Walking down the deserted street, Serein adjusted the strap of her backpack against her shoulder. Her phone glowed faintly in her hand, the message to Clara already typed out in their chat, waiting only for a tap to be sent.
But she hesitated.
She could no longer return home, nor did she have a place of safety to hide. If she sent the message, Clara would come without hesitation, sweep her into the car, and take her somewhere safe. But in doing so, she would drag Clara into this mess as well.
Her footsteps landed slowly against the asphalt, each sound weighed down by layers of thought and dread. Yet blending into her rhythm was another set of steps, unhurried and steady. Kai's.
He was still there.
After what had happened, and after everything he had pieced together, it was not difficult for him to guess her situation. Serein was in danger. She had saved him once, and he could not, with any conscience, abandon her now.
