The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 18 (Part 3)

Philip released a heavy breath. "...No, I'm not adding any more people to the party. The three of us are enough," he said.

"But—"

     Philip lowers his head and raises his brows, bearing his sharp gaze upon Denis. Denis refuses to speak. What should he do in such a predicament?

     Afterwards, Philip, Meredith, and Presley dress up for the incoming journey. Then, they leave, bidding their temporary farewells. Denis, Harris, Chloe, and Felix watch from the window as the others depart. Guilt, shame, and worry quickly hasten across Denis' veins as he contemplates his past actions and the future.

"...Hey, they'll be alright. If they ever need to protect themselves from harm, remember, they're good at combat," Chloe reassured Denis with a soft, gentle smile.

"Hm... right," Denis sighed.

Chloe turned around from their position. She then shifted her head and glanced at Denis. "Hey, I'll be baking brownies for us in the kitchen. Want to bake with me?" she asked, inviting him.

"Sure, I'd love that," Denis replied.

     Denis, Harris, Chloe, and Felix turn from the window. Coming to an abrupt halt, Denis looks back and gazes through the glass, looking at the outdoors. Later, the brownies are served. Seated around the dining table, Denis, Harris, Chloe, and Felix indulge in the sweets, the scent of the pastry wafting to their noses.

     As Denis chews, a decision crystallizes in his head, causing his eyes to widen and his brows to furrow deeply into the bridge of his nose. He will go to Beilitt Town. Alone and unheard. It is decided.

"...I'll be right back," Denis told the others as he dismissed himself from the dining room.

     Denis goes to his shared bedroom and grabs the wand he stole from earlier. He then sneaks out through the window. From the second floor, he slides down the roof. Then, he hops to the yard. One final glance at the house, and Denis hurries down the street.

     Meanwhile, in Beilitt Town, people are being evacuated by the army. The military surrounds the vicinity, all preparing for the battle. They load their guns and practice wielding their weapons. Meanwhile, in the silence of her home, Oracle Miriam hides her tarot cards in a cloth. Then, there is an unexpected knock on the door.

Oracle Miriam quickly opened the door and saw Philip, Meredith, and Presley. "My! Oh, dear children, why would you come here when the town is being evacuated?? Haven't you heard from the soldiers outside my home??" Oracle Miriam asked worryingly. "You all should hurry now and leave!" she urged.

"I guess it's time to return you a favour, Oracle Miriam, for the good things you've done for us in the past. I'll help you leave this place," Philip insisted.

"I will help you, too," Meredith said.

"Mhm," Presley nodded.

In awe, Oracle Miriam smiled at them, even in the face of trouble.