that cursed relic had consumed her thoughts, her every move. She had given up more than she cared to admit chasing it. And now someone had dangled it in front of her, like it was nothing more than a bargaining chip.
