Chapter 47
The Choice That Breaks
Ariana did not move right away.
She stood still, facing the other version of herself as the space around them slowly settled into silence again. The ground beneath her feet still pulsed faintly, like something alive was breathing beneath it.
Her heart had not slowed.
Not after the fall.
Not after what she had seen.
And not after what she had felt inside her own power.
The other Ariana watched her quietly now, no longer pushing, no longer mocking. That change alone made Ariana uneasy.
"You are not trying to stop me anymore," Ariana said.
The other Ariana tilted her head slightly.
"I do not need to."
Ariana frowned.
"That does not make sense."
"It will," the other Ariana replied calmly. "Soon."
The silence between them stretched, heavy and uncomfortable.
