FAELAN'S POV
I watched Aviona’s face drain of all color, fear carving her hollow in an instant. Her breath turned shallow, hitching, her eyes blown wide and unfocused.
Whatever Renli had glimmed from her, it had to be something unspeakable—something Aviona had buried deep and never meant to surface.
Renli stepped closer, her voice softened by regret. “Aviona… I’m sorry.”
Aviona recoiled as if Renli were the threat now. Her hands flew up, shaking as she signed—fast, desperate. "You can’t tell anyone."
Then again, more frantic, broken mid-thought. "You can’t—"
Renli reached for her, as though touch alone might steady her.
Aviona snapped her hands up, signing sharp and furious. "Stay away from me."
Another step back. "Don't touch me."
Renli froze. Then, slowly, she lifted her hands,
