Now, the council mbers were hers to control. It would stay with them for life.
"Kneel."
The council mbers crashed down to their knees instantly. Anorah stared down at them coldly.
"Don't do anything traitorous to the Resistance," she said coldly, her voice echoing through the world, "or to . Await further instructions."
"Now," she added, her tone filled with disgust, "get your filthy selves out of my world."
With a flick of her wrist, the portals appeared before them, and one by one, the branded council mbers and the remnants of their families were swallowed whole.
…
"Tough night?"
From those words, at the very least, Atticus expected a small smile. If he was reaching, he expected the Saint to burst into laughter.
But all he received was an effortless nod.
"It is."
Atticus frowned. The Saint stood at the top of a balcony, overlooking the world below with an emotionless gaze.
"You're still in Logoth."
"I am." Another emotionless response.
"Why?" Atticus walked over to the spot beside her. "The battle is over. Staying in Logoth this long is a bad idea."
He knew of the terrible consequences of using Logoth for too long. It placed far too much burden on the mind.
"I know."
"So why don't you want to leave?"
A mont of silence went between them. Anorah turned towards him.
"Why are you still here?"
Atticus was slightly taken aback.
"You're making it sound like you don't want here."
"You've never wanted to be here, Atticus. Your plan was to learn Logoth and leave for your world. Am I wrong?"
Atticus furrowed his brow.
'She's trying to change the topic.'
"You're not wrong."
"Then—"
"But that's not why you're not leaving the Logoth state."
Anorah turned away, her shoulders tense.
"Why won't you leave?"
"You refusing to leave the Logoth state ans you won't feel," Atticus said with a knowing look.
"You won't mourn. Your people sacrificed themselves for you, but you won't even mourn them? Do you know what they call people like that?"
"Please… leave," Anorah whispered. A tear rolled down her cheek as she felt Logoth slipping away.
"Cowards."
The word struck her. Anorah released a deep, trembling sigh as the last vestiges of Logoth shattered.
The tear fell freely from her eyes as emotion flooded in like a storm. The strength in her knees left her, and she sank to the ground, weeping silently.
"Now I'm all alone…" she whispered in a barely audible voice.
Atticus observed her in silence, saying nothing. After a long mont, he slowly sat down beside her, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular.
The night was a sad one.
…
Days passed since the incident with the Will Guards, and Asterra had begun to heal.
A battle of such magnitude had caused a lot of damage to the terrain and the different cities littered across the world.
But luckily, Anorah had taken asures to prevent unnecessary loss of life due to the aftermath of the battle, and as a result, only part of the Knights of Light that participated died.
With her powers, restoring the cities had been easy. Atticus had also helped out.
Their relationship couldn't be said to have improved. In fact, it beca even more awkward as Anorah couldn't bring herself to face Atticus after her breakdown.
However, they were eventually forced to talk it out when the day ca for Atticus to leave.
They stood in the middle of the dojo within the underground cavern, staring at the swirling portal leading to Eldoralth.
Atticus broke the silence first. "What now?" he asked, turning toward Anorah, who quickly glanced away.
"What do you an?" she replied softly.
"Is this goodbye?"
Anorah's eyes widened.
"You've been avoiding since," Atticus continued, "so I assud you plan on ending this… whatever this is."
Anorah clenched her fists. "I've not been avoiding you."
"Oh, you haven't?" Atticus raised an eyebrow. "We haven't spoken since that day on the balcony."
Seeing her hardened expression, he decided to change the topic. "What about the Resistance?"
Anorah let out a breath. "It's still my father's legacy. I have no plans of abandoning it. It's what One would've wanted."
Atticus nodded. "With this new change in how you lead, things should turn out well."
Anorah frowned slightly. "You can say it."
"Say what?"
As Anorah glared at him, Atticus couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I told you so. Happy?"
If she had listened to his advice earlier on how to handle Kaino and the others, then they might have escaped this entire ss. It was cruel, but Atticus could see it was what Anorah needed right now.
"Hmph! You actually said it," she said, folding her arms. "The n I know wouldn't be so cruel to a woman. You, sir, are no gentleman."
Atticus chuckled. "I believe in true equality. My mouth, and even my fists, are gender-neutral."
Anorah giggled. "Of course they are."
A quiet mont passed between them before Anorah's voice softened. "No, I don't plan on ending this."
Atticus turned to her. She glanced at him with eyes that glistened faintly.
"I just need… ti. Ti to mourn and recover. I appreciate everything you've done for , but… can I have that?"
Atticus smiled gently. "Of course."
"Thank you."
Before he could say another word, Anorah stepped forward and threw herself into his arms. He blinked, then smiled, wrapping his arms around her in return.
When she finally drew back, her voice was quieter. "Also… can I co visit your world later? I'm curious about your people."
Atticus froze at her words. It was then he rembered soone he had ignored for far too long.
'Zoey.'
He smiled faintly. "Of course."
"I can't wait."
Anorah leaned forward and pressed her lips gently against his. It was moist, soft. Then she pulled away, eyes shining.
"Thank you for everything, Atticus Ravenstein. I'll see you."
She waved with a wide, bright smile.
Atticus smiled back. "I'll see you."
Then, without another word, he advanced into the portal, leaving Asterra behind.
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