One more time!

Leviana shook her head.

"I don't know yet."

Catrina's eyes turned cold at once.

"I'll find it."

"We have to." Leviana wiped her tears, then turned back, her voice steadier this time. "In this life, Lathel has already begun to sense a little mana. We absolutely cannot let him see Pandora's Box, much less let him find out it can trade lifespan for the ability to use magic."

Catrina nodded.

Anna remained silent.

She looked at Lathel for a long time before slowly releasing his hand from her chest.

The reluctance in the motion was plain to see.

Anna stood.

She leaned down and traced her fingertip gently across Lathel's face, from the temple to the cheek, stopping at the corner of his mouth.

Then Anna lifted his left hand and pressed his palm against her own face.

Her soft cheek rested against his hand.

She closed her eyes behind the white cloth band.

"I have to go."

Lathel slept on.