Arthur's vision blurred as hot, bitter tears welled up, cascading down his face in silent rivulets. His chest heaved, overcome with heart-wrenching grief, as he desperately cradled Anna's lifeless body. His voice trembled, each word fractured and heavy, filled with an anguish that shook him to his core.
"Why…why did it have to be like this…? This isn't fair…"
Rachel, Amelia, Grace, and Yui exchanged sorrowful glances. Their hearts broke at seeing Arthur so vulnerable, stripped bare of all strength. Rachel moved instinctively forward, wanting to comfort her nephew, to somehow soften the brutal pain he was feeling.
"Don't… let him…" Aira's frail, gentle voice suddenly murmured softly, barely audible yet filled with a quiet certainty.
Rachel immediately halted, turning back in surprise. Amelia and Yui glanced at Aira with confused expressions, but after a brief hesitation, stepped back as well, respecting Aira's gentle wisdom. Clearly, the old woman knew her son's heart best.
