The Prophet sat alone in study— With the exception of a little Voidling on his shoulder, seemingly reading alone with him. The Institute of War had its uses, and the man figured some studies on arcane magic would help him understand the anatomy of beings such as Xerath. If he had truly achieved utter immortality, Malzahar would like to know as well… Not to become immortal, but to learn how to fight it.
In mid thought he heard the door swing open, without a knock preceding it. The loud creak spooking the little creature off his shoulder and behind his back, shivering slightly. Malzahar looked up to see who dared interrupted his solace, but upon seeing the intruder he gave a slight huff, brows furrowed at the near shining woman.
"Lux… I did not predict this— What are you here for?"
The mage only paused, seeing how she had thought no one would be in the library at this time of hour. Lux had only wanted to grab a few more books, for she always found reading a particular hobby that she enjoyed when she wasn't being summoned. It had always been that way her life though; she immersed herself in text while bowing down to the duties destined for her.
Seeing the Prophet of the Void before her, Lux could only hesitate. He was compelling indeed, since no one knew much about him… and she was sure 'he didn't take a liking to her.
"Uh… I just wanted to grab some reading for myself…" Lux said nervously, almost smiling at him to avoid any harsh confrontation. "I-I'm sorry to have intruded on you…"
The Voidling peeped it's head out from behind the Prophet's back, making a light chirping noise as it scurried over to Lux, looking up at her with curiosity. Malzahar gave a sigh at his minion's action, but condoned it for the time being. Standing up the Seer closed the text he was reading before turning his attention to the Lady of Light, the purple-tarnish glow of his eyes meeting her gaze.
"It is rare to see you anywhere but the Fields, Lux— The Summoners have a deep liking for you." He commented, pulling the scarf-like cloth down from over his face. "Do not think of it, my quarrel is not with you… What text do you desire? Arcane? History? Geography?" The Seer asked, putting the book he held back on the shelf. Lux was an intelligent, and a magic user; he had no problem with her and found the woman to be one of the Champions he could tolerate.
… Did she really want to tell him? What books she actually preferred reading? Lux wasn't here to study… she hated studying. She found it tedious and bothersome, a waste of time… yet there was so much more she could learn. And yet, the mage couldn't keep her gaze off of him, for his comment was surprising. He did not mind her…
A blush formed on her cheeks as she lowered her gaze to the ground. "Er… romance novels…" The girl barely muttered, already embarrassed. She didn't want him, out of everyone, to know what kind of books she liked. It was probably only Garen and Ezreal who really knew…
Why does Malzahar have to be here?! And he has put away his book…
The Seer gave a slight sigh at the Champion's response. It seemed even the most intelligent mortals had their guilty pleasures. Looking down at the Voidling, it chirped, causing him to bend down and hold out a hand, the petite monstrosity crawling up onto the Prophet's shoulder.
"Romance?… I never thought you to be one for such works, Lux." He soon replied, arms folding across his chest. She seemed rather embarrassed to admit it, the man could understand why, though found her reaction amusing in a sense. "Do not be ashamed, everyone has their personal pleasures— Some more vulgar than others." Malzahar continued, attempting to offer condolence.
Lux could only giggle awkwardly. Of course he'd never thought she'd be one for romance, but she couldn't help swooning over the drama and cuteness of the story. If it was good at least. And she saw the way Malzahar looked at her and it seemed that she truly was making a fool of herself…
Personal pleasure? Well, she could not deny that she loved reading them in her free time…
Lux's expression brightened, as it seemed that the Seer did not really care about her preference of books. She could only smile at Malzahar in appreciation, feeling some sort of acceptance from him. "A-ahhh, thank you, Malzahar!" She said gratefully, bowing her head. "I'm glad you understand. Do you have any sort of… guilty pleasures yourself?"
The Seer extended his arm to the bookshelf, the Voidling scampering off across the frame. Seeing her face change made him raise a brow, were mortals so easily bemused by not being judged? She actually thanked him for it. Hearing out the last of the Lady's words, the Voidling slowly returned, a book on its back titled 'Arcane Rituals'. Hopping down from the top of the bookcase, it landed on the Prophet's shoulder with a thump, though Malzahar had little reaction to it. Taking the book, the man placed it on the desk next to him, taking his time before speaking.
