Her unbearably heavy mood masked her physical discomfort. She spoke firmly: "I'm going back to Izumo. I have to go back!"
Her voice was weak, but left no room for doubt.
Even if it cost her life, she had to go back. She had to confirm whether Kiana was alive or dead.
Even if she couldn't return alive, she would die together with Kiana!
"You almost died!"
Sirin said furiously, "Kiana made me keep it from you because she wanted you to live! Do you understand?!"
If not for the need to conceal the truth from Raiden Mei, which meant she had to transfer Kiana on the Ark, Sirin might have chosen to remain in Izumo and face death as well.
"Live? But if she's already dead, what meaning does my life have? If we can't live together, then we might as well die together!"
Sirin glared at Raiden Mei. Himeko and the others had entrusted everything to her, and most of the children on the Ark needed care. They were Izumo's last Core Flame.
Izumo was gone. Nothing could happen to the Ark.
"You're trying to get yourself killed?!"
Sirin forced the words through clenched teeth.
"I'm going to find Kiana."
Mei knew why she was angry, but after a moment of silence, she still said, "Whether she's alive or dead, I have to make this trip."
"I'm not indulging you in this nonsense!"
Sirin turned away coldly and said, "If you want to leave, then go. Even without you, I can still lead the Ark to find a new home!"
"I have to live."
It sounded as though she was saying it to Raiden Mei, but those words were actually meant for Sirin herself.
"What you do is your own business. I won't interfere with your choice, I