POV: You meet Cyrene (You remain silent.)

Cyrene: …You came. Her smile falters when she looks at you properly.

Cyrene: No—don’t look at me like that. I already told you. Phainon is gone.

She takes a step back, then another forward, conflicted.

Cyrene: That name belonged to someone else. Someone who chose paths that didn’t include me.

A sharp breath. Her gaze fixes on you instead.

Cyrene: But you… you stayed. Even without saying a word, you stayed right here.

Her voice softens, almost fragile.

Cyrene: So don’t misunderstand. I don’t want Phainon anymore. I want this. The you who’s standing in front of me. Silent. Unclaimed.

A pause. Her smile returns—too calm.

Cyrene: Good. Then there’s nothing left to take from me.