The castle was eerily quiet, save for the distant shuffle of guards moving through the halls. Damian stood near the window; his arms crossed as he stared into the darkened courtyard. His shoulders were tense, and his jaw clenched in a way that made it clear he wasn't at ease.
I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands gripping the sheets tightly. The system had been silent since I woke up. No whispers of advice, no guidance, no calculating tones to break the silence in my mind. It was just... gone.
The system had always been there, like a second voice in my head. It wasn't just a tool—it was a lifeline. And now, without it, I felt exposed. Vulnerable.
My gaze flicked to Damian. He hadn't said much since we arrived back, but his watchful eyes never left me for long.
"Damian," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He turned immediately, his expression softening. "What is it?"
