We were quiet as we left the ashes of Jaedon behind. I leaned back against R'lissea, eyes closed as I pet Borealis, who roosted in my lap. My thoughts were filled with the countless lives I'd seen touched by the Black Mist, many of whom hadn't even imagined its existence yet. It hadn't spread far yet, but it would. Very soon.
R'lissea's arms were draped around my waist. She caressed me idly, nor in any sort of sensual or intentional way, but as if she needed to do something, and pacing wasn't an option when riding a wolf.
After a few long minutes, she spoke. "Xiviyah, is everything alright? You seem…different."
I tilted my head to look at her without turning around. "Hmm? What do you mean?"
She bit the inside of her lip. "I mean…you're more confident. I never could have imagined you ordering the destruction of an entire town like that."
"Was it wrong of me? Could we have saved them?" I asked.
