Vione closed her eyes. She could feel Usher's presence. There were no footsteps or other sounds, but her intuition never failed to detect Usher's presence, just like now.

A moment later, a gentle touch landed on Vione's shoulder. Her breath caught in her chest, and her body tensed instantly. Then she felt the touch turn into a gentle stroke, accompanied by Usher's voice calling her name.

"Vione."

Vione flinched. She let Usher's fingers slip from her shoulder. She recoiled. "Say nothing, Usher. I will never let you go through the time portal again."

But Usher didn't give up. He grabbed Vione's wrist. He held on to Vione and would not...