Chapter 88

Maxi was stunned. The string was a piece of a tassel she had given him almost four years ago. It had been an adornment for his sword belt, an impulsive purchase while wandering the market.

Feeling her throat close up, she mumbled in a quivering voice, "I didn't think… you would still have it."

Riftan clutched the pouch and kept his gaze on the ground. "I only carried it with me out of habit," he said defensively.

The excuse must have sounded unconvincing even to his ears, as his cheeks burned a deeper shade of red. He swore under his breath and quickened his steps.

Maxi instinctively latched onto his cloak. "B-But… you came looking for it as soon as you found it missing."