Chapter 77: The weight of light
Selene's breath came in shallow gasps, her body limp against Cain's chest. His hands trembled as he cradled her, blood and dust staining her once-luminous skin. Her glow had dimmed, flickering like a candle fighting against the wind.
"She's burning from the inside," Eren said quietly, kneeling beside them. His hand hovered above her chest, feeling the unnatural rhythm of her energy. "Her power—whatever it did—it nearly tore her apart."
Leo knelt on the other side, his voice low, shaken. "She used everything she had to save us. Even after knowing how dangerous it was."
Cain didn't speak. His jaw clenched as he pressed his forehead against Selene's. He whispered her name like a prayer, over and over again, as if the sound of it could anchor her soul.
"I can't lose her," he said finally, his voice raw. "Not her. Not after everything."
"We won't," Leo said, though his tone lacked conviction. "We'll figure something out. There's got to be a way to restore her energy. Maybe Mom—"
"She's still weak," Eren reminded him. "But... she might know something. If we can get Selene back to her."
Cain scooped Selene into his arms, holding her close as if letting go would break him too. "Then we move. Now."
They made their way through the forest under a heavy, strained silence. The trees whispered above them, and the night air felt colder than before. Every crack of a branch underfoot reminded them of the danger that still lurked just behind the veil.