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~Lisa's POV
When we left Mother's resting place, my heart was heavy but peaceful. Thorne walked beside me quietly as we made our way to Father's tomb. The air was still, the scent of the woods calm and strong.
We stopped before the old stone. Thorne knelt first, touching the carved name with trembling fingers. I followed, bowing my head.
"Father," Thorne whispered, his voice thick. "This is Lisa."
My eyes burned as I placed my palm on the stone. "Father," I murmured. "If you were here, you'd know how lost I was. But I'm home now."
When we were done, Thorne looked at me with a small smile. "Let's go, little sister. You look tired."
He was right. I was. My body felt drained, like something inside me was pulling in two directions.
Back in the palace, I barely made it to my room before collapsing on the bed. "I think I need rest," I said quietly.
Lira followed me in, her expression unreadable. "Before you rest," she said softly, "someone asked me to give you this."
