Mors remained standing, breathing heavily, his grip on Elsienflora unyielding. The sword's radiance began to dim, its power settling now that its purpose had been fulfilled.
He slowly turned back, his eyes immediately seeking Athena. She lay motionless. Panic seized his heart as he rushed to her side, dropping to his knees.
"Athena," he called, his voice breaking. He gently cradled her face, brushing strands of hair away from her closed eyes. "Open your eyes. Look at me."
She didn't respond.
Mors pressed his forehead against hers, just as he had done before.
"I swear, if you leave me, I'll find you in the afterlife and drag you back," he murmured, his voice trembling. "You promised, Athena. You promised."
A moment passed.
Then, her fingers twitched.
Mors barely had time to react before her hand weakly grasped the front of his uniform.
"Idiot…" Athena's voice was barely a whisper, but it was there.
