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She shook her head, "Don't worry, that's not my plan. I don't have a death wish. I will leave for my world soon but until then, where I spendthe night or the morning is no longer your business, Wolfie." Her voice remained gentle, but her tone held a touch of steel.

His jaw clenched and a muscle ticked in his jaw. He said nothing.

She walked to the door. "Goodbye, Wolfie."

Please, stop me. Tell me not to go... Tell me to come back. Hug me and tell me that we'll get through this together...!

Her heart cried inwardly. Her soul wept, bitterly.

"Goodbye, Ismena." He said, at last.

Outside the door, Ismena allowed the tears to flow freely. If there's a pain much greater than this, it must be that very pain that comes five seconds before death. Her heart burns.

Inside the bedroom, Wolfaraine listened until her silent footsteps faded.

Then, all his shields fell away.

All the doors he'd slam shut opened.

He sat down on the floor just beside the window, staring longingly at the door.

The tears came like a flood, then.

And he welcomed them.

CHAPTER 42. THE DARKEST HOUR...

When Ismena knocked on Eline's door, it was around 4 in the morning. Thankfully, she needn't knock for long.

The door swung open and Elaine stood there, looking like she just got out of bed. Her sleep-dazed eyes cleared when she saw who was standing behind the door.

"Ismena?" She called softly.

Ismena entered the house, dropped her bags on her feet, and wrapped her arms around Eline. The cougar female embraced her as well—wrapping her arms around Ismena who has been so cold since she walked out of the Tower.

Feeling a little bit of warmth in Eline's embrace, a sob escaped her throat. And then, another and another.

Thankfully, Eline didn't ask her any questions as she cried her eyes out in her friend's arms. Instead, she held her close, whispering comforting words to her.

Ismena had no idea how long they stood like that, but finally, she pulled back and sniffled softly. Eline was looking at her worriedly, her beautiful face dripping with concern.

"Can I stay here for a while?" Ismena asked, sniffling softly.

"Of course, you can. You never need to ask, Mena." Taking her hand, Eline led her deeper into the familiar sitting room, "You look like death on a roll. Get a good sleep first before we have any kind of conversation."

Ismena admitted that she felt dead on her feet. She was exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her heart was hurting to hell and back, and her head is banging greatly. She could barely see clearly through the swell of her eyes.

She allowed Eline to lead her to her old room. When they opened the door, Sandra was sprawled out on the bed, sleeping comfortably. Her best friend looked so tired, even in her sleep. They'd all been through a lot these past few days.

"Oh, I didn't know that's the bedroom she's sleeping in. Let's check the other room." Eline was already taking her to the room in question.

When they opened it, there were clothes and other accessories all over the bed. Eline bit her lips.

"I'll just sleep on the couch." Ismena began.

Over my dead body, Eline thought inwardly. When Alphose dropped off Sandra, he'd briefed her a little about their journey to the human world and the death of her father. Comfortable sleep is the least she can do for her friend right now.

And, what is she doing here instead of the big Tower?