The silence after the Gate’s response was not peaceful.
It was *heavy*.
Like the world itself had paused, waiting to see what Luna would do with the truth she had just received.
Kael did not move.
Not because he was calm.
But because he understood something important now.
This was no longer a moment he could guide.
It was a moment he had to survive.
Luna stood still.
The silver glow around her chest had not disappeared.
It had stabilized.
Like a crown refusing to leave its rightful place.
Her eyes were lowered slightly, but not weak.
Focused.
Processing.
And then—
her voice came.
Quiet.
Controlled.
“…You were there.”
Kael exhaled slowly.
“Yes.”
A pause.
Luna didn’t look at him yet.
“…And you watched it happen.”
Kael’s jaw tightened.
“I did.”
That was it.
No defe
