Khael's voice broke the heavy silence.
"You're not the only one… who's lost someone. I too… lost someone."
His eyes lowered, shadowed with grief.
Inside, a thought he could never speak aloud burned like an ember:
(My past life… my family from my past life is gone. I'm here… alone in this world.)
Everyone turned toward him. The others, Kaen, Rael, Lira, Juno, Ceyla saw only the sorrow etched into his face.
To them, it was the pain of someone who had buried loved ones in this very world.
And in truth… it was no less real than theirs.
Kaen whispered, voice tight, "Khael…"
Serin's eyes wavered. For the first time, the fire of his anger dimmed.
He saw not just strength in Khael, but a wound that mirrored his own.
"…Ho…" His lips trembled. Then, sharper, almost accusing, "Then how did you forget it?"
Khael's gaze lifted, steady but glistening with memory.
"I didn't. I never forgot… It's still here—in my mind, in my heart."
