Ellie’s POV
My chest ached, the words hitting me like a blow and a balm all at once. They pressed against the fragile walls inside me, and I felt the cracks spread. My eyes burned again, even though I had promised myself I wouldn’t cry anymore.
“I’ll make sure of it,” I whispered, forcing the words out past the lump in my throat. My voice shook, but the determination was there, steady and real. I pressed my palm harder against the stone as if I could pass the promise through it. “I’ll protect them. I won’t let his sacrifice be in vain.”
The elder bowed his head, a small but respectful gesture. “He knew you would,” he said softly.
“Even when you were just a child, he said your spirit was strong. Stronger than most.”
That made my lips tremble, and I bit down on them to keep from fallin