"No, I do not." He simply replied, the Voidling leaping off his shoulder and onto the desk, seemingly curious in the book. "Knowledge is the only thing that concerns me here, everything else is irrelevant." The Seer continued, arms once more folded across his chest.
Well… Lux didn't really expect anything else much than that… knowledge was the only thing that he craved, that he ever cared for… If she knew better, she would think that he was just the same as another egotistical being… but maybe everyone thought she was a snob too. Lux had always tried her hardest to be modest, but she wasn't exactly sure what she came off as to Malzahar.
The mage glanced at the book placed on the table, then smiled timidly towards him. "Ah, you're studying arcane magic now, huh…" The mage hadn't really even thought about learning other magic… maybe it'd be best to practice instead of fantasize about fictional men in her spare time… An idea had popped into her mind.
"D-do you mind if I look at the book with you?"
Beginning to turn away from the Lady, her query suddenly grabbed his attention. She wanted to read with him? The Prophet tugged the scarf-like cloth up, re-covering his face.
"Of course I mind… But I cannot stop you." He remarked, letting out a short 'huff' as he sat back down upon the cobblestone floor, the book suspended in the air in front of him. Must she really bother him so? She first came for romance novels and now she desired to read about Arcane Rituals with him— Was she up to something? You never knew with those Demacians.
"You had better make up your mind, Mage, I will not go back should you miss something." The Seer commented, eyes focused on the text's contents. Certainly there had to be something enlightening within the leather-bound book.
Lux could only chuckle a bit at his reaction. Why did he always have to be so serious? It wasn't like she was going to suddenly use arcane magic on the fields, so she felt that she didn't need to try as much.
The mage made her way over towards the Seer, sitting across from him with intent eyes. Should I make him go back even if I don't miss anything? Lux nearly sneered, but only smiled at him instead. He thirsted for knowledge… what an interesting man. An interesting individual to say the least.
"I'm paying attention, I promise!"
He paid little head to her words, and simply kept reading, adjusting the book's fixation in the air to make it easier for the two to observe. The Seer cared not what she thought of him, no one truly enjoyed his presence anyway, mostly do to his goal ofbringing the end of days— Oh well, no one was perfect.
The two sat in silence for some time, Malzahar carefully scanning each page, searching for anything that might enlighten him on the subject of Arcane beings and how to address them. However, he assumed Lux desired to know about something else… Or, wasvery lonely if the only company should could find was that of the Prophet's.
"So quick to shift your interest from Romance to Magic— Are you in search of anything specific, Lux?"
Specific? The girl straightened her back in surprise, staring at him. "Do I have to be?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Lux wasn't even really expecting to see Malzahar in the library, let alone research arcane magic with him… she only blinked and then smiled in response. The mage began to feel intimidated in a way; she began wondering why she didn't just make her way through the library in hopes of romance instead of spending time with the Seer.
"I mean… anything that seems interesting to you is fine with me…" Lux added. "But if you find anything about light, feel free to share. I might not know about it!"
She was indeed a strange mortal, but an intellectual, therefor worthy of mild tolerance, if even respect, from the Prophet. She overall still seemed rather surprised he was here, was it too much to desire knowledge? Or did he just not come across as one to indulge in rich texts?
Suddenly her expression changed, causing the Seer to become even more perplexed— She was happy, then timid, then uncertainly confident. Malzahar stopped thinking about such as he figured it would do no good, it was a mind full to think about to begin with.
"I am intrigued by anything I do not know, Lux… But why must you find light so fascinating?" He asked, genuinely curious as to why. Light was abundant, the sun provided all the light needed for Runeterra to be inhabitable and more— Coming from the Shuriman sands, Malzahar knew that better than anyone.
A good question it was. That faint feeling… the day she could manipulate light, it was a tickle against her fingers. Suddenly the light was bending to her will, dancing as she instructed it to. Her parents embraced her "talents" as they called it, obsessing over how it would be used for good. They encouraged her to study and achieve her goals, as to be a true noble would.
"It's… who I am." Lux answered quietly, staring down at her feet. "Light is my element, my muse. I want to be able to do so much more with it than just to protect people…"
Her face lit up with hope for a second, then faded away. "I'm sorry, I ramble too much."
She seemed prideful and responsible in her practices, something all mages should have regarding their profession— Though she was young, he could sense her potential, her abilities on the fields were enough to prove such.
