Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Chapter 49

But to Lysander, he mistook her happiness for annoyance or even shyness. He immediately pulled back and stared at her with an apologetic look.

"I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me." He apologised, lowering his head, his ears twitching slightly.

Ingrid stared at him in confusion. Did she complain about anything? Why was he apologising? She wanted to ask but remembered what she really wanted to talk about, there was no time to waste anymore.

"Lysander, you’ve been in a coma the since we arrived here because your injuries were so severe. I only woke up yesterday, and even then, I could barely move without feeling dizzy."

Lysander’s eyes widened. "You woke up yesterday and you’re already moving about? You’re supposed to be resting right now!"

Ingrid shook her head, "I’m fine, and that’s not the main issue, Lysander. Do you remember what that man said at the market? He told us that in seven days, this entire place is going to be destroyed."

Lysander’s eyes narrowed as he recalled the threat. "Yes. I remember. Why?"

"It’s been six days since you brought us here and tomorrow is going to be the seventh day which means that by tomorrow, we don’t know the exact time it’ll happen, this place is going to be destroyed."

Lysander’s brows shot up in disbelief, "It’s already been six days?!" his voice rose slightly, "Are you saying...?"

"Yes. We have to leave today but the thing is, today is almost over. If you had woken up earlier, we would have been able to start the journey earlier. It’s not as if I’m blaming you, but now, we have to walk two times harder and I’m worried, I don’t know if you’ll be able to keep up due to your injury. We have to leave as soon as possible."

"And we’re going with the foxes, right?"

"Yeah. I already explained the situation to them. They’re the ones who saved us, I don’t want to leave them behind. Compared to those other people who tried to kill us, I’d rather be with these strangers we just met. We can’t leave them behind. They are only ten in total, and they barely have anything to take along with them, just a few bottles of medicine and some clothes."

"Travelling light, that’s a good idea."

Ingrid nodded. "That is why I think we still have a chance. There are not many people to move, and they do not have many belongings. If we leave now, we might be able to get far enough away before tomorrow."

"Where will we go?" Lysander asked.

"I haven’t decided yet. We only need to get out of this place first, once we’re far enough, then we’ll figure out what to do. The best thing is just to get away from danger."

Lysander looked down at his own body, noticing the bandages wrapped around his chest and arms. Ingrid’s concerns about his body were valid, if it was in a normal situation, he might have thought of staying back a few more days to recuperate but he couldn’t afford it right now. He had to leave with them.

Ingrid followed his gaze, and her expression became worried. "Don’t worry, if you won’t be able to walk, I’ve asked the foxes to help me build a cart, I can push you along the way. It’ll be easier that way and you won’t bleed out."

Lysander stared at Ingrid for a moment, caught off guard by her words, but the surprise soon melted into a warm smile. He reached over and messed up her hair affectionately, his fingers sinking into its soft, silky texture. His lips curved a little further as he brushed through the strands before reluctantly withdrawing his hand, as though he’d discovered something he rather liked.

"I can walk, Ingrid, I’m not that weak."

"You haven’t even been able to stand up yet. Your wounds are ten times worse than mine. I’m scared you’ll fall into pieces if you even try to stand up!"

"Do you want me to stand up right now and prove it?"

"Do you want me to hit you again?"

Lysander looked at her and Ingrid looked back without blinking. Then she let out a sigh and took Lysander’s hands, holding it in hers.

"I know you’re proud. But think of it this way, you’ll slow us down, Lysander. I’ll be too worried to let you walk the same pace as us and I’ll have to stop for hours just to let you rest."

Lysander opened his mouth to protest but Ingrid placed one finger on his soft lips, shutting him up.

"Don’t argue with me. You know how I can be. I won’t be able to watch you strain yourself like this. It’s because of me you ended this way, I won’t let you get injured more. Also, think about the foxes. They spent a lot of time in your wounds. You don’t know but there were lots of holes in your body! It was so scary!" Ingrid gestured wildly.

"Lysander, just let me do this. I promise that if I get tired, you can walk for a bit and I won’t complain. But you have to listen to me and not argue with whatever I say or want. Please?" Ingrid begged, her eyes getting watery.

If there was one thing Lysander noticed now, it was that he was weak to Ingrid’s tears. Whenever he sees her tears, his heart starts beating uncontrollably and he can’t help but soften.

"Okay." He nodded helplessly, "I’ll listen to you."

"Good!" Ingrid clapped happily. "I have your clothes here, do you want me to help you put them on?"

Lysander shook his head, "I’m thankful to you for spoiling me but at least, I can do this little thing by myself. You don’t need to worry about me. If I need your help, I’ll call you, okay?"

Ingrid let her gaze wander over his features for a while before she nodded. "Okay. I’ll be waiting outside. Once you’re ready, just call out my name, I’ll come here immediately."

Lysander smiled and nodded, his fangs glinting slightly in the light. Ingrid turned around to leave, but she stood still for a moment.

Before Lysander could ask what she was thinking, Ingrid suddenly leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him.

He froze. Her face was buried against his shoulder, and her arms tightened around him as though she were afraid he might disappear if she let go. Lysander stared ahead in surprise, unsure what to do for a moment, until he felt her shoulders trembling against him.

"I’m really glad you’re alive, Lysander. I really am. If you had died, I don’t know what I would have done." She snuggled deeply into his arms, sniffling.

Lysander hugged her back without saying anything. He didn’t need to. After a minute, she let go and ran out. As she was leaving, Lysander saw the slight tinge on her cheeks.

So she really was shy. He couldn’t help the chuckle that bubbled out of his throat.