84 84 : Home Sick

The night is quiet and still as Eric made his way back to the hill spot, the soft glow of the moon guiding his path. Upon reaching their room, he found Ria standing in the center of the room, her figure bathed in the moonlight streaming through the small holes.

Her eyes, usually so bright and lively, were now clouded with emotion, and Eric could see the moisture glistening in them.

"What happened?" Eric asked gently, concern evident in his voice as he closed the distance between them.

Ria, attempting to hide her distress, turned her face away, but Eric reached out, cupping her cheeks and turning her back to face him. "Tell me, Ria. What's wrong?"

With a heavy sigh, Ria retrieved a mirror from her storage ring and handed it to Eric. The mirror flickered to life, displaying a message from Ria's clan. Eric read the words carefully, his heart sinking as he understood the gravity of the situation.