"I also want to talk to you, but don't you have work to do?"
"Work isn't as important as family. I can't let work alienate me from my family."
As she said this, she held Shard's hand and led him towards the stairs. The word "alienate" made Shard's heart skip a beat, but he thought it was no longer a concern.
In the living room, while Luviya was eating, Shard recounted the events of the night. Mia lay on Shard's lap, patiently waiting, hoping he might give it a midnight snack.
When Shard finished the story, Luviya was almost done with her meal. She went to the washroom to freshen up a bit, and upon returning, she gave Shard a hug:
"See, it's always you going on these adventures. You are the strongest among us, always have been. Just from your description of that feeling of falling alone into the abyss, I know I wouldn't be able to endure it."
She softly spoke in Shard's ear.
