KAIA'S POV
My first instinct was to say no. My mouth even started to form the words. I already felt awkward enough being part of this. But then Athena’s voice echoed in my mind."This is when he’ll need you the most… Don’t run, even when it’s hard."
I closed my mouth and let out a quiet sigh. “Alright,” I nodded. “I’ll come with you.”
Leander’s eyes softened, and for a second, it felt like the knot in my chest loosened a little.
We walked side by side toward the border. Neither of us spoke at first, and the silence felt a bit awkward. I kept stealing glances at him, wondering what he was thinking. His face looked calm, but his shoulders were tense.
After a while, I found my voice again. “Leander… do you regret staying?” I asked quietly.
He glanced at me, surprised. “What?”
“Staying h
