Chapter 23

Julian had grown gaunt beyond recognition. His cheekbones jutted out, his eyes were sunken, and his stubble was unkept. Beside him, Adrian didn't look much better. His shirt was wrinkled, and exhaustion clung to him like a shadow. But in both their eyes burned the same, frantic desperation. It was as if something precious of theirs had finally been found. For a moment, time seemed to stop, and Wendy's mind went blank. How did they even find this place? Meanwhile, Theodore sensed something was wrong almost instantly. However, instead of letting go, he pulled Wendy slightly behind him and shielded her with his body. The gentleness in his eyes disappeared and was replaced by a sharp vigilance. He looked at the two men at the door and demanded, "Who are you?" But Julian didn't even glance at him. He merely took a step forward and said in a hoarse voice, "Wendy, come back with me." Hidden behind Theodore, Wendy finally managed to find her voice. She said, "I'm not going back… How di