Not with cruelty.
With finality.
“You taught me everything I needed to know,” I said quietly.
His eyes locked on mine, panic flickering behind them as his chest struggled for air.
“And this…” I added, my tone steady, almost reflective, “…is the last lesson.”
Seconds stretched.
Then minutes.
His movements slowed.
Weaker.
Weaker.
Until—
Gone.
The machine continued its low, steady sound like nothing had changed.
But everything had.
I stood there for a moment longer.
Just… acknowledging it was done.
I set the mask back in place like I had never touched it.
Adjusted it.
Wiped it down.
Smoothed the blanket.
Composed.
Perfect.
I was already walking away when I saw Ares standing there.
I already felt him before I even looked at him. I knew he was standing there the whole time.
I turned slightly, meeting his eyes.
He saw it.
All of it.
And I didn’t hide.
Didn’t explain.
Didn’t apologize.
