Chapter 260: Speaking with Khillea

"How about you come with me?" I asked, my voice quiet but firm.

The question hung in the air between us, heavy with meaning. I didn't know what answer I expected, or if I even expected one at all. But as Khillea's eyes met mine, her expression softened, and I could see the flicker of surprise—and perhaps something more—in her gaze.

But then, as if a shadow passed over her thoughts, her gaze turned reluctant, the softness replaced by something guarded.

"After the war, you can just come with me," I said, trying to bridge the silence that had grown between us.

She didn't respond immediately. Instead, she stared past me, her lips pressed tightly together, as if weighing words she wasn't yet ready to share.

I tilted my head back, frustration creeping into my voice. "I feel like you're hiding something from me, Khillea. Something important, something I should know."