"A noble reply… But tell me, protecting the weak cannot be the only thing you desire. With your abilities and prowess, I would be surprised if you did not wish to learn and accomplish more." The Prophet remarked, his gaze unwavering from the Demacian.
"I am interested in your goals, only slightly, but as a 'mage' myself, the work of my peers should draw some of my own concern, should they not?— Are you familiar at all with the Solari? I would assume you and Leona would make compatible allies."
"Oh yes, of course! How could I not?" Lux nodded towards him, smiling. "Leona is an admirable woman, I have to admit. She's very brave, compassionate and unfaltering. She and I get along very well." The mage raised an eyebrow. "Am I supposed to assume that you're friends with everyone else from the Void, however?"
She knew what it was like to go against him on the Fields. He was annoying, she could admit that. But also very intriguing… he was someone who had caught her eye.
"Enough about me, Malzahar. What about you?"
Malzahar nodded slightly at the Demacian's response, confirming his assumption. Suddenly, there was a shift in her tone, now one of curiosity and perhaps a hint of sass. He was about to reply, but then noticed she had yet more to say— Hearing out her final words, the Seer soon replied.
"I am affiliated and allied with all creatures of the Void… But as you, and the rest of the League is aware, Kassadin and I are dire enemies." The Prophet remarked with a sneer, just the mentioning of the heretic making him cringe in disgust. Once again, the man soon found that the woman had changed tempo yet again, now quizzical about his own exploits. He was tempted to decline her query, but alas, she could have easily done the same to him. With Lux having the rare courtesy of respect from the man, he slowly began, unsure of what she truly meant.
"Me?.. What about me? I am, and grudging lowering myself to the basic status, a mage such as yourself."
The fact that Malzahar and Kassadin remained enemies was probably the only story she knew about the Prophet of the Void. Lux shook her head in response.
"Anything, everything." The mage shrugged. "Doesn't matter. You can tell me the dramatic parts about your life in the Void. Or even here now. How you feel about the League. Or you can tell me things you like, things you dislike…" Lux rambled on and on, listing different topics for the Seer.
"You know, you're an interesting character, Malzahar." She admitted, smiling a bit. "I'm sure a lot of the other champions find you intriguing as well. And even a bit mysterious. I can't deny the awe I find whenever I see you on the Fields."
Suddenly Ezreal ran in and slammed smack into Lux, sending her toppling to the floor in his rush.
"Shit. Sorry, Lux." the explorer said, helping the mage to her feet before dashing off again.
The Prophet was at a loss, one might have even called the sudden event a mood-killer, but this was something he did not foresee. Perhaps the blonde explorer was seeking the mage, but was put in a panic when he realized the Seer was there. Or maybe he was jealous of the man speaking with Lux alone and decided to randomly barge in to attract attention to himself. That would work into Malzahar's prediction of Ezreal's future in a sense. After shaking his head a bit, the Seer turned his attention back to the Demacian, still a bit estranged.
"Does this… Happen often, between you two?" He asked, raising a brow to the recently grounded mage. "I would inquire on your safety, but I believe you are alright."
Lux let out a groan, clearly frustrated. She was having a nice conversation with Malzahar for once, and then Ezreal had to appear… Lux pressed a hand against her face in denial. It truly was a mood-killer, and she figured that Ezreal had gotten his timing right on purpose. And it did not help at all with Malzahar's look of concern…
No. He was never here. I'm just going to ignore the fact that this ever happened.
The mage turned her attention back to the Seer, reaching a much calmer state. "Oh yes, we like to cause each other pain all the time." Lux sighed. "It's silly, but no one seems to understand us. They only assume our relationship for themselves and it's quite bothersome. If I had to describe it, I would say he's my twin brother. Just… more outgoing."
"Hmm, I see." He replied, nodding slightly as he rubbed his forehead, still rather rattled by the sudden turn of events. With the addressing of that oddity out of the way, he refocused, turning back to the mage with a level look, remembering her questions and queries from earlier. She had left the metaphysical door open for his response, which only made it more challenging for him to come up with one.
"Well, I have rarely received compliments in my time, especially from those such as you… Thank you, I suppose." Malzahar began, backtracking through the woman's earlier speech. "-And as for myself, there is much to tell, but also much to come. If I did not know better, I'd thing you were trying to befriend me, Lux."
Befriend?
