Thalia
The fire crackled softly in the heart of the ruins, casting dancing shadows across the stones worn smooth by time and memory. Thalia sat alone, her back straight, her palms pressed against the ancient slab her mother once bled upon to seal her fate.
It had been a day since Cassian’s declaration before the Council. One day since the bond flared through her chest like a star being born, then fading back into stillness.
Two days left.
Two days to answer his call. Or not.
The wind tugged at her braid. She didn’t move.
“You’re quiet today,” Veyr said, stepping into the glow of the firelight. “That’s dangerous.”
She looked at him. “So is hope.”
He took a seat across from her, arms draped over his knees. “Thinking of him?”
“Thinking of who I used to be.”
Veyr’s gaze was steady. “
