I couldn’t linger here—not in this cramped, broken world. I had to move. Had to find Alina.
“I should be going,” I said, already stepping toward the door.
Scarlett turned sharply. “No, please. Stay. I’ll help you find Alina. I promise.”
Her voice strained on the last word. There was fear behind her eyes, but also something else—guilt, maybe. Loneliness. The desperate urge to matter.
But I couldn’t stay.
She wasn’t part of this war.
And if I did stay, I might hurt her.
My gaze lingered on her for one final breath. Then I turned and left, stepping into the chill of the night.
Her solemn face stayed with me long after I disappeared into the dark.
But I had a mission.
I had to find Alina.
No matter the cost.
Chapter 30
Balthazar
Every morning, I woke with a single, unshakable purpose—to get close to Alina. But with each passing day and no progress to show for it, failure sank deeper into my bones. I was drowning in a pit of frustration so deep I could barely see the light anymore.
Every time I caught sight of her, it hit me like a punch to the gut—a wave of pain so fierce it nearly stole my breath. Why couldn’t I reach her? Why did she keep slipping through my grasp? The helplessness curdled into rage.
Out of options and seething, I returned to Scarlett’s apartment. Maybe she could still be useful.
Just as I lifted my hand to knock, the door swung open.
“Oh!” Scarlett gasped, clearly startled. Her cheeks flushed pink, and she fiddled nervously with a lock of hair, unable to meet my eyes. “I was just heading to class.”
“Hello, Scarlett,” I said, trying to mask my storming thoughts. “How are you?”
“I’m doing okay,” she said, voice gentle. “Did you find Alina?”
I exhaled and shook my head. “Still nothing. I can’t get through to her.”
Scarlett’s shoulders slumped. “I was hoping you’d come back. I’ve been trying to help. I looked her up in the phone book. I’ve tried talking to her—told her she’s smart, asked about her classes,tried to make conversation… but she always walks away. Still, I think I’m wearing her down. I’ll invite her over. We’ll have pizza and beer—keep it casual. That way, you can finally talk to her.”
Her offer stunned me into silence for a moment. Then I gave her a small, genuine smile. “Thank you, Scarlett. That would help a lot.”
She looked up at me shyly. “Would you… Like to come in?”
I raised a brow. “Didn’t you say you had a class?”
She gave a sheepish grin. “It’s Economics 101. I can blow it off.”
I pictured her holding a dandelion by the stem, blowing, its seeds scattering to the wind.Blow it off.These phrases from the 1990s were baffling. But I nodded as though I understood.
“Yes, please. I’d like that,” I said.
Scarlett stepped aside, and I entered, dragging my failures and frustrations behind me.
