Chapter 864: I can’t
"It’ll be a bloody war soon, and knowing Dimitri, you’re the first person he’ll kill. If we’re going to escape, tonight is the only time."
Hera held her breath, unable to discern the strange feeling in her heart. Every day, every passing second that she was in this mansion, her hope of escaping dimmed. Sometimes, she even considered herself growing more foolish than smarter for holding on to the thread of hope she would get out of this predicament.
Although it came at the time she didn’t expect, someone was extending their hands. Deborah might look like someone who just came back from the dead, but this was the only time she had seen this fire in her eyes. It was as if Deborah was certain they would escape.
But why... why was Hera hesitating?
"I... can’t," she whispered, pulling her hands from Deborah’s hold. "I can’t, Deb."
"Hera, if you’re scared that he will catch us, he won’t. I met someone who helped me get out of that torture house. They’re skilled and well-connected. They can help us."
"Deborah, do you even know the people helping you?"
This time, Deborah froze. Seeing her reaction, Hera let out a shallow breath.
"I’m not refusing because I’m scared we’d get caught, Deborah. But I can’t leave... on my own." Hera shook her head mildly. "I can’t leave Leo in here."
"What?"
"I promised him that I’d get him out of here. I am the person responsible for why he’s in this place, so it’s only right for me to take him out of here." Hera forced a smile as she reached for Deborah’s hand once more. "Thank you for risking your life and coming back for me. But I can’t go without him."