Reconnaissance

Mariah's piercing silver gaze hardened, her eyes reflecting the intensity of her emotions. Her stance grew more determined. The wind whipped at her long black and crimson coat, but she stood resolute. "I refuse to abandon you," she stated firmly, her voice carrying the weight of her unwavering conviction. She took a deliberate step forward, narrowing the distance between them with determination in each stride. "This is not a debate, Caedes." Her words hung in the air, lingering like a challenge to his resolve.

The fire in Mariah's eyes blazed brighter with each word that left his lips, mirroring the tumultuous emotions swirling within her. Her heart clenched at the pain that lingered behind his words. She tore her gaze from him and fixed it on the raven, its wings spread wide as it soared high above them, a harbinger of impending danger. But even in the face of this threat, she stood firm, her determination strengthened by Caedes' desperate plea. Her voice was barely a whisper, yet it cut through the howling wind like a sharp blade.

Mariah's body faltered, her footing unsure as she came face to face with Caedes. His powerful aura radiated a palpable force, threatening to push her back. The weight of his final words stirred a deep anguish within her, but she fought against it with every fiber of her being. Her feet planted firmly on the ground, she stood tall with a determined stance and an unwavering silver gaze, meeting his towering stature with a quiet defiance.

"No," she spoke firmly, her voice soft and gentle like a falling snowflake but carrying the undeniable steel of resolve.

"Mariah Mendacium"