The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 133: Ch : An Abomination- Part 2

"You... You’re an abomination. How did something like you-"

Selene’s expression darkened instantly. She did not like to be talked about in such a context.

Generally, she would have pretended not to care and laughed this off. But she felt like Madam Verta was talking about more than her birth and her identity. It was as if the older female was looking at Selene’s essence and speaking.

’Is it because of the Cores I digested? Is it having an effect on my body? I want to ask this question, but I have a feeling that mentioning that won’t be useful right now.’

Madam Verta took another shaky step back, genuine panic flickering across her face.

"You... You shouldn’t exist. You’re not supposed to be here."

Ethan felt the tension in the air shift dangerously.

Selene tilted her head slightly, her voice eerily calm.

"Oh?"

Somehow, Selene’s voice came out to be even more scary than before.

Madam Verta clenched her fists, trying to compose herself, but her reaction had already given away too much.

However, while Selene and Madam Verta were having this staring contest, Ethan’s mind was in another place.

Ethan’s gaze flicked between the two women, a sense of unease settling in his chest. He had no idea what the hell was going on, but one thing was clear—

Whatever Madam Verta knew about Selene...

Ethan’s entire body tensed, his expression darkening the second Madam Verta uttered the word abomination.

Without thinking, he reached forward, his hand moving straight for her throat.

’I need to silence this woman before she causes Selene any harm. I need to protect-’

But before he could make contact, a firm grip wrapped around his wrist, halting his movement entirely.

Selene.

She held him back effortlessly, her fingers cool against his skin as she prevented him from acting on impulse.

Ethan turned to her, a mix of confusion and irritation flashing in his eyes.

"Why are you stopping me?"

Both parts of Ethan wanted him to act and make sure Selene was alright. But the one who was becoming his shackles was the person he wanted to protect.

Selene didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she shifted her attention back to Madam Verta, her lips curling into a polite—but entirely unreadable—smile.

"I’d like to know why you called me an abomination. Shall we have a talk about it?"

Madam Verta stiffened.

Her eyes darted away from Selene’s, as if looking at her directly was too much.

But that wasn’t enough to save her. Selene took a deliberate step forward, her presence overwhelming despite her calm demeanor.

Madam Verta swallowed, her unease growing.

"I—I made a mistake. Those words were spoken without thought. Please... forgive me."

She took a deep breath, clearly trying to steady herself.

The sudden tension in the air warned Madam Verta that her end might be near if she spoke wrongly now. So she needed to concentrate.

Her voice was smooth and practiced, but Ethan, Selene, and even Madam Verta herself knew exactly what this was—an attempt to slip away from the situation without explaining anything.

Selene wasn’t about to let that happen.

She stepped in front of Madam Verta’s path, blocking her escape entirely.

"Forgive you? For something you clearly meant?"

Selene tilted her head slightly, her voice still carrying that same unsettling patience.

Madam Verta froze, caught in a trap of her own making.

Selene’s gaze bore into her, waiting—demanding—an explanation.

Seeing no other way out, Madam Verta exhaled deeply and straightened her posture.

"If you insist, then let us speak in private."

She said, her voice regaining its composure.

Selene considered this for a moment before nodding.

"Alright."

She turned, ready to follow Madam Verta to a more secluded place.

But Ethan took a step forward.

"Like hell you’re going alone."

His voice was firm, unwavering.

Madam Verta paused, then turned her gaze to Ethan, her expression unreadable.

"You may not come with us."

Ethan narrowed his eyes.

"And why the hell not?"

Madam Verta remained calm.

"Because this matter concerns Selene alone. It has nothing to do with you."

Ethan let out a short, humorless laugh.

"Yeah, not happening. I don’t trust you."

Madam Verta’s brows furrowed slightly, a hint of frustration appearing in her otherwise controlled expression.

"Ethan, as my Chosen One, you must learn to have faith in me. If you do not trust me, how can I properly guide you?"

Ethan folded his arms, unimpressed.

"I never asked for your guidance."

Madam Verta stared at him for a long moment before realizing that there was no changing his mind.

"...Fine. Then I will allow one other person to accompany us. But it cannot be you."

She let out a controlled breath.

Ethan’s jaw tightened.

"Then I’ll call Zara."

He reached for his communicator, ready to send a message—

But before he could, a new voice cut through the conversation.

"No need for that."

A smooth, confident voice said.

The three of them turned, and there, standing just a few steps away, was Nora Vale.

She looked completely at ease, her sharp eyes flicking between them before settling on Selene with a knowing smile.

"I’ll be the one to accompany you."

She said simply.

Ethan frowned.

"And who invited you into this conversation?"

Nora ignored him entirely, still looking at Selene as she took a casual step forward.

"Well? What do you think, Selene?"

Selene studied Nora for a long moment.

Out of all people, she hadn’t expected her to show up at this exact moment.

And yet... she didn’t refuse.

"...Alright, you can come"

Selene said finally.

Ethan looked even more irritated now.

"Are you serious?"

Selene turned to him and gave him a small smile.

"I’ll be fine."

Ethan clenched his jaw, clearly unhappy about this. But in the end, he didn’t argue. He shot one last glare at Madam Verta before stepping back.

Madam Verta, now looking slightly more composed, nodded.

"Then let us go."

With that, the three of them walked away, leaving Ethan behind with a sinking feeling in his chest.

And he hated that feeling.