Clara's POV
I kept my eyes closed as they spoke in hushed tones about what had happened in the cave. I didn't want to hear it—I didn't want to relive it. I was just grateful that I had escaped that hellhole. Finally, I was going back to the castle, back to safety. Relief washed over me, soft and heavy, like a blanket.
Ciel's arms held me tightly as we soared through the air, the cool night breeze brushing against my skin. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt… safe. Safe enough that the weight on my eyelids grew unbearable, and slowly, I surrendered to the arms of slumber.
"Let me go, Ciel!" I screamed. My voice echoed through endless castle walls, bouncing back at me, hollow and desperate. His arms were iron around me, trapping me, suffocating me. I thrashed against his hold, but it was useless.
"Then why?" His voice cracked.
