บท 38: Little Hugs

"Chase!" we exclaimed together.

The uniformed man appeared to have recently learned of Oswin and my plans. A gaze came across his face and landed on mine. He looked at me like there was nothing else in the world. As his gaze settled firmly into mine, I noticed a renewed flash of gold.

"Please, Stella, do not do this. You will perish out there!" He clenched his teeth. As liquid began to trickle from his eyes, he strengthened his grip on the door frame. "There is an alternative!"

"There is no other option, Chase." A loud voice interrupted the conversation. I recognized it by its tone. "Stella's prospects of escaping her fate are dwindling."

Oswin rolled his eyes. After Chase and Avi unexpectedly showed up, he seemed irritated. Before I could even see his fingers snap, he was already grinding his teeth.