Bab 82: Obsessed

Cruden emerged from the shadows. The second he saw her, his eyes widened with relief and something else—something akin to fear flashed. His usual composure was not seen, replaced by a frantic energy. 

"Roselia," Cruden breathed, crossing the distance between them with furious strides. "I've been looking everywhere for you since I came back. I thought—" he broke off, unspoken words hanging in the air.

Roselia never expected any of this. She didn't think her absence would affect him to this extent. And he said he didn't care about her. She glanced down at his fingers, tinged red again. He had freshly showered before coming here.

"I'm sorry," Roselia said softly, a pang of guilt hitting her. "I couldn't sleep. I needed some fresh air."

Cruden pressed his lips together, running a hand through his hair and clutching the ends. He glanced to the side, exhaling as if he couldn't believe what he had just done. What could've frightened him to that extent?