Key Story (2) - Chapter 22
The morning light filtered through the blinds of Sable's room, casting soft patterns on the walls. She sat on the edge of her bed, her phone gripped tightly in her hands. Her heart thudded in her chest as she scrolled through her messages, her thumb hovering over Fayne's contact. It had been a while since she'd seen her—since before the incident. Raxian had always been there, but now… now she felt like it was time to step outside the bubble of safety he had created for her. Time to see if she could stand on her own.
She took a breath, forcing herself to sit up straighter. Her mind flashed back to all the moments with Raxian lately, how his steady presence had been the thing grounding her. She trusted him completely. But that was just it. He wouldn't always be there, and she knew it. If she ever wanted to truly break free of what Lynx had done to her, she had to take that step alone. And Fayne… Fayne had been there too, part of the rescue, and there was something about her that felt safe. She wasn't Raxian, but she didn't need to be.
With another breath, Sable finally tapped Fayne's name and began typing, her fingers shaking slightly.
"Hey, are you free today? Would love to meet up if you have time."
She hit send before she could second-guess herself, the message vanishing into the void. For a moment, doubt clawed at her. What if Fayne was busy? What if Fayne had moved on, not thinking much of their brief connection? Sable shook her head. No. Don't start thinking like that. This was about taking control.
Moments passed in silence, her eyes flicking nervously back and forth between the clock on her phone and the unread message. Then, the screen lit up with a new notification.
Fayne: "I'm free this afternoon! How about we meet at the mall? 3 PM sound good?"
Sable exhaled, a tight breath of relief escaping her. The mall. A public place. There would be people everywhere, normalcy all around. Fayne wasn't the type to pry or make things weird—she would understand if Sable wasn't fully herself yet. And besides, it wasn't as though Lynx would dare try anything in a crowded area, right?
Right.
She typed back quickly, before her confidence could fade. "Yeah, sounds great. See you then."
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As the afternoon crept closer, Sable found herself standing in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection. The familiar figure that looked back at her still felt like a stranger sometimes. The once-confident girl who had walked through these streets without a second thought was now cautious, always calculating her next move. She wasn't sure when she had lost that sense of fearlessness—or when she would get it back.
Her fingers fumbled with the hem of her hoodie as she pulled it over her head, tugging the fabric close around her. It still made her feel protected, shielded from the world outside. Her gaze drifted to the mirror again, her reflection warping slightly as she took a shaky breath.
I can do this.
She repeated the words in her mind, letting them settle. Her phone buzzed again—a quick message from Raxian checking in on her, asking what her plans were for the day. He didn't need to know the whole truth. She didn't want to worry him, not after how protective he had been lately.
She typed back quickly. "Meeting up with Fayne at the mall. I'll be fine. I'll text you when I get home."
She hesitated before hitting send, but then did it anyway. She couldn't rely on him for everything, not if she wanted to reclaim her sense of self. She slipped her phone into her pocket and glanced once more at her reflection.
You're stronger now. You're not the same girl who got kidnapped. You're stronger.
With one final breath, she grabbed her bag and headed toward the door. The walk to the mall would be a simple one—familiar streets, broad daylight, and crowds of people. It should feel safe. It would feel safe.
As she stepped outside, the warm afternoon air greeted her, and for a moment, she felt the tension in her shoulders ease. She could do this. She would do this.
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The sun hung high in the sky, casting soft shadows across the bustling street as Sable made her way toward the mall. The warmth of the day wrapped around her, and she could hear the faint hum of life—cars passing, the murmur of people heading in every direction. The normalcy of it all was like a comforting blanket, wrapping around her, shielding her from the darker thoughts that had lingered since Lynx's reappearance in her life.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Sable allowed herself to believe that today would be different. She focused on the brightness around her, on the people moving about their day without a care in the world. She walked with her head high, trying to mimic their confidence. This is just an ordinary day. I'm fine.
But as she moved closer to the mall, that familiar gnawing sensation began to creep up the back of her neck. Her steps slowed, her chest tightening as if a weight had suddenly settled over her. She glanced around, casually at first, her eyes scanning the faces of passersby. She didn't know what she was looking for—maybe a shadow, a hint of danger—but all she saw were strangers.
It's nothing. Just your mind playing tricks on you again, she told herself.
