POV: Ashina
The next morning, Ashina woke to find Kendrick already gone called away for an emergency patrol meeting. She was both relieved and guilty. Relieved because maintaining the shields was exhausting, especially while sleeping. Guilty because the relief itself felt like betrayal.
She was reaching for the ginger sachet when a soft knock sounded at the door.
"Luna? It's Mira. May I come in?"
Ashina pulled on a robe, padding to the door. Mira stood in the hallway, looking older than Ashina had ever seen her. The ancient healer's face was drawn, her eyes shadowed with something that looked like pain.
"What's wrong?" Ashina asked immediately, ushering her inside.
Mira settled into a chair with a sigh that seemed to come from her bones. "I need to tell you something. Something I should have told you days ago, but I've been... cowardly. Selfish."
Dread pooled in Ashina's stomach. "Mira"
