Chapter 2019

The harrowing night had finally passed.

Exhausted, Estelle slumped into the remnants of an old couch. Sniper told her to take a breather, while Wolf, stripping off his own jacket, draped it over her and gently patted her head. Despite the crimson stains on his face, his grin was bright against the dim light.

"Get some shut-eye. We'll wake you when dawn breaks."

Estelle drifted into sleep swiftly, not sure for how long, until voices began to pull her from her slumber. "Stella!"

"Time to wake up!"

"We gotta move out!"

In the haze of her dreams, Estelle protested. "Don't leave!"

Her eyes flickered open to blurs of Wolf, Shadow, their silhouettes huddled around her, coaxing her awake. "Snap out of it, we've got a new gig!"

"We need to hustle over there!"

"Stella, can you hack it?"

Estelle fought to clear the fog in her mind, but the world remained a blur. She could hear Wolf and the others calling out, their voices urging her on. With a forceful attempt, she finally broke through the haze, eyes wide open.

"Estelle!"

Lambert stared at her in shock.

Estelle's gaze shot up to the ceiling, whispering faintly, "Wolf."

"What?" Lambert leaned in closer. "What are you muttering about? Who shouldn't leave? Who's Wolf?" She turned to face Lambert, urgency in her voice. "They're not dead. They're waiting for me!"

Lambert's concern deepened. He reached out to touch her face, but Estelle's hand shot up, grabbing his wrist and with a swift motion, flinging him onto the bed.

"Ouch!" Lambert winced, his back throbbing. "Sweetheart, that was rough!" Somewhat more awake by tossing Lambert aside, Estelle sat up, staring blankly at him.

Lambert didn't rise; he just lay on her bed, a melancholic expression on his face. "My back hurts, my waist too. Did you mistake me for the enemy?"

Estelle's head ached. Glancing outside, she saw daylight had broken. She felt as weary as if she had been through a nightlong battle. "I'm sorry, | was out of it.”

Lambert sat up, feigning ease with a laugh. "No worries. How could | be mad at you?"

"What time is it?" Estelle asked.

“Almost seven." Estelle nodded. "| need a shower and a change of clothes. You get ready too. We're leaving Zion before noon." Lambert's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why must | leave Zion?"

Estelle paused, then spoke firmly. " can't have ye seas in Mom pa B sidep don'ty @ have a i for? Get on that. |'ll come see you tonight." Please read the original content at .

"Alright then!" Lambert stretched his legs and got up, the pee om accentuating his hans Lhe See tingecAWi hasmile and affection. "I'll wait for you. Don't stand me up." Please read the original content at .

"Mhm!" Estelle nodded.

"Go shower. I'll wait for you

downstairs, and we can grab com

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Estelle chuckled. "I'll be down soon." "See? You should smile more often; it suits you."

Lambert joked and waved goodbye, then turned and left the room.