Ryan let out another frustrated sigh when he reached out to hold her again, but she jerked his grip off and continued moving with a mild resolution to her shaky footsteps.

“You won’t even talk to me, nor let me hold your hand?”

Still, she refused to reply him. The guards had scattered all across the forest but everyone was in a tight formation, moving together.

Ryan had included more guards up ahead for Astella’s sake and single handedly remained back; behind her, to watch over her.

Everywhere was quiet as he watched her, only the sounds of crushing dry leaves and the howls of wolves reverberating and tearing through...