Ayla's POV
"Then how are you still alive? I saw the mark shatter."
"The twin bond," Kira said simply. "When I poured my power into you, the bond activated fully. It's keeping me alive, but barely. My physical body is dying, Ayla. That's why we're here. The power surge is holding both our consciousnesses in this space while my body tries to survive."
More memories swirled around us now. But these were mine.
Kira saw me growing up with the family that adopted me. Saw them love me, protect me. Saw me discover my abilities, scared and alone. Saw Professor Arkon helping me, training me, caring for me.
"You had people who loved you," Kira said softly. "Real love. Not manipulation disguised as care."
"I'm sorry," I said. "I'm sorry you didn't have that. I'm sorry they twisted you into…"
"D
