"Do not worry. I promise you this. Go save Azriel, and once I am free of these chains, I will make both Caleus and Lioren pay."
"…"
?
…?
…Huh?
"Lumine?"
Lumine looked at Celestina.
She was shackled in front of him, bound in place, yet still carrying herself with the unyielding pride that made her worthy of the title Frost Heiress. Her posture was firm. Her eyes were cold. Her will had not bent.
And yet Lumine barely saw her.
His gaze drifted past her, unfocused.
"Lumine? Did you hear me?"
"Ye-eah? No—wait… what? S-sorry…?"
Still caught in an absolute daze, Lumine looked around.
Only then did he realize where he was.
'No… w-what… what... what happened?'
The blood drained from his face. He went pale, ghastly pale, like a man struck by sudden illness. His legs weakened beneath him, and before he could stop himself, he staggered back and fell hard onto the floor.
Right into a smear of blood.
He stared down at his hands.
They were trembling.
