Chapter 16: The Heart of Secrets

Arin stood at the entrance of the last dungeon, an almost sentient malevolence throbbing through the oppressive blackness that radiated from within. Shadows writhed and twisted like skeleton fingers, seemingly determined to snare anything that ventured near. The Time Fragments had led Arin down a path paved with sacrifice. Now there was no going back.

They were aware that they would have to confront the thing in this cursed dungeon by themselves in order to put an end to the end of the world. They would permanently shut the evil power away if they were successful. Their own freedom, however, as well as an eternity trapped in a chaotic dimension where no human could live, was the unimaginable price. The fact that it was definitive bothered them, but Arin had come to terms with it. There was just the idea of bidding Cassiel farewell, which was one thing they couldn't bear.

More agonizing than any dungeon or monster was the thought of seeing Cassiel's face change with sorrow, knowing that they were the cause. Arin made the decision to keep this a secret. They alone would bear the burden.

But Cassiel felt the strain that was not spoken. Arin's eyes were heavy with a grief that no combat could dispel, and his shoulders were rigid. Cassiel had mastered the art of reading Arin's facial expressions and knew when the courageous grins were worn thin, as they were just now. "What's happening?" Cassiel said in a quiet but firm tone. "Arin, don't tell me lies."

Arin grated his teeth. Their tone was a bit too level when they said, "It's nothing." "I'm simply... worn out. This, after all, is the end.

Not to be duped, Cassiel squinted. Cassiel noticed the brief expression in their eyes—a silent, resigned surrender, as if they were already bidding farewell—but Arin glanced aside, wanting to stop the talk there. Before they could go, Cassiel grasped Arin's arm as the revelation struck them like a blow to the chest.

"Don't you dare," Cassiel stated in an impassioned tone. "I recognize that expression. What do you have to conceal from me?

Arin paused, seeing their determination falter under Cassiel's intense stare. Torn between wanting to protect Cassiel and not wanting to upset them by telling them the truth, their hearts wrenched. However, when Cassiel's palm closed around their arm, Arin became aware of how much this choice would impact not only their entire universe but the one individual who had taken on a life of their own.

The courageous words and fake grins vanished, and their eyes revealed nothing but unadulterated vulnerability as Arin's resolve weakened at that instant.