How much time had passed?
Darkness filled Vera's vision.
The sun had set.
Slowly, she sat up.
Someone was holding her hand, helping her rise.
"Th… Thank you…."
Before she could finish her sentence, a fit of coughing overtook her.
Cough. Cough. Her entire body shook violently with each breath, as if it were falling apart.
Only after several long moments did the convulsions subside.
"Stay still."
An unfamiliar voice.
She turned her head, her blurred vision picking up a faint glow—
A candle flickered nearby.
It was clear she was in a dark, enclosed space.
But she had lost consciousness at Everstone Clan—she had no idea where she was now.
"Who… are you?"
"Do not worry, Vera."
"…Ah.. Master…?"
It was only then that she recognized the voice of Great Master Thorne.
She also realized whose hand she was holding.