Ethan vanished from the battlefield in a flicker of golden light.
When he reappeared, he was standing in front of Rose's house. His clone still guarded the courtyard, unmoving, like a divine knight descended to watch over them.
Inside, the others were slowly awakening from their forced slumber.
Rose was curled on the couch, her delicate face wet with tears. In her sleep, she kept murmuring broken words.
"Please don't go…I won't argue anymore. I won't shout at you. Come back, Ethan…I'll only love you…"
Hearing her soft, choked voice, Ethan's expression softened. What was this silly girl dreaming about?
A moment later, everyone began to stir. As soon as Rose opened her eyes, she searched the room in panic. The instant she spotted Ethan beside her, she threw herself into his arms without hesitation.
He held her close, steadying her trembling shoulders.
Jack sat up, rubbing his forehead groggily. "Ethan…do you know what happened?"
