She didn’t sit—just leaned against the old support beam like it owed her something.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhU3fqPKQ4
Her armor clattered against the floor, piece by piece. Every clang sounded like regret.
I poured her something steeped in thistle stem and cold mountain moss. Helps loosen what’s been clenched too long.
She spoke only once: “Do you know what it costs to be brave for too long?”43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCoJq1dH5O
I said nothing. The fire answered her. I think she heard it.
She slept by the hearth for hours. When she woke, she left behind a gauntlet and a single red feather.
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