Ch. Ch 21 Don’t come back Ch 21

Axel’s voice was hollow: “There must be a way. 

“I’ll think of something, find a solution. We’ll find her somehow.” 

Professor Zhang sighed softly: “Forgive my bluntness. 

“Your parents died because their research was compromised. 

“Inadequate security allowed criminals to find an opportunity to strike. 

“This time, before the research concludes, no outsider will be able to find them.” 

Axel seemed to have lost his soul, his voice stubborn: “I’ll find a way.” 

Professor Zhang felt compelled to warn him: “If you make a public search for Ember, you could put her in danger. 

“Axel, don’t forget what happened to your parents. 

“If you truly care about Ember… respect her choice.” 

Axel’s pupils trembled suddenly. 

The midnight snowfall had turned the vast North City into a silver–white landscape. 

It seemed to freeze him completely as well. 

He stood motionless, his fingertips too numb to move. 

Ember was gone. 

And he couldn’t even try to find her. 

Professor Zhang turned and closed the front gate behind him. 

In the frigid, snow–covered night, Axel was finally alone. 

No–there was one other person. 

He turned and saw Ryker standing beneath a tree behind him. 

Their eyes met under the cold streetlight, and in each other’s gaze, they saw the same utterly shattered hope. 

Axel suddenly remembered many, many years ago. 

North City had seen a snowfall just like this one. 

When their parents died suddenly, twelve–year–old Ember had sobbed in the snow until she could barely breathe.