A hand on my shoulder brought me back from the brink of despair. "Xiviyah, what's happening?" Luke's voice was urgent, laced with concern. "Something… changed. I think I can feel remnants approaching."
I sniffled, wiping the tears from my cheeks. "They're hurt, Luke," I said. "Hurt, alone, and betrayed. I knew something was wrong with this realm, but I didn't expect it to be so… dark."
He was quiet for a moment, then his hand squeezed my shoulder comfortingly. "Does this change anything?"
I bit my lip, my tail twitching as I considered the implications. After a long pause, I shook my head. "No," I admitted, "but it's going to be harder than we thought. There are many remnants, some of which are ancient and powerful. Maybe even stronger than the one in the cathedral. Their cry for vengeance is stronger than their desire to see this place healed."
His face hardened, but he nodded resolutely. "I'll take them as they come."