She had never thought about it that way before. It was true, the two becoming friends was a strange thought. They seemed to be in opposite spectrums, and it was not only because Lux fought for the sake of the world while Malzahar pursued to destroy it. He seemed so serious, cold… while she was lighthearted herself…
"Well…" Lux began, unsure of how to exactly finish. "Is there a problem with that?"
She didn't really expect anything other than a no. Why would the Seer ever be interested in her company?
Mortality is weakness.
That's what he wanted to say, what he planned to say, but for some reason the words did not leave his lips. Feelings and emotions were a part of mortality, but could they not also be a part of immortality? Xerath certainly had his own set of feelings, though not all enjoyable. Was it really such a stretch to have a friend?
Of course it was.
What was the use of having friends if they would all just die eventually anyway? The emotions brought by such a tragedy would be catastrophic, and potential destabilizing. It would be wise to keep oneself separate from others, to be your own unit. Yet this ideology contradicts the very existence and purpose of mankind… But then again, could he really be considered human anymore?
"I..." He began, though no words followed.
"Why?— Why would you want to become friends with me...? We are so different, so seemingly incompatible, it does not make any sense." The Seer finished, seemingly asking himself as well as the Demacian. How could humans do such things? Logically it seemed impossible, improbable, and profound. He had lost most of his humanity long ago, and since then could never fully understand the human element.
It's because you're so different that it makes me want to...
The mage hesitated, but she wasn't so much as surprised. He was right. How would it ever work? It couldn't hurt to tell him the truth… in the end, she tried.
"It's simple, really… you're not like anyone I know." Lux only smiled at the Seer in reassurance. "And I think it's human nature to want to know someone so different from you. To understand their thoughts, their motives, their desires… Little by little, we become comfortable with each other just as who we are."
"Sure, there may be a lot of humans like me. Ones who put on a facade to hide their suffering. I may not capture your interest, but you are more than what meets the eye. Your view of the world is so different from mine that I wonder… I wonder just how much you've been through."
Why did Malzahar have this profound effect on her? Sure, she had felt intrigued by others, but not like him. She seemed to take a liking to the Prophet, however, as she was slowly opening up to him.
"No…" He began, though found himself unable to finish. What was happening to him? This resurgence of of strange feelings from his last shred of humanity. Could it be his true self, still trying to influence his actions, attempting to break free? No, impossible, it did not make any sense— Then again, what did make sense in this situation?
Malzahar remained quiet for some time. Normally he would have just sneered at the person and left, but something kept him from doing so. Was it because she was a female? An intellectual? A mage such as himself? He did not know, and did not speak for some time.
Friends.
The word echoed in his mind, something that could be your strongest ally, or greatest bane. Mankind's double-edged sword of morality, a path that he could not understand, one he could not see, one that put him in the dark.
"Lux, you… Think so highly of me. I had no idea… You humans, why must you complicate things so..." The Prophet replied, at a near loss for words, his voice level and low, contrasting from his usual tone.
"Friends." He murmured, looking down slightly while doing so.
The Demacian noticed his change in tone, finding it amusing in the very slightest. She hadn't meant to push him further, in fact, this took a very strange turn of events… all because she wanted to find some romance novels to bury herself in. Instead, she found herself immersed in conversation with him. And as fate would have it, they were "friends." Did it really have to have a label? The fact that he acknowledged Lux with a dollop of respect and kindness brought this upon her.
She was taught to always stand her ground, to be on guard… how was it that this man only captivated her? The woman peered at him with curious eyes and a heartwarming smile. At least he had accepted her offer of friendship…
"It's not a bad feeling, Malzahar. It's only a matter of trust. I don't think I would be able to betray you… unless of course, the time comes…" A small smile formed on her face. He should have known what she was talking about.
Her expression softened as she lowered her gaze. "I won't worry about that now. Just let me enjoy this."
"Then… I can only only hope that you die before that day comes." Was all he could say in response, awkward at the very least. He was never good with sentiments and such, especially not like this. But now it looked as if there was no going back— He and the Demacian were… Friends. Who knew such a thing could develop, from just one, unexpected meeting.
She seemed amused by him, he did not know why, but perhaps this was one of the oddities friendship held. Trust. Trust was something the Seer had never given out, something he kept to himself and a select few… But how could friends so easily put their trust in one another? Did they not fear betrayal? Did they not know of the horrific consequences that may follow? Why did humans act this way? Out of Ignorance? Out of lack of reason? The man was bristling with questions as his mind raced, he felt backed into a metaphysical wall, yet was not in distress.
