"They're gone," I whispered, gripping Luke tightly.
"You left Borealis in there. Can you still feel him?"
Dully, I nodded, though he felt impossibly far away.
"Then they're still alive," Verity said.
"But they lost the true Nexus," I whispered.
"R'lissea can cast another one. Be brave, Xiviyah. They sacrificed themselves to open the path. Don't let that be in vain," Luke said.
His voice was calm and measured. He was right. They hadn't hesitated when the options became clear. Doing so now would dishonor them.
"Do you remember the way to the Archives?" Luke asked, prodding gently.
I swallowed hard, nodding. "I-it's not much farther."
"Then let's get going," he said, brushing a hand through my hair. "The others are counting on us."
I nodded, holding on to him a moment longer before reluctantly letting go.
