>>6167450Soralisa whimpers. Her hands twitch. She reaches for her visor and bit by bit she takes it off, revealing her hazelnut eyes, blinking fast before the glare of the sun.
“Argia— we just renewed our friendship. How can you ask me to cause you that much pain?”
“I was a fool,” you reply, gritting your teeth. “I thought we could just coast through this without really thinking. I believed Carnaval’s words — that this would just be a diplomatic mission, but it’s clear now the word has a different meaning to the Angel of Ansàrra.” You chuckle. “And I thought I could achieve what I want for my family without great sacrifice, just by giving it my best effort.”
You rub your fingers against the cameo still hanging from your neck, the faded ivory brushing your cleavage.
“Master gave me this to remind me that my strength lies not in being faster or stronger or quicker — it lies in putting my trust in others. In things greater than myself.” You take off your cameo and hand it over to Soralisa, who touches it for the first time. She shields her eyes with her free hand while she tries to peer through the secrets that old trinket seems to hold.
“You would give this me?”
“For the time being,” you chuckle. “May it help you like it has helped me.” You close your hand over hers, helping her take the most precious thing you have. “We are so close. One last adventure, and we will all have what we wish for. You can come back. Rubida will honour her family. Salicera can become a Knight.” A sigh. “And I can protect my family. I have spilled blood already. What does it matter if it’s my own?”
[cont.]
