hapter 77

Alexander agreed without hesitation. After washing his hands, he left the kitchen, his footsteps fading down the hallway. As the room fell silent. When tomed to clata with a hopetul look on his face. "Clara, I knew it you still care about the,"

Het response was like a bucket of cold water. "You're mistaken. I didn't want Alexander to know about our relationship. That's all-it wasn't for you." When's hopeful smile froze, the disbelief etched into his features. Each word from her felt like it was dragged through his teeth. "Who is that Alexander, anyway?

"Wier, aren't you overstepping?" she shot backcoolly.

"You still see me as your brother, don't you?" Wren's voice grew louder, frustration creeping into his tone. "I've always looked after you everything about your late was my responsibility. Why can't I do that now?

clats chuckled softly, her tone somewhere between esignation and mockery. "Didn't Ivy tell me I'd grown up? That I should have my own privacy and that you shouldn't meddle? And didn't you agree with her? "So why are you here now, trying to interfere again? You're not my guardian anymore, are you?"

The words struck Wren like a boomerang, circling back to hit him squarely in the chest. He faltered, the memory of that conversation nishing back to him. His eyes closed for a briet moment, as it he wasbracing blouself. Whenthey reopened, his expression carried a hint of pleading "Clara, I'm sorry if you're still angry about what happened before 1 truly am. But leaving you here alone, in a place like this, worries me to death He gestured toward the kitchen doorway. "And that man-Alexander-you've barely known him for a few da days. How can you trust him enough to let him come and

"What it he has bad intentions? It something happened, how would you defend yourself?" When took a step closer, his voice softening, almost begging. "Just come back to Phoypolis with me, please. I promise you, nothing like before will ever Lever happen

"I'll find the best doctor to ir

to treat your hand. I'll make it happen if you want to study abroad in Uthuria, just don't disappear on me again. I'll give you whatever you Wall - pod rome home "

He extended his lund to her the way he had so many times when they were younger. But this time, his eyes held no confidence, only a fragile, desperate hope. However, Clara didn't take his hand. Instead, she clasped hers behind her back and took a step away. Her actions spoke louder than any words. The light in Wren's eyes shattered instantly, his hand trembling as he lowered it. His entire body shook, the ache in his chest unbearable. "You trally don't want more? His voice cracked, quivering with pain Clara tilted her head, her gaze puzzled. "Wien, weren't you the one who didn't want me?

If you've already let me go, why can't I let you go, too?"

Any lingering hope Wien bad clung to was crushed. His hand curled into a tight fist, his face losing all traces of pleading. Instead, a fierce, unrelenting emotion took over a future of obsession and despair.

He couldn't leave her here. This place was too far away, too dangerous. He couldn't protect her from here he had to take her back with him. terman' rovince you, "Wren said, his voice rold "But you are coming back with me. This isn't up for discussion" Without warning, he grabbed her wrist and tried to pull her toward the door its und raced, desperate to get her in a cat, on a plane, and back to the city as fast as

Clare struggled against las grip, finally managing to yankerans free. "I said I'm not going back!"

"Clarabalload, why can

hist be reasonable?" When spun around, his voice tising in anger.

The woods long in the air like a thunderclap, both of the loze, the silence between them deateningnoveldrama

Wish Wated at Clara's reddened eyes, and his anger dissolved listo guilt. He reached out instinctively, wanting to wipe away her tears, but he stopped himself. He looked lost, sister, and painfully fragile.

His voice trailed off, shaky and mentalit

"Wien "Caja nderrupted, lar wolce coll

thelooked up at him, he is caring into bittersweet une "See? You've changed, too. You never would've said something like that to me before."

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