After the battle with Sylara, the clearing was silent save for the ragged breaths of the wounded creatures and the faint rustling of leaves in the night breeze. I stood over Sylara, my blade still at her throat, watching as the fury in her eyes slowly gave way to a more complex mix of emotions—fear, defiance, and something akin to curiosity. It was at that moment, amidst the quiet aftermath of violence, that I made a decision.