Chapter 11 - Blue Farewell (2/2)

“Stroke the shadows, and it will come out.”

“How…” Does he know so well? She wanted to ask that. Ronée was wondering where he came from. Surely, he was not a slave.

“I could see very occasionally, where I was.” Nabel bowed briefly. “It’s from a family that follows only the owner, supports only the owner, and will risk its life. It will never leave its sister, Ronée.”

Ronée’s eyes quivered at Nabel’s words. She knew that the moment she wanted to avoid was coming.

“Ronée…” Humiliation was evident in his voice. Ronée knew that Nabel would change someday, but she still hoped. He had grown older than when he first came

“Don’t forget me.” Nabel whispered. He was determined to save Ronée from this place.

The scars left by the chains were gradually fading on Nabel’s wrists. Now, only faint traces of his imprisonment remained. But for him, it didn’t matter if there were rough marks there again, because he had fixed his soul on his goal.

“…Are you leaving?” Ronée’s voice was weak. Even though she knew he would go someday, Ronée wanted to hold him.

“I don’t want to be alone again.”

Once again, she suppressed her desires, not realizing that her thoughts were flowing through Nabel.

“Ronée, wait.” Nabel held her hand tight. He whispered strongly, “Certainly, I’ll be back.”

“…Nabel.” Ronée muttered his name briefly, bowing her head. “…I’ll name the fox, Bell.”

“After your name.” She meant she would not forget about him and the months that were most special in her life.

“Thank you.” Nabel caressed her hair, which was slightly unkempt and looked like dried rose petals. Her rosy hair stayed on his fingertips for a while. “I will come back, for sure.”

Where would Nabel go? Ronée thought curiously, but didn’t ask. She didn’t know where to go, but as soon as the answer came from the temple, she knew she would be erased from the world. Then, they won’t be able to meet again.

She closed her eyes, but opened them at the soft touch on her forehead. It wasn’t on her lips because she didn’t allow it. Nabel had placed a kiss on Ronée’s forehead.

As he bid his farewell, he left, the picture of Ronée still captivated in his mind.

He should rather leave. Ronée thought as she looked at his back. She closed her eyes. This was not a happy place, and hence, the treasured moments in her life were over.