But the feeling didn't go away. Every step felt heavier, as if her body was trying to warn her of something her mind couldn't see. Her pulse quickened, the beating in her chest growing louder as she neared the entrance to the mall.
Her gaze darted to the reflections in the shop windows lining the street, her heart leaping as she caught sight of a figure lingering just behind her. But when she whipped around, there was no one there. Just a crowd of people walking in every direction, none of them paying her any attention.
Breathe, Sable. It's just your imagination.
Still, the sensation wouldn't leave her. Her hands balled into fists at her sides as she forced herself to keep walking, her steps faster now, her eyes flicking from one person to another, trying to catch sight of anything—anyone—that seemed off. But there was nothing. Just the quiet pulse of everyday life.
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When she finally reached the entrance of the mall, her heart still hammered in her chest. She spotted Fayne standing near the entrance, waving with that easy, warm smile that had always made Sable feel at ease. A rush of relief washed over her, and she almost sagged from the weight of her own anxiety.
"Hey, Sable!" Fayne greeted, her voice as soft and welcoming as ever. She stepped forward, wrapping Sable in a light hug. "It's so good to see you. You look… better."
Sable returned the hug, though the tension in her body was slow to release. Fayne's kindness was grounding, a tether that kept her from spiraling further into the panic that had been gnawing at her. "Thanks," she replied, trying to force a smile. "I'm doing… okay."
Fayne pulled back and studied her face, her brows knitting slightly in concern, but she didn't push. Instead, she motioned toward the mall. "Come on, let's grab something to drink and just hang out."
As they walked into the mall, the cool air inside washed over Sable, providing a brief sense of calm. The bustling noise of shoppers and the bright lights all felt so normal. Fayne's presence was exactly what Sable had hoped for—a calming influence. She did her best to focus on the small talk, on the way Fayne described her latest experiences at the flower shop, and how her mother had been overwatering the daisies again.
For a moment, Sable almost felt like herself. The shadows in her mind receded, and she found herself smiling at something Fayne said. But then, just as quickly as it had come, that unsettling sensation crawled back up her spine.
Her eyes flickered to the large glass windows lining the side of the mall, and that's when she saw it again—a figure standing across the street. It was barely more than a silhouette, but her heart leapt into her throat. Her body tensed as she recognized the build, the stance—it was unmistakable.
Lynx.
She blinked, her breath catching. But when she looked again, the figure was gone. Her heart pounded in her ears, the noise of the mall suddenly feeling muffled and distant.
"Sable?" Fayne's voice cut through the haze. She was looking at her with concern, her head tilted slightly. "You okay?"
Sable snapped her gaze back to Fayne, forcing a tight smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… a little tired." She swallowed hard, trying to push away the fear that had gripped her just moments ago. It was probably nothing. Just her mind playing tricks again. But that feeling—of being watched, of being followed—was starting to wrap around her like a second skin, suffocating.
Fayne reached out, touching her arm gently. "We don't have to stay long. I just wanted to catch up with you and make sure you're doing alright."
Sable nodded, but the words felt hollow in her throat. She tried to focus on Fayne again, on her gentle voice and calming presence, but her mind was spinning. She glanced around the mall, looking for any sign of him—of Lynx—but there was nothing. Just the blur of shoppers and the endless noise of life continuing as usual.
He's not here. He can't be.
But deep down, the seed of doubt had already been planted, and it was growing with every passing second.
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Sable and Fayne sat at a small outdoor café just outside the mall, the gentle hum of the city buzzing around them. The umbrella above their table cast a soft shade, and the smell of fresh pastries wafted through the air. It should have been relaxing. Fayne was talking about her mother's flower shop, the way the irises had been blooming beautifully lately, and how business had picked up.
Sable nodded along, trying to pay attention, but her mind was elsewhere. Her smoothie sat untouched in front of her, condensation dripping down the sides of the cup. Every now and then, her eyes darted to the street, to the people walking by, the world continuing around them as if nothing had changed. But for Sable, something felt off.
She couldn't explain it. There was a prickle at the back of her neck, a gnawing sensation that someone—something—was watching her. Every instinct told her to stay calm, to push away the paranoia, but it lingered, creeping into the edges of her mind. She tried to focus on Fayne, who was still talking, her voice soft and comforting.
