Serena's expression, which had been calm and elegant all this time, finally cracked.
Tears slipped down her cheek as her voice trembled.
"I'm sorry… I did everything I could. I'm very sorry."
Her words struck heavier than any blow.
Alicia's eyes widened, her throat tightening. Though she had never met Lily, she knew one thing—Lily was Alex's only family.
Losing her would shatter him. Tears welled in her own eyes, her chest aching with sympathy.
The playful, teasing air of moments ago vanished instantly, replaced by a suffocating tension.
Alex bit down on his lip so hard it nearly bled, his fists clenching tight until his knuckles turned white.
His whole body trembled as he tried not to let the panic consume him.
Inside his mind, the system's voice rang out firmly.
[Don't worry, host. We can still make it in time.]
Alex sucked in a deep breath, forcing the storm in his chest to quiet down, at least for now.
His voice came out sharp, commanding.
"Take me to her. Now."
