Chapter 197: Chapter 197 - A solution

Something that Emily confirmed soon after Erik's words.

Her eyes were sad and downcast, while her arms still hung around Erik's neck. "But… it's not enough," she mumbled softly. "I'm a little calmer now, but I can feel the darkness encroaching on my mind again."

She looked back up and into Erik's eyes with a hint of despair. "Besides, you can't be there all the time," she continued. "I don't know exactly what happened to me, but the corruption has grown stronger. It can't be like it was before."

Erik smiled and removed Emily's arms from his neck before taking a seat next to her. He then easily picked the somber goth girl up and dragged her between his legs before wrapping his arms around her.

Emily yelped a little when she felt herself forcefully moved but otherwise remained despondent. Still, she felt safe and protected in his arms like this.

"Do you trust me?" he whispered in her ear.