After Camilla Dary left, Ashes stepped out of the study.
She sat on her knees on the rug, hands stretching out to Tilly, and said, "come here."
"I'm fine..."
"Don't pretend to be okay. There are no other people." Ashes interrupted her.
Tilly twitched her lips and finally moved her body. She thrust herself into Ashes' chest, back facing her.
Hearing the strong heartbeats of Ashes coming through her clothes like rhythmical drumbeats, Tilly felt calm and reassured.
"Thank you," Tilly said softly.
"Don't push yourself too hard. If we make a wrong decision, the worst scenario is that we go back to the Sleeping Island." Ashes gently smiled and said, "If you leave, I'm sure Roland Wimbledon won't stop you, for you have all the witches in the Witch Union backing you up." She paused for a while and continued, "besides, you don't need to speak so resolutely. In this way, you don't need to suffer such great pressure now."