Chapter 888: If you die, I’m good as dead.
"You’re silly. Why did you stay for me?"
There was a reason Hera avoided his question the first time. It wasn’t like she didn’t expect Leo wouldn’t notice. He was a smart man. It was the reason he lasted this long in this place all on his own.
"I promised you, didn’t I?" Hera replied without looking back at him. "I am the one responsible for your situation and thus, it’s only natural if I help you out of here."
Leo balled his hands into a tight fist as dismay shone in his eyes.
"It’s silly, indeed, but I’ve always told myself calling you that night was a mistake," she added in the same distant tone. "Once we get out of here, forget everything. Treat it as an awful nightmare. It’s best if you do that. In that way, you can go on with your life. If that’s a little too much and impossible, then delude yourself you’ve played a role and it’s now time to be you again."
Hera closed her eyes and took another deep breath. When she reopened her eyes, resolve shone in them. Taking another step felt heavy, but she mentally screamed at herself to move forward. She should have done this the first time; she should’ve maintained a distance from the beginning. Letting him get closer wouldn’t do them any good.
Once they escaped this place, she was aware there was another hell that awaited her beyond the gates of this prison. There was no way in hell she would drag him into her situation once again. She couldn’t keep holding on to him selfishly. That would be too unfair for him.
"Wait."
As Hera was about to reach the exit of the dining room, a hand grabbed her wrist to stop her.