A week had passed since Ariana left Zeroun's residence. But if Gerald noticed, the atmosphere at his home seemed normal. Even Axel, who used to sulk when going to school, now appeared just like before. It was as if things had returned to the way they were before Ariana entered their lives. The only one who felt Ariana's absence was Gerald.

Yes. Every night, without realizing it, Gerald would wake up with his hand reaching out to Ariana's empty side of the bed. Then he would stay awake until the ...