The room was bathed in a soft, golden glow.

For a fleeting moment, it felt as if Clara and Wren had gone back to the past, to a time when there were no walls between them and when they only had each other to rely on

But deep down, they both knew. They could never go back

"I'll retum to Phoypolis once you've recovered," Wren said.

Clara parted her lips to speak, but he cut her off, "I know what you're about to say. Don't worry. This time, I won't lie to you. You know I still have unfinished business in Phoypolis.

"I was never going to stay here forever. Sooner or later, I have to go back and deal with it. But before that, I need to see for myself that you've fully recovered. "Only then can leave with peace of mind. Otherwise, you know me. I won't go anywhere until I know you're okay.""noveldrama

He paused, then added, "Or if you're willing to come with me, we could leave as early as tomorrow."

Wren said the last sentence with utmost seriousness. He knew she would refuse. He knew, and yet, he still clung to that one-in-a-million chance. But just as expected, his hope would go unanswered.

"You already know my answer.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Wren's face as he lowered has gaze. "Then, you also know I won't leave until you're better."

Clara studied his expression. She knew him too well-his restraint was already at its limit.

The fact that he wasn't forcing her back to Phoypolis right now was proof of just how much he was holding himself back

Besides, she would be discharged in two days anyway.

"Alright. You're not lying to me this time, right?

"I'm not." Wren's eyes locked onto hers. "I will never lie to you again."

Clara didn't respond. A heavy silence settled over the room.

It was a long time before she finally spoke, "Why were you there that night?"

A flash of hesitation flickered across Ween's face.

“I saw you hadn't gone back and got worried something had happened to you. So

I went looking for you. I didn't expect to arrive just in time to see you fall into the

Water.

"Do you realize how deserted that road is at night? If I had already left Larkston or hadn't gone to find you, do you know what would have happened?"

Even now, just thinking about it made his blood run cold.

He didn't dare entertain any of the other possibilities. Because if anything bad happened to her, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to keep himself from falling apart. “You were spying on me," Clara stated plainly.

Wren stillened, neither contiming not denying it.

"What happened that night wasn't an accident," he said instead. "But I haven't found out who was behind it. The person who came after you f there will be another one next line. If I'm not here, who will protect you?

you failed this time, but

I you to take this seriously, Clara. Don't gamble with your own

"Even if I am here, I won't always be able to make it in time. I won't always be able to save you, I need yo

"I know this is something you want to do, but this isn't the only way for you to make a difference. You have other choices. You don't have to walk this path."