Once Beast Recovery had eased some of the strain, Ethan stood, his eyes searched until they found Elara. She sat quietly near the edge of another of the floating islands, looking down at the abyss.
Her crimson eyes seemed distant.
Ethan walked over before sitting beside her.
"You did really well."
She looked up, thinking he was joking as always.
"I really mean it. You've come so far."
A small smile appeared.
"You practically carried that fight."
She lowered her gaze again, almost as if embarrassed by the compliment.
Ethan smiled softly.
"Are you able to speak now?" he asked slowly.
Immediately, she stiffened.
Her expression fell, and when she opened her mouth, nothing came out.
She tried again, but to no avail.
Frustration filled her eyes, and her shoulders slumped in defeat.
Ethan understood.
'She can speak, and has proven that, so whatever is stopping her isn't physical. It's something buried somewhere much deeper.'
