~Kaida Orion POV~
My shadow watched me silently, her expression unreadable. "Then why are you still standing here?"
I froze, the words striking like a lash.
Before I could answer, the mist shifted violently. Out of the crimson fog, a figure appeared.... Kaelith. Her golden eyes glowed even brighter in this realm, her smile sly, sharp, far too real.
"How persistent you are, Kaida," she purred, stepping closer, her body shimmering like flame and smoke. "Even here, you cling to him. But tell me, does he ever truly see you? Or are you just a weight he refuses to drop?"
My stomach knotted, the jealousy she provoked burning through me. She didn't even have to try... her presence alone reminded me of every look, every doubt, every secret ache I had buried.
"Get out," I spat, though my voice trembled.
