When Vivian suddenly vanished from the dungeon, the news struck Charlotte like a blade to the heart.
Devastated, she rushed into the depths of the dungeon herself, searching every floor, every corner, yet not a single trace of him remained.
Even when Professor Garhard tried to stop her, she refused to listen at first, desperate to believe he might still be there.
When she was finally forced to leave, her strength broke.
She screamed, cried, and collapsed outside the dungeon, her voice echoing through the forest until it grew hoarse.
For ten days, she refused to move from that place, her tears unending, her world shattered by his disappearance.
After ten days, Charlotte finally collapsed from exhaustion and was carried back to the palace.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself lying in her own bed, the familiar ceiling of the royal chamber above her.
The warmth of the blankets felt foreign, too soft, too safe, after those endless days in the cold forest.
