Thank you for such a wonderfully detailed and heartfelt response! It’s always a joy to see which moments resonate most, and I’m thrilled that Mara’s journey struck such a chord.
Suri stepping back into the story as Mara’s shadow was one of those quiet but intentional choices—her presence reflects Damian’s knack for building loyalty and trust, even in the direst of circumstances. Mara’s perspective is such a treasure to explore because her emotions are so raw and layered. That moment where she feels chosen for the first time in her life, contrasted against the lifelong weight of rejection and punishment, was a scene I poured a lot into. Seeing you connect it to Damian’s bond with Grayson in the comics just makes it all the sweeter.
And that pivotal moment at the Pits? I knew it had to hit hard, even for readers who already know the beats. The tension, disbelief, and heartbreak Mara feels mirror the devastation of losing the one person who truly saw her. Writing her realization of love—not romantic but profound and undeniable—was all about capturing the bittersweet ache of being saved and left behind in the same breath.
I’m so glad the final line landed with the weight it deserved. It’s the kind of angst that lingers, the kind that makes you sit with the ache and think about the cost of love, defiance, and loyalty. Thank you for such kind words and for letting me know how deeply it resonated with you—it means the world!
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kurenohikari on Chapter 7 Thu 26 Dec 2024 10:20PM UTC
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