"Could you please explain why you left without informing us? That's all I'm asking for. You don't have to elaborate on your reasons for leaving or if you intend to return," Per said calmly, yet with an undertone of disappointment.
Clair, feeling guilty for her actions, glanced at Ark, who remained quietly seated on the couch. "I'm sorry, Per. I didn't tell anyone because... I was desperate to see him again. I wasn't even sure if it was right... but I went anyway."
Per let out a sigh, running her right hand over her face in frustration. "How many times do I have to reassure you that I'm here to listen, no matter how wild your thoughts may seem? We've been together for so long, Clair. Why is it still so hard for you to trust me? I nag and scold because it feels like you're disregarding our relationship whenever you're desperate for something," she said with a pained expression.
Clair glanced at Ark once more. He remained silent on the couch, his gaze fixed downward. Turning back to Per, who appeared deeply upset, Clair spoke apologetically, "I... I'm really sorry. It's not about trust. I just got carried away. He was the only thing on my mind, and I forgot everything else."
Per turned his attention to Ark. "Do you have anything to say?"
He rose from his seat and approached Clair, meeting her gaze. "I suggested she come here."
Per's frown deepened. "What?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't inform you. I just wanted to see if she would follow through," he explained.
"So this is how it is now - you both keep things from me? Am I the bad friend here?" Per said, clearly upset.
"No, Per. This is on me," Ark replied, then glanced at Clair. "I just want to understand the depth of love from a heart with free will." He turned back to Per. "But let's be honest, this story isn't over yet. We need to find a place to stay."
Per closed her eyes briefly, then opened them, her gaze sharper than before. "Listen, both of you - if you lie or keep things from me again, I might actually become the bad friend, and trust me, you don't want that."
"Got it," Ark said quickly, nudging Clair.
She nodded in silence.
Per let out a heavy sigh. "Can you confirm if we're staying here?" she asked Clair.
"I promised Zach we'd start over, so... yeah, I think we'll stay," Clair replied.
Per responded sarcastically, "Ah, there we go. Now we know what to do."
Clair glanced downward, then lifted her gaze with concern evident in her eyes. "I know my actions may have once again put us all in danger. If either of you have second thoughts about joining me, please speak up now. I'd prefer you both to return to Henthel, where it's safer."
"We'll stick around. I just have one request... don't disappear again," Per said, then turned away and sank onto the couch.
Clair let out a quiet sigh. "All right."
"So, it's settled then. What's our next move?" Ark asked, his excitement evident.
Before Clair could respond, there was a knock on the door.
"Oh, it seems he's here too," Ark observed.
Clair furrowed her brow. "You told him?"
YOU ARE READING
Divine & Wicked: The Strayed Memories (Book2)
Fantasy(Fantasy•Romance) COMPLETED Zach awoke a few days after his surgery, his mind foggy and his heart empty, as though his life had been reset. He moved through what he believed was his normal routine, unaware that fragments of a forgotten past were slo...