I won't worry bout that now. Just let me enjoy this.
That was it. That was the reason humans acted so. They were beings of the moment, since their lives were limited to time and physical boundaries. Only now did the Prophet begin to understand their logic, as it defied his own. How could two beings ever possible see eye to eye, when on was timeless, and the other was not?
A long silence befell the man, but when he looked up, the woman was still smiling, smiling at him. He could not help but raise a brow, soon shaking his head, attempting to break the deafening silence.
"It is not you I would be concerned about betraying… Logically, Iwould be the one more susceptible to do so." Malzahar began, his voice quiet and reflective. "There is a reason why I am solemnly seen with others, a reason I keep myself in solace… I feel that you understand this, Lux."
I can only hope that you die before that day comes.
The thought stunned her, but why? Was she really expecting him to lose his purpose all for the sake of their friendship? It was only merely established a few seconds ago, not even minutes. She could picture the future now: Malzahar standing before her, bringing the Void into the world she had known and loved. Lux would have to fight him eventually…
Fight as one or fall as many.
The mage remembered these words from her dear friend, but would they manage to pull it off? Especially the Noxians and Demacians… they would all need to work together to defend their precious Runeterra. Yet, she had befriended the Prophet as if there were no consequences. How silly of her.
Lux tried to shake the thoughts away from her mind. Did she not tell the man that she wanted to enjoy their time together? It was true; looking at his solemn expression, she wanted to… to make it worthwhile. Even if her "destiny" befell because of this one person, she did not mind for now. Even if she had to face him in battle and die for it, she would.
Their companionship was already doomed before it had even bloomed.
"I'll keep myself in solace with you then." That was all she could offer… how pathetic it seemed. Lux found that she was willing to give herself away to someone who could easily throw it all away.
It was too late to turn back now.
Even with his explanation, his final attempt to dissuade her, she pressed on, as if she was silently determined to not let such a grim fate effect her. Why? Why could she not see that only pain awaited in the future? Was it because she could only see in the present? The one thing that separated him from all mankind, the very thing since his birth, put him at ends with all other mortals: his foresight. They only saw the short term, the beneficial, the now— He saw the eternum, the end, the Void, his visions long since corrupted and twisted, to the point that no matter what future, no matter the series of events, always ended in the same thing… Death, desolation, demoralization, and the slow but undoubted fall of Runeterra to the Void's clutches.
He was not always like this, and he knew that, but the Void had already claimed him, there was nothing else he could do but hide his last shred of humanity and prepare to bring the end of days. But it was mortals such as Lux who carefully pried away his shelter, revealing traces of his past life, the life that never was, and put him in such fateful situations. Why? Why must they do this? Why can't they understand?..
When he looked back to the Demacian, she appeared to share his thoughts, but in her own way, no doubt a conflict raging within her. Did she not expect such a result from friendship? It had not even been an hour and they both were feeling the somber side of reality. When she finally spoke, he couldn't help but raise his brows in surprise, a near inaudible 'huh?' escaping his lips. It took him a moment, but soon he managed to come up with something to say, pulling down his scarf before speaking.
"Lux, you do not have to force yourself to do so… You can still just leave, and forget we ever talked— But you won't, will you?"
"No. Even if I do leave… I won't be able to forget." The mage bit her lip, steadying her gaze towards the ground. The answer escaped her lips as quickly as he had asked. She had already made up her mind, to suffer with him if it came down to it. She had decided that it was worth the pain. Lux would probably find him on her mind throughout the day and night, wondering what could have been if she had not pushed him away. Then she would only stare at him in awe on the Fields, and pretend that their conversation had never happened… no, that was just too much.
Somehow, the woman had reached his inner human being. Somehow, she had managed to break through the barrier that he kept up… thinking about it now, however, he had managed to deteriorate hers as well. It did not matter if he could see that their future was only grim and detrimental, for their present… this moment here… was precious. To her at least.
She peered up at him with gentle eyes. "That doesn't mean you can't walk away though."
