Meanwhile, on the winding Beastkin road…
Rain poured steadily.
The skies were dark, and the wind carried the sharp scent of wet soil and distant trees.
Javier sat slumped forward on Buddy's back, drenched, eyes heavy, body screaming for rest.
His breath was ragged. His vision blurred.
But Buddy pressed on.
Inside Javier's mind…
Only two names.
Liana…
Gloria…
That was all he could think about.
That was all that mattered.
He had been panicking ever since he heard they were heading back to their hometown.
For a wedding.
A wedding.
The thought stabbed into his chest like a blade every time it echoed in his head.
He didn't want that.
He couldn't accept that.
He didn't understand why they made that decision.
Maybe—
Maybe it really was his fault.
For flirting too much.
For acting like it was all a game.
Even if he didn't mean it seriously…
Even if he thought they'd always stay by his side…
He could feel it now.
They were slipping away.
"I'm sorry, Liana… Gloria…"
