Lady Bestie finishes drawing in the last wisps of the corrupted energy. Her knuckles turn stark white as she clenches her hands into the ocean floor, anchoring herself against the dark magic settling into her core.
"It... is my fault," she whispers, her voice hollow. "I shouldn't have ignored your dream."
"No... no, Lady Bestie, don't blame yourself!" I say, my voice cracking. My hands tremble as I reach out toward her. Deep down, a sickening knot tightens in my stomach.
It's my fault. I knew my dreams were a heavy price paid to the system, and they always carry the absolute truth. If only I had pushed harder, if only I had forced the issue!
