The Theory of Destruction and Genesis
Victor's smile was weak, near-fatigued, but held a warmth that had her rooted to where she stood, as if even when he was tired, he was giving her a lifeline to grasp. "Sorry," he said, low and steady, patient as the lull before the storm. "But let me get on with what I was doing. Then. after that, you can choose—leave or remain. The decision is yours."
Sasha hesitated, the lopsided rise and fall of her chest betraying the maelstrom of feelings she struggled to keep in. Moonlight followed the sheen of tears in her eyes, which made them sparkle like delicate glass on the verge of shattering. The wind playedfully pulled at the strands of hair around her face, caressing her cheeks, yet she did not stir. She appeared suspended, frozen in that delicate moment where hope and fear were knotted together, holding onto a strand she could not identify.
