Caelith froze where she stood.
Osvald looked at her quietly through the dimness of the prison cell.
"This is the Imperial Prison," he said softly. "It is far too dangerous. If someone were to discover you here…"
"I'm not afraid," she cut him off, sounding even more courageous than she had expected.
"But I am." The man tightened his grip around her hand. "You are the last surviving bloodline of the family. If anything were to happen to you, how could I ever face our ancestors in the afterlife?"
Tears spilled down Caelith's cheeks. "Uncle…"
Osvald raised a trembling hand and awkwardly brushed away the tears upon her face.
"Young lady," he murmured gently, "you must live well." A faint smile appeared on his lips. "Even if I die, I will die without regrets, knowing that you are safe."
Caelith shook her head fiercely. "I don't want you to die!"
Osvald smiled at her, his own eyes slowly reddening. "Foolish girl…"