"…and then I told my mom that we should rearrange the flower bouquets," Fayne said with a light hearted smile. "After seeing the result, she was pleasantly surprised".
Sable forced a smile. "That's great," she replied, her voice sounding distant even to her own ears. She reached for her drink, taking a slow sip to hide the anxiety building inside her. Just breathe. It's fine. There's nothing wrong.
But as Fayne turned to look at a passing couple, her attention diverted for just a moment, Sable felt it again—that weight on her chest, the sensation of eyes boring into her. Her stomach twisted. She glanced to the side, trying not to be too obvious, and that's when she saw him.
Just out of the corner of her eye, across the street, standing amidst the crowd, was a familiar figure. Lynx.
Her breath caught in her throat, and her grip on her drink tightened so hard she thought it might shatter. He was standing there, just far enough away to blend in with the crowd, but unmistakably close enough for her to see. His posture was casual, as if he was just another passerby, but the way his eyes locked onto hers told a different story. Cold, calculating. Predatory.
Sable's heart raced, her mind spinning. She blinked, trying to calm the rising panic, but when she looked again, he was gone. Just like that—vanished into the sea of people.
Her stomach churned, and she felt the familiar sensation of dread creeping up her spine. Was he really there? Or was her mind playing tricks on her again? She wanted to tell herself it was nothing, just another figment of her imagination. But she couldn't shake the feeling. Deep down, she knew it was real.
"Sable?" Fayne's voice broke through the fog of her thoughts, and Sable snapped her gaze back to her. Fayne's blue eyes were filled with concern, her brows furrowing slightly. "You okay? You've seemed a little… off."
Sable swallowed hard, forcing herself to nod. "Yeah," she lied, her voice shaking just enough to betray her. "Just… tired. I guess I didn't sleep well last night."
Fayne studied her for a moment, clearly not convinced, but she didn't push. Instead, she smiled softly and took a sip of her own drink. "Well, I'm glad we're hanging out. It's good to see you out again."
Sable nodded absently, her eyes flicking back to the street. Was Lynx still there? Watching from the shadows, waiting for her to lower her guard? Her chest felt tight, like she couldn't get enough air. She glanced around again, this time more carefully, scanning the crowd, the faces, the windows across the street. Nothing. There was nothing.
But the tension in her body wouldn't fade. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was still there, lurking just out of sight, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Maybe it was nothing, she told herself again, but the doubt was already taking root. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for her drink, taking another sip just to have something to do with them. He's not here. He can't be.
But deep down, she wasn't sure anymore. Lynx had a way of making her question everything—even her own mind.
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The air around them had shifted, becoming a bit heavier with every glance Sable threw over her shoulder. Fayne, always intuitive, had picked up on the tension. Though she continued to talk, her eyes would drift back to Sable, noticing the way her hands trembled slightly as she reached for her drink, or how her eyes seemed distant, scanning the crowd more than focusing on their conversation.
Finally, Fayne set her cup down, folding her hands gently on the table in front of her. Her bright blue eyes softened as she tilted her head slightly, studying Sable with quiet concern. "You okay, Sable?" she asked gently, her voice calm and filled with understanding. "You've seemed a little… distracted."
Sable, caught off guard, forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as shaky as it felt. She shrugged, trying to play it off. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… a lot on my mind," she mumbled, her voice not nearly as convincing as she'd hoped. She knew Fayne could see right through her, but she didn't want to get into it. Not now. Not here.
Fayne didn't push, but the worry in her eyes didn't fade. She leaned back slightly, watching Sable for a moment, giving her the space to collect herself. "If something's bothering you, you can tell me. You know that, right?" she said softly, her tone warm but firm. "I'm here for you, Sable. No judgment."
Sable's throat tightened. The kindness in Fayne's words hit her harder than she expected, and for a second, she felt the urge to spill everything—to tell Fayne about the way her heart raced, how she could swear Lynx was still watching her, lurking in the shadows. But she couldn't. It sounded crazy even to her. How could she explain to Fayne that she felt hunted when there was no proof, nothing to show for it except her own paranoia?
Her eyes flicked around the café, scanning the crowd again. The knot in her stomach tightened as her gaze hovered over the street where she had seen him—or thought she had seen him. There was nothing now. No sign of Lynx. Maybe it really had been her mind playing tricks.
