🔹 THORNE
"Will you love her?"
My heart stopped beating, my eyes locking on his, which were still moist with unshed tears.
I did not speak. His question roused a cacophony of emotions that tangled to the point I could not unravel them. The knot in my throat swelled, and he only asked again—
"Will you love her?"
Again, I could not form a word.
Thal's hand reached out, his small fingers gripping mine with surprising strength for someone so frail. "You have to promise," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Promise me you'll love her. Really love her. Not just... pretend."
The air left my lungs. "Thal—"
"She deserves it." His eyes were too bright, too knowing for his age. "She deserves someone who sees her. Really sees her. Not the Silvermoth, not even your fated mate. But her."
My chest cracked open.
"And you—" His grip tightened. "You need her too. Even if you don't know it yet."
I know, Umbra whispered, aching. I've known from the start.
