The story so far:

----Luka sacrifices himself to save Earth. Thieron is upset about Luka. Rei learns Vincent is alive. He finds out that Iyler and John helped Ea. Aija finally feels the enormity of Luka's death. Rei feels scared about the still glowing Avo. Zuri has the inexplicable urge to talk to Aija. She leaves in search of her.

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****43.1 THIERON****

Abound the Ro'ein, his dark hair swayed with the wind.

The sword; two to wield, one to die. The black metal glistened under Ish'th and E'mn.

Born a weapon; born to protect.

'Who are you?'

'Ro'ere sah!'

'*' '*'

Thieron woke with a start.

A dream; just a dream.

But why did it feel like a past life?

Thieron collected his breath, extending his arm to put around Aija. Empty space greeted him. He jerked up, scanning the room. The bathroom door was open, with no sound emanating from within.

Maybe Aija had gone to the Hall? Or the Newsroom? To meet Zuri?

Thieron's heart raced, a chill skittering goose-bumps over his skin. He'd told her not to do anything stupid. Hadn't he? Had he? He should've been vigilant.

His hand went to the chain around his neck. The last time she'd stepped out, she'd left the stone with him. His hand froze.

The chain wasn't there.

No. No. NO.

Thieron hurried out of bed, slipping into his pants.

No, Aija. Please.

He searched for his shirt. Not finding it, he grabbed an overcoat, running out barefooted; he couldn't waste time on boots.

Thieron ran.

Stillness gripped the Core. He wondered if he should check the Hall first for her, but every single atom that forged him knew where Aija had gone.

"Ah'n?" he heard Nala's voice as he ran down the stairs. But he didn't stop. He couldn't; every second weighed more precious than the last.  

No. No, Aija. Why?

Thieron couldn't live without Aija. His heartbeat was a ricochet of hers. What would he do without her to fire it? He was nothing without her. She was the magic keeping him alive with purpose. And more importantly, she deserved to live, to have a whole worthy life.

Heart pounding, panic-gripped, Thieron ran to the Àvo.

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