Sable swallowed, forcing herself to look back at Fayne. "It's nothing," she lied, trying to sound casual but knowing she was failing. "Really. Just… I'm a little out of it, that's all."
Fayne's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't call her out on the lie. Instead, she leaned forward, her voice dropping to a more personal, reassuring tone. "You don't have to pretend with me. You know that, right?" Fayne's gaze was gentle but unyielding. "I won't push, but if something's wrong, you don't have to deal with it alone."
Sable's chest tightened at Fayne's words, a mixture of gratitude and guilt washing over her. Fayne's offer to help, her support, only reminded her of how fragile her sense of security really was. She had thought reaching out to Fayne today would be a step forward, a way to reclaim a piece of her independence. But sitting here, feeling Lynx's invisible presence, made her question whether she would ever be free of that fear.
She clenched her hands together in her lap, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I appreciate it, Fayne. Really. I'm just… still trying to work through some things." She smiled weakly, hoping that would be enough to satisfy her without having to reveal more.
Fayne's expression softened further, her understanding clear. She nodded slowly. "I get it. I won't pry, but just remember that you're not alone in this, okay?"
Sable nodded, grateful that Fayne wasn't pushing but also feeling the weight of her words. She wasn't alone, but the reality of her fear made her feel like she was. No matter how many people cared about her—Raxian, Fayne, even Raze—none of them could truly understand the terror that lived inside her. And none of them could see Lynx the way she did. The way he seemed to slip in and out of her reality, making her question everything.
As they sat there in silence for a moment, Sable's mind whirred with thoughts. She wanted to tell Fayne everything, to let her know about the shadow that was following her. But something stopped her. Was it pride? Fear of being seen as weak? Or maybe she wasn't even sure what was real anymore.
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The hours had passed in a blur. Sable and Fayne wandered through the mall, weaving between shops and chatting casually. Or rather, Fayne chatted, and Sable nodded along, doing her best to keep up. Her mind, however, was elsewhere. Every step, every shift of the crowd around them, felt heavy with tension. That familiar prickling sensation of being watched never left her.
She tried to shake it off, reminding herself that Fayne was right there, that they were in public, surrounded by people. Nothing could happen here, right?
But no matter how hard she tried to convince herself, the gnawing dread persisted, lingering just beneath the surface. Her eyes darted around the mall, scanning the faces of strangers, the movements in her periphery, waiting—no, expecting—to see him again. She hadn't told Fayne, hadn't mentioned the figure she'd seen earlier, because she wasn't even sure if it had been real. But the fear refused to leave her.
As they stepped outside a store, Fayne paused to check her phone. Sable's pulse quickened again, that eerie sense of dread creeping up her spine. She was too aware of the crowd, the way people brushed past her without a second thought, and yet she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was close. Too close.
Fayne was distracted, her fingers tapping at her phone. And that's when it happened.
Sable felt it—a hand on her arm, light but firm. Her entire body froze. Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. She didn't dare look. She couldn't.
"Miss me?"
The voice, soft and mocking, slid into her ear like venom. Lynx. Her blood ran cold, every muscle in her body locking up as his words wrapped around her like a noose. He was right there. Right there.
"You thought you could get away, didn't you?" His grip on her arm was casual, almost gentle, as if they were old friends meeting by chance. But the power in his voice, the threat behind his words, made her heart pound so violently that she thought she might pass out. "No one's going to save you this time. Not Raxian. Not Fayne. No one."
Sable's vision blurred, her mind spinning in panic. She couldn't move, couldn't even turn to look at him. All she could hear was his voice—low, steady, dripping with the certainty that he owned her fear.
Her body screamed at her to pull away, to run, but her legs felt like lead. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Lynx leaned in closer, just for a moment, his breath warm against her ear.
"You'll always belong to me."
And then, just as quickly as he had appeared, he was gone.
The weight lifted from her arm, and Sable's breath came crashing back in a shaky, desperate gasp. She whipped around, her wide eyes scanning the crowd, but there was no sign of him. Lynx had vanished, slipping into the sea of people like a ghost, leaving her standing there, trembling and alone in the middle of the busy mall.
"Sable?" Fayne's voice was distant, her concerned gaze cutting through the haze of panic that was gripping her. "Hey, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Sable couldn't speak. Her entire body shook, her knees buckling as the reality of what had just happened sank in. She had seen him. Felt him. Heard his voice whispering in her ear. He was here, watching, waiting. He had been right there, just a breath away, and she hadn't been able to do anything.
