The Truth

[Panse's P.O.V]

Anton and Ellie were also shocked but seemed to have guessed that the Sproutless was on Brian. When I took it out, they both stared at it intently.

Anton was about to reach out to take it, but then a gunshot rang out. A bullet was aimed at the Sproutless, and in my panic, I quickly moved aside, protecting the Sproutless in my arms. I heard the sound of the bullet piercing through flesh. Surprisingly, I didn't feel pain, just a burning sensation in one spot, very hot. However, my transformation frequency seemed to have decreased slightly.

With my back turned to Brian, I reached out to Anton and handed him the Sproutless, then patted his hand. "I've known about your recent situation all along, but in my uncertain days, it wouldn't have been appropriate to disturb your lives. I also knew that you've been chasing after me. Originally, if the time was right, I might have surrendered voluntarily, but clearly, that's not possible now."