NOVEL NEXT Say You'll Never Go
Chapter 34 : Say You'll Never Go
As Melpomene's consciousness slipped away, the last thing he saw was Stefan's twisted grin, a chilling expression that seemed to mock the futility of his resistance. The old man's eyes widened in a final, desperate attempt to comprehend the true nature of his adversary, but the darkness claimed him, and he knew no more.
Meanwhile, Chris and Joy sat on the bench, their exhaustion evident in their weary eyes. Chris leaned against the bench, holding a bottle of water, while Joy gazed out at the city, her thoughts lost in the haze of fatigue.
Chris's gaze met Joy's, and he offered her the bottle of water with a warm smile. "Here, take this. You need it," he said, his voice filled with concern.
Joy accepted the bottle, took a refreshing sip, and thanked Chris with a gentle smile. The simple act of kindness brought a sense of comfort to their tired souls, and for a moment, they forgot about the exhaustion and the city's vastness.
As the sky darkened, Chris glanced up, his eyes squinting against the fading light. "It's getting late. We should head back to the hotel," he suggested, his voice soft and reassuring.
Joy nodded in agreement, her eyes still fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. "Yeah, it's getting dark. It would be better if we go back to the hotel now," she concurred, her voice barely above a whisper.
As they hailed a taxi, Chris opened the door for Joy, allowing her to enter first. He followed, and they settled into the backseat, the city's lights blurring together as they drove back to their hotel.
Joy continued to sip her water, her gaze drifting out the window as the city's sounds and lights faded into the distance. Chris sat beside her, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery, lost in thought.
As the taxi turned onto their hotel's street, Chris turned to Joy with a warm smile. "Are you excited about going to my hometown tomorrow? And visiting the Mayari's temple?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
Joy's eyes met Chris's, and she nodded, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. "Yes, I am. I'm really excited to go to your hometown and see the temple. It will be a new experience for me," she said, her voice filled with a sense of adventure.
The taxi pulled up to the hotel, and Chris helped Joy out, his hand brushing against hers as they stepped onto the sidewalk.
Chris's warm smile enveloped Joy as he spoke, his voice filled with concern. "You look tired, come on, let's go to our room and rest," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Joy's cheeks flushed at the sight of Chris's smile, and she nodded, her eyes avoiding his. Together, they made their way to the elevator, their footsteps echoing through the quiet hallway.
As they reached the elevator, they both pushed the button for their room, their hands and fingers touching in a fleeting moment. They swiftly pulled their hands back, the awkwardness palpable.
The elevator, small and cramped, seemed to shrink even further as the two of them stood there, alone and silent. The air was thick with tension, their hearts beating faster with each passing second. They avoided each other's gaze, the silence between them growing more oppressive.
Chris tapped his feet impatiently, his eyes fixed on the elevator doors. Joy, meanwhile, blushed furiously, her gaze fixed on Chris's tapping feet. She knew they were both acutely aware of the awkwardness, and the tension was palpable.
Finally, the elevator doors slid open, and they both stepped out, their movements stiff and awkward. They got stuck at the door, their bodies pressed together as they tried to free themselves. The moment stretched out, heavy with anticipation, until they finally broke free, their faces flushed with embarrassment
As they stood there, their chests heaving with shared breathlessness, they exchanged a glance that spoke volumes.
They then entered their hotel room, each retreating to their separate beds to rest. Joy's mind drifted, replaying the events of the past few days – the crazy adventures, the struggles, the moments they had shared.
As Joy's gaze settled on Chris, preparing for the next day, she couldn't help but ask, "Chris? Does Mayari's Temple really exist in your hometown?"
Chris paused, a hint of joy in his voice as he replied, "Yeah, it really exists. I saw it with my own two eyes." The words carried a weight, a reminder of the journey they had undertaken together.
"After we find and fulfill my mother's wish, what then?" Joy's voice was laced with a tinge of sadness, the realization that their shared adventure might soon come to an end.
Chris froze, his hands stilling as Joy's words sank in. The thought of their journey coming to a close filled him with a profound sense of loneliness, a reluctance to let go of the bond they had forged.
Joy, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, felt a pang of regret. "Ah, shit... Sorry, Chris, I shouldn't have asked you that. Why would I even ask you that stupid question?" Her voice trembled, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air.
Chris simply nodded, his eyes downcast. But deep within, he yearned for their adventure to continue, for the chance to create more memories with the person who had become so dear to him.
The room fell silent, the air thick with a bittersweet melancholy. Both Joy and Chris were acutely aware of the impending end, their hearts heavy with the realization that their journey might soon come to a close.
To be continued........