"I saw enough," Serenya said, a small, fierce smile breaking through her tears. "I saw him become someone worth loving, even after I was gone. And now I've seen you both find your way to each other despite everything trying to keep you apart. That is more than I ever dared hope for, when I made that bargain all those years ago."
The white space had begun trembling again, the light flickering unsteadily at its edges.
"I have to go," Serenya said, urgency creeping back into her voice. "Please, Eleanore—be careful. The man who helped us both is not finished with what he started. Whatever debt exists between us, he intends to collect it eventually, through you. Protect that fragment. Protect yourself. Protect your children."
"Please, don't go yet, I have so much more I need to ask you—"
