Chapter 97: Surrender!

Arriving at Alex's place, Lilly knocked on the old door, calling out to him, her voice a mix of desperation and urgency.

"Alex, are you in there? I need to talk to you, come out quickly."

However, Alex had left early to scout a picnic spot with Emily and to gather elixirs, returning late, which Lilly was unaware of. 

Not seeing him come out, she wandered the village, hearing he had gone outside, so she waited at the village entrance for his return. The sun was setting, casting long shadows that mirrored her descending spirits.

"Lilly, what are you doing here?"

"Oh... I have something to do, so I'm waiting here for a bit."

"Really? Whatever it is, be careful; the sun's going down soon."

"Yes, thank you."

Lilly waited for him until the night started to darken, her patience fraying with each passing moment. But Alex, aware of her location through the map, knew she was looking for him.