Chapter 167

Elara was utterly exhausted. The sheer effort of her prolonged wakefulness and physical toll had drained her entirely. She felt as though she could lose consciousness the moment she shut her eyes. Yet she forced herself to sit up, struggling to keep her eyes open as she looked at No.11, who looked hesitant about something. "What happened?" she asked softly. No.11 didn't answer. He remained motionless, with his damp hair clinging to his forehead, casting shadows over his downcast eyes. "It's okay," she reassured him gently. "Everyone has the right to keep their secrets. You don't have to tell me." As she spoke, she reached out her hand toward him. "Come here." No.11 hesitated, staring at the open palm she offered. Then, he slowly placed his hand in hers and sat down beside her. Her warm fingers enveloped his pale hand, and a sense of comfort instantly wrapped around him. His lashes quivered as he looked away, suddenly feeling conscious that the dampness in his hand was unclean