Chapter 257

"I didn't mean it that way." Wren looked at her with frustration clear on his face. "I just hope you can reconsider and not turn this into a battle of wills. "If you're really unwilling to come back to Phoypolis with me, I can arrange for you to go to Urthunia instead. At least with Shea there, he can look after you for me, and I'll have some peace of mind." "And your hand… I'll find a way to make it up to you. I'll look for a doctor who can heal it." The thought of Clara's damaged hand filled Wren with remorse. He added, "Clara, please trust me one more time." Clara's gaze wavered briefly as she instinctively grasped her right wrist, her fingers tracing over the jagged scars. The sharp, piercing pain from that day still lingered. It was a relentless reminder that her hand was ruined, and her dream would never come true. Her breathing quickened, and her chest tightened with emotions she couldn't name. Clara gripped her wrist tighter out of frustration, and the sharp, stinging pai