As Aether ascended the winding steps leading to the grand gate, he slowed, hesitating with one hand resting on the cool stone banister. The gate loomed above him, similar in appearance to those below but holding an air of finality that made his stomach twist.
He turned back to glance down the stairway, his eyes locking onto Henri, who was waiting a few steps below. Aether's voice was almost a whisper, his tone laced with a kind of vulnerability he usually hid. "I don't think I want to enter now…" He said it slowly, his gaze lingering on Henri as he started retreating, his face showing hints of uncertainty.
Henri, caught off guard, looked back up, his expression shifting from curiosity to open confusion. "What?" His brow furrowed as if the word held more weight than Aether's hesitation could explain.