"Sable!" Fayne's voice sharpened as she reached out, catching Sable before she could fall. She gently guided her toward a nearby bench, her expression filled with confusion and worry. "What's going on? You're scaring me."
Sable collapsed onto the bench, her hands shaking violently as she gripped the edges of her seat. Her chest heaved with shallow, uneven breaths, her vision still swimming. She couldn't shake the feeling of Lynx's hand on her arm, the sound of his voice echoing in her head.
The weight of Sable's words seemed to hang in the air, pressing down on both of them. "I… I saw him," she whispered, her voice barely a breath, as if speaking the truth would make it more real, more terrifying. "Lynx… He was here. He… he touched me."
Fayne froze, her eyes widening with shock. "Wait, what? Lynx?" Her voice tightened with urgency, her head whipping around to scan the crowd, eyes searching every passing face, every shifting figure. Her body tensed, ready to act, but there was no sign of him. Only the endless sea of strangers going about their day, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing inside Sable.
"Where? Where did you see him?" Fayne pressed, her voice growing sharper, more focused.
But Sable couldn't answer. Her chest heaved with shallow breaths, her vision blurring as the world around her seemed to tilt. Her mind was spinning, caught in the memory of his mocking voice, the brush of his hand on her arm. She was trapped in that moment, paralyzed by the terrifying certainty that she would never escape him. She had thought being with Fayne would make her safe. She had thought that being in public, surrounded by people, would be enough.
It wasn't.
The security she had tried to rebuild was shattered, crumbling in her hands like sand. Lynx had found her. He had touched her. And there was nothing she could do about it.
Fayne, still scanning the crowd, felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. She turned back to Sable, who was trembling, her face pale, her eyes wide with fear. This wasn't something she could fix. Not alone. And as much as she wanted to stay calm and reassure Sable, Fayne knew this situation had spiraled beyond her ability to handle.
Sable was breaking down right in front of her, and there was only one person who could help pull her out of this spiral.
Without hesitating, Fayne pulled out her phone, her fingers shaking slightly as she dialed Raxian's number. The phone rang twice before he picked up.
"Fayne?" Raxian's voice was steady, but Fayne could hear the concern already creeping into his tone. "What's going on?"
Fayne glanced at Sable, who was sitting hunched on the bench, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. "Rax, I need you to come to the mall. It's Sable. She's—she's not okay."
The urgency in her voice must have struck a chord because Raxian's response was immediate. "What happened? Is she hurt?"
Fayne swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. "She said she saw Lynx. He… he touched her. I don't know how he slipped away, but she's… she's really shaken up. I've never seen her like this."
There was a pause on the other end, and when Raxian spoke again, his voice was sharp with determination. "I'm coming. Stay with her, okay? I'll be there soon."
Fayne ended the call and slipped her phone back into her pocket, turning her full attention to Sable. She crouched down in front of her, her eyes filled with worry but also a fierce determination. "Raxian's on his way," she said gently, placing a hand on Sable's arm. "Just hold on a little longer. He's coming. You're not alone in this."
Sable's breath came in short, uneven gasps, her mind still caught in the lingering echoes of Lynx's voice. She couldn't focus, couldn't push the panic away. Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms, but it did little to ground her.
"I'm… I'm sorry," Sable choked out, her voice trembling. "I shouldn't have— I thought I could handle it. I thought… I thought I was safe."
Fayne shook her head, her expression softening. "You don't have to apologize. This isn't your fault. Lynx… he's the one doing this to you, not the other way around." She squeezed Sable's arm gently. "And you are safe, Sable. We'll figure this out together, okay?"
But despite Fayne's words, the crushing weight of Lynx's presence still loomed over Sable. She knew Fayne meant well, that she was trying to help, but right now, all Sable could feel was the suffocating fear. Her hands continued to tremble, and her chest tightened with the panic that threatened to drown her.
The minutes dragged on, each one feeling like an eternity as they waited for Raxian. Fayne stayed close, her presence unwavering, but Sable could barely hold it together. The walls of the mall felt like they were closing in, the shadows shifting and twisting around her.
