Max blinked at him, stunned for a moment by the simplicity of his words. Then a dry smile tugged at his lips, bitter yet genuine. "Follow what my heart desires, huh?" He shook his head faintly, his crimson hair falling across his glowing eyes. "That's easier said than done."
But as he looked back at Lenavira's still form, his expression steadied. He knew Lucien was right. His entire life—every battle, every step forward—had been nothing more than him following the voice of his own heart, no matter how reckless or dangerous. Lenavira's case wouldn't be any different.
"But… is there nowhere else I can find it?" Max asked, his brows furrowing as his crimson eyes burned with restrained hope. His fists loosened slightly at his sides. "If there's any way to get the Lotus of Clear Serenity without stepping foot into Bright Buddha Palace, then I would rather do that. I don't want to risk waking what's sealed there unless I absolutely have to."