So this is what human emotions could do…
He was speechless, completely taken aback by the woman's persistence and desire to remain by his side; although they had just met hours ago, and her knowing exactly who he was andwhat his goals were. It seemed that there were some things that even he could not fully comprehend, for he was not longer mortal, thus rendering him clueless to the inner workings of the human construct. Such a fascinating being he once was… In that depths of his mind, he wondered if there was a salvation for himself, but he knew all too well it was a far cry. His inner self was screaming out, though compared to the Void's influence, its shrieks were merely whispers to the Prophet's sub-conscience.
After taking even more time to formulate a response, his eyes soon leveled with the Demacian's, obvious conflict could be seen even to the least attentive of mortals. Some how, turning away would be worse than going forward. So once again, the Seer found himself faced with an inescapable future, trapped within the inner workings of his mind, tangled in the Void's web. He opened his mouth, but his speech was delayed, the tone of indifference long abandoning his voice.
"... Then it would seem we are at an impasse, Lux." He replied, beginning to move the scarf back over his mouth. Deep down, inside his last shred of humanity, he mustered a small, sincere smile, the feeling of being alone in the Void's ocean lifting slightly with the companionship of the Lady.
A laugh escaped her lips, as she smiled at the man standing before her. So she had the same effect on him as he did for her… the mage could not help but feel some happiness within her. For some strange reason, she felt afloat, as if his existence and company were the only things she needed. It seemed amusing; Lux had so many other people she could "befriend," but it did not seem as pleasurable as spending her time with the Seer.
Would she have to keep their meeting a secret? Maybe… if her brother found out, he'd probably warn her to keep her distance. It'd only end badly if she ended up falling in love with the Prophet… imagining it now, a blush came to her cheeks. There was absolutely no way she would fall for him. It was bad enough that she craved his presence.
Maybe she could make him feel human again, at least comfortable with her and the world around them. Lux did not mind if she was the mortal one; in the end, she had reached his heart. She only wished for them to have a happy ending, where the two of them could live in happiness together. A blush crept across her cheeks; what exactly was the mage thinking? It almost seemed like she was enamored with him already.
"If you wish to meet me, send me a letter or come by my room in the Institute. I'm sure it wouldn't be fun for you if you came to the manor directly. I might have to meet you in private, of course. But that won't be a problem, will it?"
She wanted to pretend she had him to herself at least.
The Prophet was once again taken aback by the woman— She desired him to seek her out? They had not even begun to part ways… Perhaps this was something friends did, more than a simple meet and greet, they wanted to converse daily. This was something Malzahar wasn't sure about, but when he thought on it, he really did not preform any pressing duties that would interfere with meeting the woman, should he do so.
"I..."
When he looked up, the Demacian's cheeks seemed to have a faint hue of red resting upon them… What ever could she be thinking? Was she always like this when she made companions? Certainly she would have much more experience with this than the Seer. He felt odd, the way she gazed at him was unsettling, but only because no one had ever done so to him.
"I am usually not one to commit these acts… But, for a friend, I suppose I can make an exception of a sort. After today, I assume you will desire to meet again, correct?" The Prophet asked, as if assuring himself of the Demacian's motives. It was strange, having a real companion, but he would have to make do with what he could do. He had never felt so… Benevolent towards a mortal before, he enjoyed it, but at the same time, didn't. It felt so strange, yet in a positive way.
"No, it should not prove troublesome in the least, Lux."
"O-of course," she replied, gazing at him earnestly.
The warmth and happiness she felt radiating from her was a bit alarming. Her heart should not have been fluttering in that very moment, when Malzahar agreed to meet with her again. They were friends, were they not? It was something friends usually did… how would it make any difference now? After talking to the Seer, Lux became surprised at her own emotions — how was it that someone like him managed to confuse her at first interaction?
Someone like you shouldn't have this effect on me.
Would she become involved with the Void if she stuck around for too long? He seemed to be unable to leave her behind as well, but it could have all just been an act. They both decided to keep moving forward with each other's company, but how exactly would it play out? Lux could not help wondering as she gazed at him with awe and appreciation.
The Demacian realized that not even she could tell Ezreal about her new profound interest in the Prophet. The rest of her friends and loved ones would probably scold her, tell her that she was in too deep. This conflicted with her destiny, her purpose. In the end, she would have to choose one. Lux's heart ached, as if it already knew the answer.
"I…" Luxanna hesitated, unsure of how to exactly spill out what she was thinking.
"I can't wait to know you, Malzahar."