Apocalyse: Marked by Chaos
Chapter 73 - 72 Breakdown and Bond

Chapter 73: Chapter 72 Breakdown and Bond

Olivia froze, as different emotions swirled in her eyes. ’What is this feeling? I feel like I’m not alone for the first time in my life, the feeling of being seen and cared for... It feels so warm... so good.’ Olivia’s thoughts came in waves.

Her cheeks became wet. She didn’t know why, but she just wanted to cry, to pour all her distress, her pain, her frustration, and anger out.

Her shoulders trembled. Her lips quivered. She couldn’t hold herself together anymore. Her legs threatened to give her away. She had never felt this insulted in her entire life—the feeling of being helpless, like a crying wolf. Her body shuddered at the thought of what almost happened.

Her breath came out in gasps, her heart contracting from pain and panic, her eyes shut closed, as her whole body seemed to remember the trauma it went through.

Her lips hurt from any slight movement—an evidence of her being one step away from assault.

"It’s okay, let it all out. I’m here for you," Lucian’s warm breath brushed against her ears. And as if the last string she was holding on to was broken, she began to wail.

Her hand shakily tugged at Lucian’s clothes. She buried her head in his chest, staining his clothes with tears and snot.

Lucian didn’t say any more words, his hand gently patted her back. His eyes burned, reflecting her pain.

He slowly lifted his hand, forming a protective barrier around them. A flaming beam cracked loose from the ceiling, but Lucian’s barrier deflected it. The fire roared, spreading out from the room to other rooms, and along the corridors.

The distressed screams and shouts of people were loud, but it was nothing but muffled noises to them.

She wanted to scream her thoughts, but only broken sobs escaped her lips. She felt her heart shattering in her chest, but the warmth she was getting made her snuggle more into his chest.

After a couple of minutes, Olivia snuffled, her face red and slightly scrunched up. She slowly pulled away from his chest.

Her eyes hurt from her breakdown. "Tha... Thank you," her rasped voice whispered. Her eyes darted about, avoiding his gaze.

She never thought she would find herself bawling her eyes out in his arms one day. But she had never been more grateful than now—he saved her, he fought for her. He was the first person to ever stand by her side.

Lucian only smiled at her. "No need to thank me. You fought for yourself... I can see you took control of your powers now," his voice cracked, weaker than he intended, it was barely a whisper beneath the roaring fire.

Olivia slowly retracted her hand to her side. He was right. She was in control today. She didn’t lose consciousness. She did it.

A look of happiness flickered through her eyes, but disappeared as quickly as it came.

"We should get going now," his voice was urgent, his eyes serious and cold.

When Olivia’s gaze locked with his, she felt relieved and safe. No matter how much she searched for a hint of pity in his eyes, she found none.

Her eyes darted behind him, but the figure she wanted to take her revenge on was nowhere to be found.

"He’s gone," she said, her voice cold, her eyes blazed, her fingers digging into her palms.

"We will find him. But let’s go, now." Without wasting more time, Lucian swiftly covered her body with his cloak. Before his hand linked with hers, his fingers tingled from the contact with her.

They made their way out of the fire, their steps hastened along the corridor. Lucian’s eyes darted about to see if they were being followed.

If the people stalking them found out about this, it would lead to quicker action by them.

They only passed by a few people in their path. Some were caught ablaze, running around to put it out. Lucian’s eyes locked on the exit path in front of him.

After they made their way out of the underground world, Lucian and Olivia quickly disappeared into the cover of the night.

The cool wind ruffled their hair, twigs snapping beneath their feet.

Olivia pulled her hand away from his. This made Lucian stop and turn toward her.

"Abigail. She must be waiting for me. I have to go back," her cracked voice echoed in the vast land.

Lucian’s eyes flickered with concern. "You might get caught. And besides, she might have already left. Let’s get to safety first."

"No, I have to make sure she’s okay. She came here because of me," she reasoned.

A tinge of pain flickered through Lucian’s eyes, but he weakly smiled. His skin looked paler than normal. "Okay," he muttered underneath his breath.

"Take care. I’ll meet you at school," she whispered, although deep down, she didn’t want to go away from his side. She didn’t know why, but she had to make sure Abigail was okay. Without a second thought, she hesitatingly turned back, her legs retracing their steps back to the underground world.

Lucian’s eyes lingered on her retreating frame. A sad smile curved on his lips. A guttural groan escaped him as searing pain ripped through his spine, like fire crawling beneath his skin.

He had hidden his injuries from her. He didn’t want her to feel indebted to him.

His skin became pale, his lips charred. He had thought it was an ordinary blade, but he was wrong. The blade was poisoned. And the poison was a deadly one.

Lucian fell to his knees, the world tilting sideways. His vision blurred, his breath hitched. But still, he said nothing.

Meanwhile, as Olivia headed toward the gate, she suddenly came to a halt. Her instincts were telling her to turn back. But she pushed the feeling down.

As she was about to take another step, she saw the blood stained on her palm. Her brows furrowed. This wasn’t her blood.

Her heart skittered in her chest as she realized Lucian was injured. But as she tried to run toward him, she stopped again. Her heart screamed for Lucian, but her conscience whispered one name.... Abigail.