Rin remained in the hidden chamber long after the light from the crystal disappeared.
The words were gone and the vision was gone but the feeling remained.
His mother had known about the curse. She had been afraid and whatever she had done, she had believed she was protecting him.
Rin stared at the dark crystal in his hands.
"Then what exactly happened?"
No answer came. Of course. Apparently, every answer in his life came with another ten questions. Behind him, Kaelith was watching silently.
Rin glanced at him.
"You can say it."
"Say what?"
"That I'm thinking too much."
Kaelith's mouth curved slightly.
"I wasn't going to."
"You're thinking it."
"Maybe."
Rin sighed.
"Everyone has become predictable."
Vorak raised his hand.
"Can I say something?"
Rin looked at him.
"No."
"I wasn't going to say anything."
"Good."
Vorak lowered his hand.
"...Can I say it now?"
"No."
Selena laughed. Even Lucien smiled. For a moment, the tension disappeared.
