Mira’s POV.

I stayed in my quarters after we returned. The walls felt closer than usual, and I didn’t want to speak to anyone. The necklace fragment lay on the table, catching faint light. I stared at it until everything blurred. I thought stillness would help the grief pass. It didn’t.

It pressed tighter against my chest until breathing felt false. Someone knocked, waited, then left. I didn’t answer. Silence was easier than pity.

When the door opened again, I knew it was him. Kael ...