Hanami stood frozen, her violet eyes wide with disbelief as Lunara uttered the name—Annie. The name echoed in her mind, stirring memories long buried.
She wanted to dismiss it, to believe it was a coincidence, that perhaps Lunara spoke of another witch with the same name.
But the weight of Lunara's gaze, the sorrow etched into her features, made denial impossible.
Lunara stepped closer, her voice trembling yet resolute. "It's her, Hanami.
The Annie you grew up with, the one you shared battles and laughter with. She… she was caught up in the end."
Hanami's breath hitched, a mix of guilt and sorrow washing over her.
She had assumed the worst—that Annie had fallen victim to the humans' cruelty.
But she hadn't sought the truth, hadn't looked for her. The realization was a dagger to her heart.
Lunara reached out, placing a comforting hand on Hanami's shoulder.
"She forgave you, Hanami. She understood. But there's more you need to know."
