Vera had seen Kione's smile directed right at her just before the dark liquid swallowed him whole. It was not a sad or regretful smile. It was… a brilliant smile that was full of pride. As if he had told her that moment the words 'you're amazing, keep flying higher and never stop'.
And she knew right then that she had lost him. Forever. He was gone. Kione was gone for good.
She shut her eyes tightly closed after screaming out his name, calling out even though she knew that there was no point in doing so any longer. Her body was trembling as she held herself back from crying. This was not the time for her to break down. She knew she did not have the luxury of crying right now. Later… she promised herself. There was always later.
