Ch. Ch 12 Don’t come back Ch 12

All he could picture was Ember shouting and crying, demanding Willow leave.

Then the adult Ember, growing increasingly quiet and withdrawn.

No longer eager to talk with him and Ryker, always claiming she was busy at school, rarely coming home.

Occasionally when Willow damaged her things,

She would lose control, but then quickly compose herself, saying calmly and coldly: “It doesn’t matter.”

She increasingly preferred staying at the school dormitory.

Sometimes Axel would run into her on campus.

One moment she’d be laughing with classmates, the next—upon seeing him—her expression would immediately become quiet and uncomfortable.

Axel picked up the stuffed animal from the floor.

He suddenly felt like he had lost something important.

When had he lost it?

That willful, affectionate Ember—when had she disappeared?

Ryker’s somewhat cold voice interrupted his thoughts:

“I’m going back tonight.

“If Willow wants to stay and play, you can continue with her.”

Axel looked up abruptly, seeing what seemed like unease in Ryker’s eyes.

The same unease Axel felt in his own heart.

Almost instinctively and urgently, Axel replied: “I’m going back tonight too.”

Ryker said nothing more, silently packing his luggage.

They landed in North City the following evening.

Throughout the return journey, Axel’s forehead kept throbbing for some reason.

When they arrived home, Ember was nowhere to be seen.

The housekeeper came out to greet them.

Axel handed over his coat, casually asking as if it didn’t matter: “Ember hasn’t returned yet?”