"The first time you got out, you did not see the portals, right?""Galen, how much more do you need me to say this?" Zoren rolled his eyes as he stared at Galen and his white screen. He was so adamant about using a marker and writing a bunch of clues on the board, but in the end, all Zoren could see were scribbles—nonsense scribbles that looked like dancing worms."Okay, uh, alright, wait." Galen stared into his board of uncoordinated worms and encircled a pile. "Here, this is what I think happened.""If you want me to have this huge 'Aha' moment, no, I can't give it to you even if I tried." Zoren shook his head. "I do not understand what you are trying to say here, and what is that? I can't understand a single word you wrote; just stop with it. You are making my head hurt, and that's rare for me, alright?""Hello? Maybe if you give me a chance to explain it to you, then you'll soon get it. What do you think?" Of course, being Galen, he rolled his eyes before pulling out a red marker

Verena carefully sat up when she woke up. Perhaps it was because of a habit, but she tried to make no sound at all as she reached over to grab her phone and check the time. But when she realized that she did not have a reason to do so, she was able to let herself go. It was very strange waking up and not seeing Galen sleeping peacefully beside her, but she was aware that there might be some reason behind it. It's the third day that she's noticed. And if she were being completely honest, she really wanted to ask him when they ate lunch together yesterday, but what is she supposed to say? She is not someone who would randomly ask him why he's not sleeping in her bed when they haven't even figured out what relationship they have. And also, she was thinking that maybe this kind of space is needed. Maybe this could help her decide, as she was so clueless about what was to happen next.She followed her day-to-day morning routine. Verena washed up, changed her pajamas into a comfortable set

It was late at night when Verena was able to go back to the hidden palace. She did not think to check the kitchen or grab a bite; all she wanted was to go straight into her room and lock herself up. On her way home, all she could think of were Leonardo’s words. Why would he tell her something like that? What is a hunter, exactly? And why does she hate the fact that his words were a bit reasonable for her? Of course, she knows how kind and caring Zoren is to her, but why can't she look past that? It’s making her feel extremely terrible. No matter how hard she tried, there was nothing else she could do but cover her whole body with her weighted blanket and just sob.In his own room, Zoren tried his best not to do anything. When he finally heard the front door open, he immediately jumped out of bed, ready to go and see her, but he stopped himself. He hugged his pillow while waiting for her next move. Deep inside, he was wishing for her to call his name. He can only hope that she will sea

Verena's POVI wish I could see him right now. I wish I could tell him everything I want to. I wish I could apologize to him for making him feel horrible with my words. I want to make sure that he's not going to take it wrong. I want him to understand why I am being this way. I want him to understand what is going on in my mind. But I would never say this wish out loud, because no matter how much I want to reason with him and explain to him, I just know that I can't do anything when I get the chance to look into his blue eyes.I've never been so sad looking at an uneaten omellete before. But after hanging out with Galen earlier, I checked the table, and I saw it for the very first time. I made sure to add a lot more cheese than usual to try to bait him a bit more, but he did not touch his favorite dish. I was thinking that he did not see it, because there is no way in hell that he did not even take a bite of that. However, I checked if he ate anything at all, and he had fruits. The tr

Verena's POVAs I entered the mansion, I already heard Galen's loud footsteps following behind me as I went to the kitchen. Right now, I know that the only thing that could help me is a cold glass of water. I guess that is the only thing that can cool me down after the very harsh and scalding conversation with Zoren. I did not expect him to act that way toward me. Maybe it was my fault. I really thought that I would see him smile at me again after everything that he heard from me."How was it? Rena? Did you talk to him?""He hates me now, Galen," I responded. He gasped and let his mouth widen as soon as he heard what I said. What's there to be shocked about? Of course he won't be friendly and all sweet and bubbly with me after hearing how I don't trust him."There is no way that he hates you; why would he hate you?"I rolled my eyes and sighed. I guess he figured out that I am very tired of it, and he snapped out of his sarcasm. He took his sweet time to recollect himself and gave me