Finally, just as Sable felt like she might break completely, she saw a familiar figure rushing toward them. Raxian.
He was moving quickly, his eyes wide with concern as he approached, his gaze locking onto Sable immediately. Fayne stood up, relief flooding her face as she stepped aside to let Raxian take her place.
Without saying a word, Raxian knelt in front of Sable, his golden eyes filled with worry but also with that steady, calming presence she had come to rely on. He gently took her shaking hands in his, his touch warm and grounding.
"Sable," he said softly, his voice low and full of understanding. "I'm here."
At the sound of his voice, something inside Sable cracked, the dam of fear and panic finally breaking. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she squeezed his hands tightly, as if holding onto him was the only thing keeping her from falling apart.
"I saw him, Rax," she whispered, her voice barely audible, her body trembling as the words left her. "He was here. He touched me."
Raxian's jaw clenched, his gaze darkening with anger and protectiveness. But his voice remained calm, steady, as he spoke to her. "I won't let him hurt you again. I promise."
And in that moment, with Raxian's hands holding hers and Fayne standing by her side, Sable felt a flicker of safety, of hope. It wasn't much, but it was enough.
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As Sable's trembling form leaned into Raxian, clinging to him as if he was her lifeline, Fayne stood nearby, watching the two of them. Her heart clenched, not from jealousy or longing, but from the sudden, heavy realization of just how deep their bond had become. She had always known there was something between Sable and Raxian, but seeing it unfold like this—raw, vulnerable, and undeniable—made it all the more real.
There it is. The connection I could never have with him.
Fayne's gaze softened as she took a step back, giving them space. She watched the way Raxian held Sable, his words filled with such quiet intensity, with a promise that ran deeper than any she'd ever heard him make. And the way Sable looked at him—the trust in her eyes, the way her body finally relaxed, even if just a little, in his arms—spoke volumes. They shared something now, something that went beyond words, beyond any fleeting crush or infatuation Fayne might have once felt.
Sable needs him like this. And he needs her.
Fayne's chest tightened as she reflected on her place in all of this. She had spent so much time trying to figure out where she stood with Raxian, with Sable, with herself. There had always been this tension—a flicker of something unspoken between her and Raxian, but it had never quite been enough. And now, watching them together, Fayne knew that whatever they shared, it was something she could never touch.
But it wasn't jealousy that burned inside her. It was a quiet understanding, a sense of acceptance that had been slowly growing within her.
Sable and Rax... they've been through so much together. It makes sense. He's the one she turns to. He's the one who knows how to reach her when she's spiraling like this.
Yet, even as that realization settled in, another thought emerged. Maybe I could be something different for Sable.
Fayne's eyes lingered on Sable, taking in the fragility behind the strength she had always admired. Sable, who had once seemed so tough, so unbreakable, was now unraveling in front of her, a mixture of fear and pain. And in that moment, Fayne felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness—not just for Raxian, but for Sable too.
She took a quiet breath, standing a little taller. I may not be what Rax is to her, but maybe... I can still help. Maybe I can be something she needs in my own way.
Fayne's relationship with Sable had always been distant, but not by choice. There had been a mutual respect, but never the kind of closeness that Sable shared with Raxian. Fayne had always watched from the sidelines, supporting from afar, but now, as she stood there, she realized that maybe it was time to step up, to be more than just a distant friend. Maybe she could be the one to help Sable when Raxian wasn't there, to offer a different kind of support—one that didn't rely on being a protector, but a quiet, steady presence.
As the silence between them settled, broken only by the soft sound of Sable's shaky breathing and Raxian's murmured reassurances, Fayne found herself stepping forward. She reached out, her hand gently resting on Sable's shoulder, offering a soft, comforting touch.
"Sable," Fayne said quietly, her voice gentle but strong. "You're not alone in this. We're both here for you. Always."
Sable's eyes flickered up to meet hers, still glassy with tears, but there was something else there too—something that looked almost like relief. Fayne wasn't Raxian, and she knew she never would be. But maybe that wasn't what Sable needed right now. Maybe she just needed to know that she had more than one person to lean on.
We can be her pillars, Fayne thought, her resolve hardening. Together.
In that moment, as she stood beside Sable and Raxian, Fayne realized that she didn't have to be in the center of it all to matter. Her role, whatever it would become, was important in its own way. And that was enough.