Raven's heart was torn. He had feelings for both Kaelara and Lirien, and he didn't know what to do. He looked at Kaelara, who was watching him with an expectant expression.
"Lirien," he said, turning to his friend. "I care deeply for you, but I also care for Kaelara. She's been a part of my life for so long, and I don't know if I can just give her up."
Lirien's face fell, and Raven felt a pang of guilt. He knew he had hurt her, but he couldn't help the way he felt.
"I understand," Lirien said softly. "But I thought we were meant to be together."
Raven took a deep breath. "I know, and I'm sorry. But I need time to figure out my feelings. Can we...can we take things slow?"
Lirien nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Okay."
Kaelara stepped forward, her expression softening. "Raven, I understand your conflicted emotions. And I want you to know that I'm willing to wait for you to figure things out. You're my soulmate, and I'll always love you."
Raven's heart skipped a beat as he looked at Kaelara. He knew that he still had strong feelings for her, and he didn't want to lose her.
"Thank you, Kaelara," he said, taking her hand. "You mean everything to me."
Lirien watched them with a mixture of sadness and understanding. "I'll give you space," she said softly. "But please know that my heart belongs to you, Raven."
Raven's chest tightened as he looked at Lirien. He knew that he had hurt her, but he didn't know how to make it right.
The three of them stood there in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable.