"Dead," Elara interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. She looked back at Arpious, her emerald eyes shimmering with a mixture of sorrow and acceptance. "He was human. A simple warrior. Brave, kind... but mortal. His life span was just a fleeting moment compared to mine."
Arpious's gaze softened, and she set her tea aside. She wanted to reach out, but something in Elara's posture suggested she wasn't finished.
"I fell in love with him, knowing it wouldn't last," Elara continued, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. "And for the time we had together, it was beautiful. But eventually... time caught up with him." She paused, her fingers idly tracing the edge of her cup. "He passed away peacefully, but before he did, something extraordinary happened."
Arpious tilted her head, her interest piqued. "What do you mean?"
