The sun dipped low behind the spiked rooftops of Ris City, casting its last amber rays upon the dust-swept cobblestone paths. Within the shadow of a crumbling arch near the southern gate, five figures stood still, the silence between them heavy as unshed tears.
Ashen was the first to speak.
"I will not accompany you, Kaal," he said, voice steady, firm, but devoid of malice. His gaze didn't quite meet Kaal's, hovering just below eye level. "I've decided to stay."
Kaal didn't flinch. His expression didn't waver. He merely turned to Divya, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You're not coming either?"
Divya's hands curled tightly around the hem of her sleeve. Her lips parted as if to answer, but no words came. Her gaze dropped to the ground, and she turned her face away from his.
A soft scoff escaped Kaal. Quiet. Sharp. Bittersweet.
"I see."
And that was it. No pleading. No condemnation. Just resignation. He turned away, his cloak fluttering behind him like a burning shadow.
