Chapter seven

- "I'm fed up, I'm fed up, I'm fed up!" Ethan says, slamming his fist on the table.

-"You really have no patience, do you?" Liz retorts with a smile.

-"It's taking so long, I'm going to get some fresh air."

He slips out of the cramped quarters that serve as their temporary residence and closes the door behind him. He wants to taste freedom, to have a chance to forget the world that seems to be collapsing around them.

He's not quite sure where he's going, but he knows he wants to be alone. The sun is shining above them, the sky is painted with vibrant blue hues, and the city streets are bustling with people going about their daily activities.

However, he hasn't gone far before he notices Liz following him. He shoots a frustrated look over his shoulder, hoping she'll catch the hint and turn back. But Liz is simply persistent. She has a way of sensing when something is bothering someone, and at this moment, Ethan's attitude is clearly revealing.

-"Ethan, wait!" she calls out, her voice carrying through the bustling streets.

Ethan comes to a stop and lets out a resigned sigh. He turns to face her, irritation etched on his features.

-"Liz, I thought I made it pretty clear that I wanted to be alone."

Liz catches up to him, her expression a mix of concern and determination.

-"I know, but you look upset, and I don't want you to be alone."

Ethan's frustration softens a bit in the face of her genuine concern. He runs a hand through his hair and offers her a reluctant smile.

-"Fine, you can come. But don't expect it to be a fun adventure. I'm just... going somewhere."

Liz nods, her hazel eyes meeting his.

-"I understand."

They walk in silence, winding through the narrow streets of the city. The noise of the crowd gradually fades as they move away from the center. Eventually, Ethan stops in front of a tall, old tower that seems to reach into the sky.

-"What is this place?" Liz asks, her curiosity piqued.

Ethan doesn't immediately respond. He looks at the tower for a moment, lost in thought. Then he turns to Liz.

-"Follow me."

They enter the tower, climbing the spiral staircase until they reach a door that leads to the rooftop. Ethan opens it, and a cool breeze hits them as they step out onto the open platform.

Liz's eyes widen as she takes in the breathtaking view. The city stretches below them, its roofs, streets, and inhabitants mere points of observation. The sun casts a warm glow over the landscape, and the world seems to hold its breath amidst the chaos.

Ethan, on the other hand, remains cynical and distant. He leans against the stone railing, arms crossed.

-"Impressive, isn't it?"

Liz looks away from the view to him.

-"Yes, it's incredible."

She feels a pang of sympathy for him, realizing he carries a heavy burden he rarely lets others see.

-"Are you okay?" she asks softly.

Ethan looks away, his jaw clenched.

-"Yeah, I'm fine."

They remain silent for a moment, the distance between them palpable. Eventually, Liz breaks the silence, her voice gentle.

-"Do your parents live in the capital?"

Ethan's expression hardens, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes. He doesn't respond immediately, and Liz can tell she's touched a sensitive spot.

-"No, they don't," he finally answers, his voice devoid of emotion.

Liz's heart aches for him.

-"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

-"It's okay," he cuts her off, his tone sharp. "I don't have parents. Jade practically raised me."

Liz feels a twinge of guilt for prying into his personal life. She lowers her gaze, unsure of what to say.

-"I'm not clueless, you know?" she says, lifting her head.

-"What do you mean ?"

-"I know you're searching for the Exitium."

-"What?"

-"The notebooks, my father's notes... It's pretty obvious, actually. You can try to deny it, I don't care. I know, that's all."

Ethan's phone suddenly rings, breaking the heavy atmosphere. He takes it out of his pocket, and his lips curve into a small, almost amused smile.

-"What is it?" Liz asks, intrigued by his sudden change in demeanor.

He shows her the screen, displaying Kieran's name.

-"It's Kieran. Him and Jade must be wondering where we've disappeared to."

Liz chuckles softly, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

-"Well, are you going to answer?"

-"Nah."

-"What do you mean, 'nah'?"

- "Let's let them search for us a bit. We have the whole day ahead."

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