The four of us trudged through the Celestial Citadel, weighed down by the shadowstone's presence and our own tangled emotions. Gabriel's jaw was clenched, his eyes focused on the path ahead. Roman walked with a quiet intensity, while Nikolai seemed lost in thought, occasionally casting sidelong glances at me.
I, Avery, couldn't shake off my fears and doubts about this quest and my role in it. My heart raced, and my stomach tightened into knots, as I struggled to maintain composure.
"Are you alright, Avery?" Gabriel asked, concern etched onto his face.
"Fine," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just tired."
"You can always talk to me, you know," Roman reassured me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. I appreciated their support, but it didn't ease the turmoil inside me.
As we entered the room
