Even though I had maxed out the relationship bars with Lucian, after seeing him like that…
I wasn't sure if he would act as kindly as Kai.
I was silently following the sound of his footsteps from a distance.
As Lucian and his team moved through the wide tunnels, I kept about thirty meters between us.
"The farther I stay, the better."
Fluffern was hopping quietly next to me on his soft paws.
Both of us carefully stepped along the edges, avoiding the loose stones.
"I'll find the exit, wait until they're gone, and sneak out.
No one will even know I was here."
⸻
The mages ahead were speaking in low voices.
"We delivered the child to the safe zone.
Commander Garen is waiting for the purification report."
"The operation will continue until every source is cleansed."
Lucian's voice was softer than the others, but cold:
"No matter how small or big — we'll cleanse them all.
That's how balance is maintained."
⸻
A chill ran through me.
But my plan was working.
⸻
At the end of the tunnel, they reached a massive stone gate.
The door was slightly ajar.
Fresh air was flowing in from outside.
"There's the exit!"
⸻
One by one, the mages disappeared through the passage.
I took a deep breath.
"Just a little more… hold on a little longer…"
⸻
I was about to move forward when—
My whole body froze.
That strange pressure tightened around my throat.
⸻
Lucian was still standing there.
The others had already left.
But he…
Slowly turned his head to the right—
Directly towards where I was hiding.
⸻
I froze in place.
"No… he noticed me."
But Lucian didn't say anything.
He simply stared for a moment.
And then—
A sly smile curled at the corner of his lips.
⸻
He took a few steps forward.
Deliberately slow, closing the distance between us like a predator.
I couldn't even breathe as he silently approached.
⸻
Suddenly, he was standing right in front of me.
Hands in his pockets, head slightly tilted.
His gaze…
Completely that of a mischievous hunter.
⸻
Narrowing his eyes, he murmured softly:
"When are you going to attack me?
I'm getting tired of waiting."
⸻
My heart leapt into my throat.
I didn't know how to respond.
Lucian tilted his head slightly, keeping that playful smile:
"But… you did manage to follow me unnoticed.
I'll give you credit for that."