Derek took a deep breath, "It's thanks to Liam's potent elixir..." He paused, choosing his words with care, "Look, sis, I wish as much as you do that all of this were just a nightmare, a cruel jest, but it's the grim reality we're living..."
Layla refused to accept it, "No...No...why are you lying to me? What elixir?"
Then, turning towards Liam, her eyes filled with tears and hope. "Liam, Derek is just playing a prank on me, isn't he? This is all just a cruel joke, right?"
Liam met her gaze, his eyes clouded with sorrow. "Layla..."
Suddenly, a shift in the room caught Liam's attention. Derek, with a determined yet sorrowful expression, left the room momentarily. When he returned, he was holding two solemn urns.
Liam's heart sank, instantly realizing Derek's intent. With Layla still tightly gripping him, he silently cursed, 'Derek, this is too soon, too direct. Why?'
