Chapter 53 edited
Glass shattered sharply, making everyone in the hall jolt. One lantern burst, then another, then more, until every lantern hanging on the walls flickered and exploded into glowing shards. The sound echoed through the marble pillars and tall ceiling like distant thunder, pulling the room into a heavy silence.
Kaelith sat still, his eyes burning, thoughts spiraled as the memories returned. Not just memories… it was his pain. The kind of pain only he remembered. The weight of a day no one else in the room knew about.
Beside him, Scarlet flinched at the sound, then gently reached for Kaelith's hand, seeing how tightly he was clenching his fist. He had no idea why he had reached out his hand, but he just felt like it was the right thing to do.
His grip was soft but firm, warm against Kaelith's cold skin. He patted his knuckles carefully, glancing at Kaelith's hand, which was clenched so tightly the veins stood out like they might tear.
