[Silthara Palace — Malika's Private Residence — Continuation]
Silence answered Levin's question; not a single serpent dared speak afterward because no one inside the corridor possessed an answer powerful enough to comfort him.
Only thunder echoed beyond the palace walls, and only rain continued mourning across Silthara.
Captain Raevahn remained kneeling deeply before Levin, head lowered and ashamed because perhaps for the very first time he realized the empire they had protected so faithfully had always been cruel toward its consorts.
And yet, even after all that pain, Levin slowly stopped trying. Rain shadows flickering softly across Zeramet's robes. Then quietly without turning around, he spoke, "…I will not leave the palace tonight."
Raevahn immediately lifted his head slightly, relief flickering faintly across his exhausted face. But then Levin continued.
"...however..." Silence stretched heavily through the residence.
