NovelFastChapter 584 The Closer to Home, the More Fear No one knew how much thad passed before Ludwig finally stopped walking. Jean stepped up beside him and saw that, near the base of the wall ahead, several narrow windows were embedded into the stone.
"These windows are most likely ventilation vents for the basement," Ludwig said, his voice cool and crisp in the night air. "Going through the door to the basement is too risky. But if we go through the window..." "Then we go through the window, "Jean replied without hesitation.
She clenched her fists, itching to move; she didn't want to waste another second.
Ludwig gave a small nod. "Alright. I'll go in first. I'll catch you from below." With that, he stepped forward and reached for the window, testing it carefully.
After a bit of fiddling, the slightly rotten narrow window finally creaked open with a low groan.
With a quick movement, Ludwig vaulted through and disappeared inside. Jean followed close behind, hurrying to the open window.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Go ahead and jump," Ludwig's muffled voice floated up from below. “Don't worry-I'll catch you." Jean couldn't help but snap back, “I'm not scared." She didn't even need him to catch her...
"Alright, alright, you're not scared," Ludwig replied smoothly. "I know-you're the bravest." His words made Jean's lips twitch in reluctant amusement. She said nothing more; half her body slipped through the window, and with a push from her legs, she dropped quickly downward.
The sensation didn't last long. In moments, she landed squarely in a cool, steady embrace.
Ludwig's arms tightened around her. His voice was calm and even. "You alright?" Jean slowly opened her eyes.
The light around them was dim, but not pitch black. She could just make out the sharp lines of Ludwig's striking profile.
"I'm fine," she said, blinking as she replied. Then she stepped quickly out of his arms.
They continued forward, cautiously making their way through the darkened basement.
No one knew how far they had gone when they finally cacross a door.
Turns out, the basement had an inner chamber. A faint sliver of light glowed from beneath the door-just enough for Jean to be nearly certain.
Someone was on the other side. Her mother and her brother.
They might be in there! The realization sent a surge of emotion through her chest, mostly excitement, but also a creeping nervousness.
It was that overwhelming feeling, the closer you are to home, the more afraid you become. They were right there... yet 1/2 Chanter 584 The Closer to Home, the More Fear.
she was scared of what she might find. Scared of seeing pain, fear, or resistance in their eyes, Whatever happens... please let them be safe. Jean took a long, slow breath, silently praying.
Ludwig noticed her unease, but now wasn't the tfor comfort-better to move forward, to find out what lay Love ahead.
His expression remained unchanged as he stepped up to the door and e placed his hand against it. He'd expected it to be locked. But with just a gentle push, the door began to shift open.
A flicker of surprise passed through Ludwig's eyes.
He didn't push it further. Instead, he turned to look at Jean.
Jean met his gaze head-on and gave a firm nod. "Go ahead. Open it." Only after getting her signal did Ludwig press his palm forward.
The door opened with ease. A flood of bright light spilled into the basement.
Jean squinted against the sudden glare.
And then, in the very next moment, the thick stench of blood hit her nose.Her head swam from the overwhelming metallic scent-and just as her vision adjusted, she saw a tall man turn around slowly, his expression unreadable, his smile hovering between mockery and menace. 2/2
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