"Sylvaris..." she murmured beneath her breath, the name rolling over her tongue like a memory long buried.
She didn't understand it—but something about it struck her soul. A sound that echoed in places she didn't even know existed within her. It clung to her bones, resonated in her blood.
And when she finally spoke her own name, it hit him just as hard.
"I'm Iselynne. Thank you... for buying me."
Those words came out hollow. Not because she lacked sincerity—but because even she knew they weren't real gratitude. They were survival. A way to make herself feel something better about what she was now. About the collar that was no longer there, but still wrapped around her heart.
And Sylvaris heard it.
That loneliness behind her voice.
That quiet resignation.
And yet... when she spoke her name, something inside him screamed.
Iselynne.
