Beyond the Family's Shadow
The old Elara might have been moved to tears, perhaps seeing this as proof of love.
But now, her heart was unmoved, even feeling a touch of pity.
She slowly walked towards Dante, looking down at him from above.
Her eyes held no hatred, only the detachment of looking at a stranger.
"Dante," Elara finally spoke, her voice terrifyingly calm, "Do you truly love me?"
Dante's head snapped up, hope igniting in his eyes:
"Yes! Of course, I love you! Only after you left did I realize how empty my life was without you!"