Those who Return

The Remnant lunged at Luke, its spear slicing through the air with terrifying speed. The weapon's point plunged into his chest, piercing him through. A horrified gasp escaped my lips, but it died in my throat as Luke's form flickered and vanished, and I realized it had just been an afterimage.

The real Luke materialized behind the Remnant, knife outstretched. The creature exploded into darkness, dissolving back into the mists of Haven. I stared, open-mouthed, as Luke sheathed his weapon and met my gaze, his dark eyes reflecting the soft golden glow of my own.

"No," I whimpered, hugging myself, tail wrapping protectively around me. "Why...? Why did you...?"

"Xiviyah!" Luke rushed to my side, cutting down another Remnant that materialized between us before it could fully form. "Are you alright? They didn't hurt you, did they?"

"You left me," I sobbed, tears streaming down my face. "...so alone... so cold..."