Rhydian;
I give her hand a reassuring squeeze before standing up, and this time, she doesn't try to stop me again.
She won't.
Because she wants the same thing.
Truth.
I walk away with my heart heavy, but my mind steady.
Tonight… tonight is the night I put an end to it.
***
By the time the sun starts to set, Gravemaw is unrecognisable.
The work is done. The decorations are in place. lanterns hang from beams and branches, waiting to be lit. Tables are lined with food, barrels tapped and ready. The entire kingdom hums with anticipation, like a breath being held before something larger.
I move through it all without drawing attention.
I've always been good at that.
Helping where needed, carrying things… Saying just enough to avoid questions and letting people assume I'm part of the rhythm instead of something outside it.
However, I'm not part of it tonight.
Not really.
Tonight has a purpose, and it isn't celebration.
I see her again more than once.
