Vanessa stood protectively in front of Aster and Cassy, her posture taut, ready to shield them with her own body if necessary. Her fingers twitched at her side, betraying her unease; doubt gnawed at her, filling her mind with questions. Could she really keep them safe?
"Vanessa…" Aster's voice was barely more than a whisper, making her flinch.
She turned to meet his gaze, and his serious expression softened slightly as he gave her a small, firm nod. In that single gesture, he conveyed a silent message—a glimmer of trust that seemed to chase away the despair pooling in her chest. For the first time in what felt like ages, a faint ray of hope flickered within her.
Without a word, Vanessa raised her hand, feeling the rush of energy flow through her as she summoned a towering wall of earth between them and the enemies.
