The morning was unnaturally still.
Even the shadows didn’t move.
Kaira stood at the edge of the cliff near the observatory ruins, Riven asleep behind her. For the first time in days, she let herself feel hope — fragile, flickering.
Until—
“Kaira…”
She turned.
Riven stood behind her.
But he was already asleep in the tent.
“You don’t have to fight anymore,” the second Riven whispered, stepping forward.
“It’s safe now. Let me carry it.”
She backed away.
“You’re not him.”
But the voice was perfect — his tone, his breath, even his scent. It touched her arm, gentle, intimate.
“Why not just rest? Let go. Just for one moment.”
She almost did.
Until the real Riven’s voice called out from the tent:
“Kaira? You okay?”
And the Hollow version turned its head — lips curling into somethi
