บท 323: Defiance: A Sanctuary Forged in Will

A shiver ran down his spine as the icy fingers of dread wrapped around his heart, their freezing embrace tightening with every breath.

"Is someone messing with me?"

His voice echoed, calm on the surface but weighted with underlying tension. After everything he had been through, he had better control over his emotions, knowing when to flare up without repercussions or face the situation with solemness. And this one required his utmost focus.

He lingered for a moment, remembering his awakening in this world and his attempt to leave Alina's house. Then, he remembered his words. They were the same. However, when he pronounced them thirteen years ago, they came from instinctual suspicions. No. Perhaps he just wanted to find a culprit to blame for his bizarre situation...

Yet, the notes were evident proofs now that he remembered them. Since the first day, they had done nothing but taunt his mistakes, as if they were written to infuriate him.