Ilkar took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling as he prepared to explain. "Do you want to have a closer look?" he asked.
Eiravyne was shaking, the sight of the burn like her own bringing back painful memories. She nodded hesitantly, trying to steady her trembling hands.
Ilkar moved closer and sat on the bed next to her, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees.
He glanced at her over his shoulder, his eyes filled with a mixture of understanding and patience. "You... you can touch it, Eira," he said softly.
Eiravyne was a mess of emotions, but she gathered her courage and moved on her knees to reach him.
She was now facing his back, tears streaming down her face. The burn looked just like hers.
Tentatively, she placed her fingers on the shape of the burn, tracing the intricate lines.
"This... Ilkar," she whispered, her voice breaking as she realized what she was seeing.
