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Ethan's POV

"What if I refuse to go with you?" she asked.

I was dumbfounded. I hadn't anticipated this question. I never imagined she'd have a choice—after all, she had nowhere to go. Her uncle wouldn't take her back after losing his daughter to the cold hands of banishment.

"Please, don’t refuse," I said, carefully choosing my words. "My happiness depends on you... my sister’s life is in your hands."

"What do you mean by your sister’s happiness? So, you came here just because you think you need my help?" she snapped, her voice rising with anger.

"Calm down, Lena. I’ll explain everything better when we get back to...