Seriously

Madeline stood silent for a long moment, Ely’s words settling heavily in the dim space between them. The anger she had felt, the hurt—it all churned inside her, but something else rose to the surface as she watched Ely now. This wasn’t the proud, capable woman Madeline had once trusted; this was someone broken, hollowed out by years of servitude and regret.

She exhaled slowly, her hands unclenching from the tight fists she hadn’t realized she’d made. Ely, she began, her tone quiet but firm, dying isn’t justice. It’s an escape. You want me to end this for you because it’s easier than facing what you’ve done, easier than finding a way to make it right.

Her gaze softened slightly, though her posture remained resolute. You regret what you’ve done. I can see that, even if you won’t admit it to yourself. And yes, you’ve hurt people—me, Rian, countless others—but running from it won’t change that. And letting you die won’t give me back what you took.

@Aelynthi Loraronna