Chapter 4010

What Garrik had mistaken for rage was actually Ryla’s fear. She was terrified of what Meln might do to her child just to lure Lith into a trap—and even more afraid of becoming the cause of her baby boy’s ruin.

I softened the truth about how precarious Garrik’s condition really is all this time, she thought. I wanted him to play and live carefree, like a normal child, instead of living in fear of taking a single step too far from home.

I kept him unaware because I believed it was best for him. But if Garrik destroys his future because of me, I would never forgive myself.

“I’m not mad at you, my baby,” she said, pulling Garrik into a tight hug. “I just want you to take this seriously. This isn’t one of your games. There’s no do-over if something goes wrong. Do you understand?”

The question was the same as before, yet the calmness in Ryla’s voice somehow made it far more frightening.

“Yes, Mom.” Garrik nodded. “I promise I won’t leave the house for any reason until Auntie Salaark comes back.”

“That’s my boy.” Ryla sniffled. “That’s my boy.”