302 Mask Off [Pt 2]

"W-what…?"

Belle's mask of bravado broke as Ralyks made his statement. Her eyes were wide open as she looked at the darkness before her.

"There's no need to hide it. I see through you, you know?"

More chuckles of amusement echoed from behind the mask as Ralyks drew closer to her by shifting his body forward.

Belle felt like she wanted to retreat, but there was nowhere to run to.

She could only watch him approach.

"S-so what if I am?" She found herself asking.

This would be the time where she was meant to deny what he was saying, but here she was digging a deeper hole for herself.

'I've never been this honest with anyone before.'

Belle didn't want to stop, but she also understood how dangerous her current disposition was—especially if she was found out.

'I can't let everything come crashing down! I can't be found out!' She panicked as she tried to look away from Ralyks.

"There's no need to worry."