December 4, 2016
For six weeks, Zach heard nothing from Per about Clair. Without her, his days had taken on a strange emptiness, as though something important was missing from every moment. He missed her, the little things, the way she spoke, the way she looked at him, the very presence of her beside him.
The desire to see her grew so strong that he often found himself imagining moments he desperately wished would happen: Clair running up behind him and wrapping her arms around him, or appearing out of nowhere with a smile that would instantly make everything feel right again. At times, he found himself worrying that his feelings for her had grown too strong for him to control. Yet, his heart refused to stop.
"She has taken my heart again," he thought.
Just as he was about to step onto the pedestrian crossing, a hand suddenly reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling him forward. The unexpected movement caught him off guard, but the familiar voice that followed immediately made him recognize her.
"It's me."
"Per..." he whispered, forcing himself to calm down as he continued walking. She remained beside him, her hand wrapped around his arm. "What is with these sudden appearances out of nowhere?" he asked, his eyes fixed ahead as he let out a quiet sigh.
"Sorry if you thought I was her," she said.
He said nothing, knowing deep down that she was right.
"You goin' somewhere?" he asked, noticing her unusual outfit and dark sunglasses.
"No. Just hiding from someone... a stalker," she answered casually.
Zach glanced at her, concern crossing his face. "Really?" he asked, his eyes briefly scanning their surroundings.
"I have news about her," Per said. "She sent us an update. One good and one bad."
His attention immediately returned to her, his worry growing.
"The bad news is that their mission has been extended." She kept her eyes ahead as she continued. "The good news is... she's safe."
Silence settled between them. Zach searched for something to say, but nothing seemed enough. Perhaps it was because no words could change the truth that he would have to wait even longer before seeing her again.
After a while, Per turned to him.
"She specifically told me to keep an eye on you," she said. "So don't do anything reckless. Don't get sick, don't put yourself in danger, or I'll be the one in trouble when she comes back."
Zach let out a soft laugh, imagining Clair delivering those exact words with her usual serious expression. The thought alone brought a small warmth to his chest.
He looked back at Per. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." His voice softened. "Knowing that she's safe... that's enough for me."
****《•》****
"Isn't it a disgrace to have a Fallen seated among us?" Ylvier remarked, his eyes lowered in disapproval before turning toward Clair.
A quiet sigh escaped Clair, her patience wearing thin. She was about to rise from her place when Lansel's voice interrupted.
"I see no reason to deny her the seat," the Elder Ermilord of the South said. "It remains vacant, and as of now, there is no one who can surpass her strength and claim the position."
Ylvier turned his gaze toward Averith, who had been silently watching Clair.
Averith then raised her chin slightly, carrying herself with calm authority. "Let her sit," she declared.
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...
