His hands, holding the box, trembled slightly, and finally sank down, powerless.
"Yes…" he whispered hoarsely, as if he had finally accepted the truth. "Once broken, it stays broken."
I said nothing more, only gave a small nod, my final farewell.
Then I turned, naturally slipped my arm through Dante's, and walked into the flowing crowd inside the museum.
Cassiel remained frozen in place, left forever behind in the past.
From that day onward, I truly began living for myself.
I picked up the paintbrush I had abandoned for years, the smell of pigments brought me more peace than the scent of a lit candle ever had.
On canvas, I laid down bold colors... no longer the plain whites and grays of before, but vivid reds, deep blues, and bright, living greens.
I enrolled in advanced cour
