Chapter 191: Before the Banquet

I gazed at the girl, blinking slowly in the dim light of the crystal. Her vibrant green eyes and dark hair struck a chord deep within me, feeling strangely familiar. Moisture welled up in my eyes, and soon, tears trickled down my cheeks.

Then it hit me. Korra.

"X-Xiviyah?" she stammered, gasping as I threw my arms around her.

After a moment of hesitation, she returned my embrace, her arms gently encircling my frail shoulders, her fingers soothingly stroking my long, crimson hair. Sobs wracked my body, wave after wave, as I wept into her shoulder. All the pain, darkness, and anguish I'd kept bottled up poured out of me, a torrent so intense that I barely noticed the awkwardness with which she held me.

Finally, she laid her hands on my shoulders and drew me away, staring at me deeply. Her familiar face was tinged with unease, and I felt a heavy lump forming in my chest.