272
~Lisa's POV
The air was still, heavy with the smell of wet grass and wildflowers. I knelt beside my mother's tomb, tracing my fingers over her name carved in the stone. My eyes burned, but I smiled anyway.
"Mother," I whispered, "I hope you can see me. I hope you're proud."
The wind blew lightly, brushing my hair across my face. I laughed softly, shaking my head.
"I will find my brother soon," I said quietly. "I promise. And when I do, we'll come back together."
I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. The world felt peaceful, too peaceful, almost. For a moment, I wished time would stop here. Just me and her. No war, no fear, no strange powers I didn't fully understand.
From a distance, I stared at Lira, standing beneath the willow tree, her white cloak glowing faintly in the fading light. When our eyes met, she raised her hand and waved.
I waved back, smiling a little. Then I stood and dusted off my dress.
