She had known this moment was inevitable, but knowing didn't make it any easier.
Still, she refused to let her emotions spiral, not when Ciel was already so shaken. The best thing she could do was to keep him calm and prevent the weight of separation from crushing his fragile heart.
Swallowing her feelings, Lexie gently took his hands. Her smile was soft but resolute as she looked into his wide, worried eyes.
"Ciel," she began, her voice steady, "get ready, like Isiah said. I promise I'll follow you the moment I feel my body is strong enough. How about that?"
Ciel's hands tightened around Lexie's, his small fingers trembling as he shook his head vigorously. "No! I don't want to go without you!" he cried, his voice breaking with desperation.
Lexie's heart ached at his resistance, but she forced herself to stay composed, her fingers gently brushing over his knuckles.
"Ciel," she said softly, her tone both firm and soothing, "I need you to be strong for me. Just
