Chapter 207
Soon after, Dehart stirred, groaning softly. His brilliant golden eyes flickered open in the darkness. Like a sunflower following the sun’s path, he turned naturally toward Sebelia.
“Bella?”
Disbelief rippled across his hazy face. Slowly blinking, he awkwardly got up and reached toward her.
“Strange. I thought I wouldn’t dream tonight. Ah, never mind—I should see if you’re alright. Right… Watts, what did he say again?”
Clutching Sebelia’s sleeve, Dehart muttered, gradually realizing something was amiss.
“…”
Carefully lifting his gaze, his golden eyes met her calm blue ones. At once, a silent realization swept through his mind.
No way.
This wasn’t a dream. She wasn’t an illusion or a ghost. The chilling realization sent a shiver down Dehart’s spine. Sebelia’s cold gaze fixed on him as she suddenly began to speak apologetically.
“Sorry for coming without permission.”
Her calm voice deepened his dread.
“I know it’s rude, but I had no other choice. Time is critical, and you’re the only one who can help.”
Before the frozen Dehart, Sebelia spoke softly.
“Did I disturb your sweet dreams?”
“No, no, not at all. That couldn’t be.”
He had deliberately burned the awakening incense to avoid dreaming. Swallowing his doubts, he met her gaze again. A strange unease washed over him.
Clenching his teeth, aware of his posture, Dehart carefully lowered the hand holding Sebelia’s and asked,
“But how do you feel? Are you alright?”
Remembering how she’d collapsed hours ago, Dehart bit his lip. Thankfully, Watts’s diagnosis was simple exhaustion—probably from overusing her powers.
But the fear lingered within him. Worried something might happen to Sebelia, or that he’d be powerless again while her life hung in the balance, he’d burned the awakening incense.
Peaceful sleep meant nothing compared to her safety.
“You suddenly collapsed and everyone was shocked. Claude deeply regrets it.”
“Ah.”
Sebelia opened her eyes wide. Indeed, she’d collapsed without explanation. Since finding the awakening incense, her previously cold attitude had softened.
“Sorry. Something unexpected happened when I met Nelia, so I created a clone. It’s probably because of that—I used so much energy all at once…”
“I see. Thank goodness.”
“So, what’s going on? If you rushed here at this hour, it can’t be trivial.”
His golden eyes shone seriously. Hesitating briefly, Sebelia sighed and began her story.
“Where do I start?”
“…”
“Yes, it’s best from the beginning. Actually, at the teahouse, my father ordered Nelia to kidnap me.”
“What?”
A white streak ran down Dehart’s golden eyes. Sebelia hurriedly grabbed his shoulder.
“Don’t get upset, Dehart. The kidnapping failed, of course. Do I look like an illusion sitting right here?”
“That’s…!”
“Calm down and listen first. Don’t shout.”
Sebelia glanced past Dehart’s shoulder toward the door, then back at him. He frowned, puzzled by her glance.
“Nelia thought my clone was the real me and took it to the mansion. I kept the sensory link and waited for the right moment. Soon, I heard my father’s voice.”
Moments later, Dehart, who had heard the whole story, threw open the bedroom door with a ferocious aura.
“D-Duke…”
Eli, standing guard, was about to greet him cheerfully but fell silent at the fierce presence. Sebelia glanced at him and followed behind Dehart.
“…”
Had he misjudged? Watching them gloomily, Eli suddenly perked up at Dehart’s call.
“Stop standing foolishly and fetch Mr. Karl Appenz to the study!”
“Yes, sir!”
Quickly regaining his composure, Eli dashed down the corridor.
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