Lyria eventually asked quietly, "Did they suffer?"
Atheline hesitated.
"There were those that had courage, but some were afraid." He didn't lie. "And some didn't want to do it."
Lyria closed her eyes.
"But they still did it."
"Yes."
"Because they believed everyone else would die without them."
Lyria closed her eyes.
"But they still did it."
"Yes."
"Because they believed everyone else would die without them."
Lyria slowly opened her eyes.
"Then we will remember them."
She held the book against her chest.
"Every name and every sacrifice, no one will be forgotten again."
Atheline smiled.
"That's probably what they would have wanted."
The conversation continued for some time. They explained how the barrier had separated the sanctuary from ordinary space and why outsiders could become trapped within the surrounding forest.
Lyria listened carefully, then her expression became more serious.
"Is the barrier still functioning?"
Atheline and Lilith exchanged another glance.
