Despite the overseer's strict orders not to help, Xenia's body leaned forward, instinctively trying to bridge the gap between them.
Her heart ached, knowing that her friend's suffering was as much emotional as it was physical.
Xenia's face reflected her inner turmoil, a mixture of sorrow, fear, and an unspoken plea for Reina to hold on just a little longer.
***********************
Xenia watched with a heavy heart as Reina lay in bed, her body spent from the day's grueling demands. The shadows under Reina's eyes were stark against her pale skin, each breath she took seemed to require more effort than the last. Xenia's voice quivered with concern,
"You have endured enough, my lady. We should leave. I cannot watch you do this any longer."
Reina's eyes fluttered open, the weariness in them unmistakable. She attempted a weak smile, but it quickly faded as Lyra's voice cut through the quiet of the room.
