Maya rested quietly against Noah's chest, her breathing slow and steady.
She had been keeping vigil for hours, worrying endlessly, until her body could no longer fight the exhaustion.
She had fallen asleep without even realizing it.
The night passed in silence, the infirmary dimly lit by a single lamp in the corner.
The doctor had long since left, leaving her alone with the body of Noah—the boy she had promised to protect.
Yet, there he lay. No pulse. No breath. No mana flow detectable.
Even the doctor confirmed it—he was gone.
As she slept, tears stained her cheeks, her subconscious unable to let go of the guilt.
She had been so determined, so sure she could protect him.
Now, she faced the unbearable task of explaining to Noah's father how she had failed.
How the boy entrusted to her care had slipped through her fingers.
Suddenly, in the stillness of the night, Noah coughed.
