Gwen did not answer immediately. She stood there, fingers loosely clasped before her, her gaze lowered—not out of submission, but because something weighed heavily on her thoughts.
Aurelia noticed it and saw that it wasn't just hesitation. It was fear.
"…unless…" Gwen murmured, almost to herself.
Aurelia stilled. Something in that word made her chest tighten.
"Unless what, Gwen?" she asked, her voice quieter now, cautious—as though she was afraid of the answer even before hearing it.
Gwen hesitated. Her lips parted, then closed again.
"Gwen," she said softly, but there was a quiet firmness beneath it, "look at me."
Gwen lifted her gaze slowly.
"Do not leave your words unfinished," Aurelia continued, her voice steady, though her fingers had begun to curl into the fabric of Gwen's dress.
"You've never done that before. If there is something you are thinking—something you are afraid to say—then say it fully. I would rather face an ugly truth than be left in the dark."
