Chapter 82
The world outside the temple hadn't changed even though it felt like mine had just collapsed in on itself. The air still smelled faintly of salt, being carried in by the ocean breeze. Waves whispered in the distance, brushing against the shore in slow, even breaths. Gulls circled lazily overhead, crying out in sharp little squawks. It was all exactly the same as it had been before I left.
And yet, everything had changed. At least for me.
Vorrak was back in my satchel, humming tunelessly to himself, like a beetle content in the warmth of a sock drawer. No mention of my absence. No further questions. As if nothing had happened, which for him was actually true.
I, on the other hand, had an answer now. A final one. One I had never truly wanted to hear, no matter how often I pretended I didn't care.
Enmos's verdict echoed in my mind over and over again.
There is no way back home. I'm stuck here.
