Location: Hall of Remembrance, Zhū'kethara
Date/Time: 27–28 Emberrise, 9939 AZI
Realm: Demon Realm
Kaela's hands were shaking.
She hid it well — the Aetherwing habit of folding her wings tight against her spine, drawing herself inward, presenting the smallest possible target. But the gossamer membranes trembled along their leading edges, catching light in stuttering flashes of iridescence, and no amount of composure could stop the fine tremor in her fingers as Vaelith guided them toward the crystal matrix.
"You don't have to do this today," Vaelith said. Quiet. No pressure.
"I know." Kaela's voice was thin. Controlled the way breakable things were controlled — with effort that showed. "But I won't be less afraid tomorrow."
