He didn't yell.
He didn't panic.
He just stared at her.
"…Did I choose you?"
Nyx didn't blink.
"Yes."
The word landed like a blade.
His throat felt dry.
"And they died because of it?"
She walked into the room slowly.
"No."
She reached his bed.
Sat beside him.
"They died because the Celestial Court demanded balance."
"That's not an answer."
She finally looked at him directly.
Her usual teasing tone was gone.
"You chose me. The Court labeled me corruption. They executed the others as purification."
His chest tightened.
"You knew that would happen?"
Silence.
And that silence was the answer.