Lumindra was silent again.
"I don't want to keep feeling useless," Zoey said quietly. "I don't want to keep watching others fight for what I care about while I stand back doing nothing."
She breathed in deeply.
"It's my life, Lumi. Not yours. You don't have the right to make that decision for me, no matter how much you love me. Please… help me."
For a long moment, there was only silence in her mind.
If Lumindra was in her physical form, her face would've been twisted in frustration. Because Zoey was right. Completely, painfully right.
She had given Zoey speech after speech about change. About realness. About embracing herself, no matter the consequence. But now, when it truly mattered, she had recoiled in fear of losing her.
But could she truly force Zoey away from this situation now? Even if it killed Zoey, was it truly her decision to make?
Lumindra let out a heavy sigh, mind shimmering with conflicted thoughts.
Then… her voice returned, calmer, but resolute.
