His brother was about to face dangerous scientists and hostile nobles.
"I want to go with you," Mavis admitted softly. "But I'd only be a burden."
"I've trained with Zirron to use my exoskeleton," he added quickly. "But compared to you guys… I can't do much."
"Some resistance members will cross the border with us," Melchior said. "Alden's skill has limits."
He looked at Mavis more gently.
"We're grateful for your potion, Mavis. Please stay here."
The room fell into a heavy silence.
The storm was coming.
And this time—
It wasn't just political.
It was personal.
They discussed the plan late into the night—routes, contingencies, who would move first, who would stay behind. Every possibility was laid out on the table, turned over, examined.
Only after everything was decided did they finally retire to their rooms.
That night, Mavis begged to slept with Sylene.
This reminded Sylene of the past.
