…" Arianne's voice cracked.
"Listen to me, my child" her mother continued, still smiling faintly through her weakness. "Don't fall apart just because I'm leaving, you know. Fate has chosen this path for me… and I've accepted it."
Taking a breath in, she continued.
But you… you my beautiful girl still have your long journey to walk. You are not alone. Your father, your grandparents, your brother, aunt—they're still here. And… there are more out there. People who will come love you deeply."
'So deeply that they slaughter anyone who even touches you, with malicious intent.'
Lady Crimson's voice grew softer, but not weaker.
"If someone hurts you, don't let that hate consume you. Don't become the blade that cuts everything down just to stop the pain. Even if I'm gone… live. Please, live freely. That's my last wish."
She coughed—blood staining her lips—but she raised a trembling hand.
"Promise me, Ria. No matter what happens… never let yourself fall into darkness."
