Cedric let out a sigh and stepped forward, rushing toward Meira with a gentle smile.
He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Aw~ come on, Meira… don't sulk."
Meira turned her head away, her ears twitching. "Hmph!"
Her tail flicked aggressively, showing her displeasure.
Cedric recognized this behavior all too well.
Suddenly, soft arms wrapped around his arm.
Cedric stiffened.
Slowly, he turned his head.
Zania.
Despite her bruised face, the sore spots on her skin, and the pain she had just endured—she was smiling.
Not just any smile.
A dreamy, lovestruck smile.
Her eyes shimmered as she pressed herself against Cedric, her grip on his arm tightening.
She looked at him like he was her entire world.
Like she had already decided her fate.
Like she had fallen—completely, utterly, hopelessly.
Cedric felt a sudden headache creeping in.