The Professor's Mate Clause novel Chapter 100

CHAPTER 100

FREYA’S POV

The night before battle, everyone is quiet, subdued and processing what’s coming. What we’re about to face. What we might lose. Tomorrow changes everything. Tomorrow we either win or die trying. No middle ground.

I find Clara on the roof. She’s sitting alone. Staring at the stars. Looking peaceful. Contemplative. At odds with the chaos below. With the preparation. With the fear.

“Mind if I join you?” I ask.

“Please.” She pats the space beside her. “Could use the company. The distraction. The reminder that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed but tonight is real.”

I sit. We’re quiet for a while. Just existing together. Friends who’ve been through everything. Who’ve seen each other at worst and best. Who know each other completely. Who might not get another night like this. Another moment of peace before everything changes.

“I’m scared.” Clara finally says. “Terrified actually. Tomorrow we might die. Probably will die. Some of us at least. And I keep thinking. What if it’s me? What if I don’t make it? What if tonight is my last night and I’m spending it on a roof instead of doing something meaningful? Something that matters?”

“You’re doing something meaningful. You’re being present. You’re being honest. You’re being human. That matters more than grand gestures or desperate attempts to make tonight special.” I take her hand. “And Clara? If tomorrow is your last day. If you don’t make it. Know that you mattered. That you changed my life. That you were the best friend I’ve ever had. That I love you.”

She starts crying. “I love you too. You’re like a sister. The sister I always wanted but never had. And if tomorrow is my last day I’m glad I spent tonight with you. Saying this. Being honest. Not pretending everything’s fine when it’s not.”

We hug. Both crying. Both terrified. Both knowing tomorrow might separate us forever. Might end one or both of us. Might destroy everything we’ve built. But at least we have tonight. At least we have this moment. At least we said what matters.

I find Emma next. She’s in the armory. Checking weapons. Preparing. Staying busy so she doesn’t think. Doesn’t feel. Doesn’t process that tomorrow she might die for a cause she barely understands. For a fight that isn’t even hers.

“You don’t have to fight.” I tell her. “You’re young. Untrained. You could stay behind. Guard the territory. No one would blame you.”

“I’m fighting.” Her voice is firm. “Lyra died so I could be free. Died protecting me. Died because she belieyed freedom mattered. I’m not wasting that. Not hiding while others fight for what she believed in. I’m fighting. For het For you. For everyone who thinks love is worth dying for.”

“Emma. You’re fifteen. You shouldn’t have to-”

“Age doesn’t matter. Belief matters. Commitment matters. Standing up for what’s right matters “She taces me “I’m fighting You can try to stop me but I’ll just disobey and still follow anyway. Put myself in danger without support. Or you can accept I’m fighting and give me a position. A role. A way to contribute that uses my skills instead of getting me killed stupidly”

She’s right. She’s fighting regardless. Better to give her a role Keep her sater Use her determination instead of fighting it Fine. You’re with the medical team. Helping Dr. Chen Getting wounded off the battlefeld Keeping tighters alive. That’s important. Necessary. And keeps you out of direct combat while still contributing ”

“”Thank you.” Relief floods her face. “Thank you for not treating me like a child. For respecting my choice For letting me honor Lyra the way I need to.”

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