Chapter 139

As soon as she said it, Jareth froze. He wanted to deny it, he really did. But when he met Isabelle's eyes-tinged with shadow and sorrow-his voice just wouldn't come out. Because... she was right. He sighed quietly, swallowing the whirlwind inside him. His gaze dropped, hiding the storm behind his calm exterior. Pretending like nothing ever happened-was that really how he planned to keep going? She was still the little sister he loved and protected most. But eventually, he'd have to deal with this. Could he really keep running from it? His thoughts were a mess, tied in knots, and the frustration twisted in his chest. Out of nowhere, Celestia's smiling face flashed across his mind-like gentle hands brushing away the chaos in his heart. He stilled for a beat. Then, five seconds in, he suddenly looked up at Isabelle with a firm gaze-nothing shaky, nothing hesitant. "About the last time... I need to set things straight. Isabelle, I'm sorry. To me, you'll always be just my sister." He force