Saeldir watched Eccar in silence for a moment longer. His gaze lingered on Eccar's open palm and on the slow flex of fingers that, in his eyes, carried more uncertainty than power.
His expression settled into concern, subtle but unmistakable.
"You're forcing yourself to understand it by your will alone," Saeldir said quietly. "I think… time power doesn't move like Magic or usual force. The harder you grip it, the more it slips."
Eccar lowered his hand slightly but did not close it. His jaw tightened.
"I know," he replied with a sigh. "But waiting hasn't given us clarity either."
"You're carrying this alone," Saeldir said. "That is what worries me. It will eventually break you."
Eccar let out a slow breath. His shoulders eased just a fraction.
"Erend has his family. He deserves that peace for now," he said. "Aesa… if I pull her out now, it will only reopen wounds that haven't healed yet. She had just killed the creature who had made her kill her husband and family."
