The air shimmered faintly, like moonlight bending on water. When it faded, Khiel's voice sounded different - softer, unfamiliar. Ophelia slid the clothes she had prepared, Katalya's temple set that was left in her closet. Khiel then changed quietly, before they both left the chamber.

Ophelia's glaze was fixed on him, or her in this case. His sky blue eyes were the same, his chestnut hair was longer, up to his shoulders and he was now the same height as her. The clothing fit perfectly on her now slender and delicate body. 

“I look weird, I know… Now stop looking” his embarrassed gaze slowly shifting.

“You don't look weird… You make a quite beautiful girl” she said teasingly.

His eyes flickered away, the corners tightening before he smoothed them back into calm. Khiel was clearly annoyed, but he didn't say anything. Then they quietly roamed through the temple, anxiously trying to reach Katalya's room before being caught.

Ophelia’s palm skimmed the cold of the final arch before Katalya’s ward. She knew this door the way she knew the creases of her own hands. 

“It's here.” she murmured “ I will wait outside, you can take your time”

Khiel touched her shoulder and gave her a thankful look. Then he eased the door open and went inside.

Ophelia stayed in the corridor, now calmer than ever, she knew she had fulfilled her friend’s dying wish. It wouldn't matter even if they were caught now. She felt peace while thinking of the happiness in Katalya's heart at that moment.

She waited there for hours, hearing their voices fade and return. Quiet whispers, soft cries, the sound of Katalya’s weak laughter and Khiel’s calm replies drifted through the door. She couldn't make out the words, but she could feel the emotions.

Her eyes stayed fixed on the door’s edge, on the small scar in the wood she had noticed the night Katalya first fell ill. She counted time by that mark when everything else felt still.

At last, the door opened. Khiel’s shadow appeared and paused, careful not to break the silence that had settled.

“She’s asking for you,” he said.

Ophelia went in.

The room was dim and gentle.Katalya layed propped on cushions, hair unbound, eyes red from crying. Beside her, sat Khiel with his head slightly bowed.

Katalya’s eyes found Ophelia immediately. “You’ve been waiting too long, dear," she said softly. “Come closer.”

Ophelia obeyed, sitting at her bedside. Katalya reached for her hand, her fingers thin and trembling.

“There’s something I must ask of you,” Katalya said. “A favor.”

Ophelia nodded, though her chest tightened. “Anything.”

Katalya looked between them. “I want Khiel  to stay in the temple for a while… until I’m gone. But he can’t, not as he is. The rules won’t allow it.”

Ophelia’s gaze shifted toward him, already understanding.

Katalya smiled faintly. “He told me about your mother’s ring, that it can disguise whoever wears it. I want to ask your permission for him to use it, just until I die. So he can stay near me a little longer.”

For a moment, no one spoke. The only sound was the slow breath of the lamp.

Ophelia’s throat ached. “If that’s what you wish… then of course,” she said quietly.

Katalya squeezed her hand. “Thank you. He’ll take my place in this room after I’m gone. You’ll share it, just like we did.”

Ophelia lowered her head. “All right…”

Khiel looked at her, impossible to decipher his thoughts.

Katalya smiled again “Then it’s settled,” she whispered. “He’ll stay… and you won’t be alone.”