Chapter b584 /bThe Closer to Home, the More Fear

    bNo /bone bknew /bhow much time had passed before Ludwig finally stopped walking. Jean stepped bup /bbbeside /bbhim /bband /bbsaw /bthat, near the base of the wall ahead, several narrow windows were embedded into the stoneb. /b

    “These windows are most likely venttion vents for the basement,” Ludwig said, his voice cool and crisp bin /bthe night air. “Going through the door to the basement is too risky. But if we go through the window…”

    “Then we go through the window,

    ” Jean replied without hesitation.

    She clenched her fists, itching to move; she didn’t want to waste another second.

    Ludwig gave a small nod. “Alright. I’ll go in first. I’ll catch you from below.”

    With that, he stepped forward and reached for the window, testing it carefully.

    After a bit of fiddling, the slightly rotten narrow window finally creaked open with a low groan.

    With a quick movement, Ludwig vaulted through and disappeared inside. Jean followed close behind, hurrying to the open window.

    “Go ahead and jump,” Ludwig’s muffled voice floated up from below. “Don’t worry–I’ll catch you.”

    Jean couldn’t help but snap back, “I’m not scared.”

    She didn’t even need him to catch her…

    “Alright, alright, you’re not scared,” Ludwig replied smoothly. “I know–you’re the bravest.”

    His words made Jean’s lips twitch in reluctant amusement. She said nothing more; half her body slipped through the window, and with a push from her legs, she dropped quickly downward.

    The sensation didn’tst long. In moments, shended squarely in a cool, steady embrace.

    Ludwig’s arms tightened around her. His voice was calm and even. “You alright?”

    Jean slowly opened her eyes.

    The ilight /iaround them was dim, but not pitch ck. She could just make out the sharp lines of Ludwig’s striking profile.

    “I’m fine,” she said, blinking as she replied. Then she stepped quickly out of his arms.

    They continued forward, cautiously making their way through the darkened basement.

    No one knew how far they had gone when they finally came across a door.

    Turns out, the basement had an inner chamber. A faint sliver of light glowed from beneath the door–just enough for Jean to be nearly certain.

    Someone was on the other side. Her mother and her brother.

    iThey /iimight /iibe /iiin /iithere/ii! /iThe realization sent a surge of emotion through her chestb, /bmostly excitement, but also a creeping nervousness.

    It iwas /iithat /iioverwhelming /iifeeling/ii, /iithe /iicloser /iiyou /iiare /iito /iihome/i, ithe /iimore /iiafraid /iiyou /iibe/i. They were right there… yet

    Chanter 584 bThe /bCloser bto /bHomeb, /bbthe /bbMore /bbFear/b.

    bshe /bbwas /bbscared /bbof /bbwhat /bbshe /bmight find. bScared /bbof /bbseeing /bbpain/bb, /bbfear/bb, /bbor /bbresistance /bbin /bbtheir /bbeyes/b,

    bWhatever /bbihappens/i/b… iplease /ilet ithem /iibe /iisafe/i. Jean took a long, slow breath, silently praying.

    bLudwig /bnoticed her unease, but now wasn’t the time forfort–better to move forward, to find bout /bbwhat /bby /bahead.

    His expression remained unchanged as he stepped up to the door and ced his hand against it.

    He’d expected it to be locked. But with just a gentle push, the door began to shift open.

    A flicker of surprise passed through Ludwig’s eyes.

    He didn’t push it further. Instead, he turned to look at Jean.

    Jean met his gaze head–on and gave a firm nod. “Go ahead. Open it.”

    Only after getting her signal did Ludwig press his palm forward.

    The door opened with ease. A flood of bright light spilled into the basement.

    Jean squinted against the sudden re.

    And then, in the very next moment, the thick stench of blood hit her nose. Her head swam from the overwhelming metallic scent–and just as her vision adjusted, she saw a tall man turn around slowly, his expression unreadable, his smile hovering between mockery and menace.