As the holographic lights waned, Chronos's grip on Tsukuyomi's hands slackened. He pulled away, turning his back to her. She couldn't see his face, but the tense line of his shoulders spoke volumes.
"Tsukuyomi,"
His voice was a raw whisper, threaded with an emotion she hadn't heard before - Vulnerability.
"There's a secret buried within me. One I've never shared, not even with Empress Dowager Tai Sui."
His words lured her in, making her forget to breathe. The powerful prince she knew always stood tall, invincible. Now, he seemed fractured, on the edge of breaking.
"What burdens you?"
The question escaped her lips before she could think, her own voice quivering with a blend of curiosity and concern.
He exhaled, the sound heavy with resignation. Making his way to the floating bed, he eased down, the bed shifting minutely with his weight.
Resting his head in his hands, he murmured,