Lorraine's POV
I stopped walking.
My feet slowed first, then my whole body followed
"Have you always known about my connection with Maeryn all this while?" I asked Astrid.
Astrid didn't stop walking immediately. She took three more steps before she exhaled and finally turned to face me.
"Yes," she said simply. "I always knew."
The words landed like a stone dropped into still water.
The others were a few paces ahead, Alistair talking quietly to Kaelani, Varya walking with her arms folded, her shoulders stiff.
"How?" I asked. "How could you possibly...."
"I've been obsessed with Maeryn's legendary story since I was a child," Astrid cut in.
"Obsessed?" I echoed.
She nodded once. "Her rise. Her power. Her fall. Most people only know the polished version, the Luna blessed by the Moon Goddess, the symbol of unity, the tragedy. I didn't want the legend. I wanted the truth."
She looked almost… vulnerable saying it. Astrid didn't often admit to fascination. Or obsession.
