The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 144: Ch : I’m over it - Part 1

As the group walked away from the crowd, the tension in the air lingered like a suffocating fog.

No one spoke at first, each of them deep in their own thoughts. The weight of the misunderstanding, the accusations, and the hostility from the other adventurers clung to Selene like a second skin.

Then—

"Selene. Are we really leaving like this? It feels wrong to head back like this. It’s almost as if we got defeated. It’s such a bitter feeling. Makes me feel bad as well."

Orion’s voice broke the silence. He sounded frustrated and for good reasons. Running away had never been something he had done.

At least, not like this.

She glanced at him, her expression unreadable.

"They’ve got the wrong idea about you. Shouldn’t we clear things up? I mean, Madam Verta basically painted you as a monster. And now, people are going to believe it."

Orion continued, frowning.

Selene exhaled slowly, but her eyes didn’t hold any surprise. If anything, they looked resigned.

"It’s fine."

She said.

Orion’s brows furrowed.

"But—"

"Really. Let them think what they want."

Selene cut him off, a small, bitter smile playing on her lips.

Orion didn’t look convinced.

"But why?"

"Because fear keeps people away. And that means fewer problems for me."

Selene’s voice was calm, almost distant.

Orion opened his mouth to argue, but Zara spoke first.

"That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard."

Her voice was sharp as she crossed her arms, giving Selene a hard stare.

Selene blinked.

"Excuse me?"

Zara stepped closer, her fiery eyes locking onto Selene’s.

"Don’t be an idiot. It’s not fine. It’s not okay. And you’re not over it."

Zara snapped.

Selene’s lips parted slightly, but Zara didn’t give her a chance to deny it.

"You can act like it doesn’t bother you all you want, but I can see right through you, Selene. Just... don’t bottle it up. If you feel something, just say it."

Zara’s voice softened, just a little.

Selene let out a small laugh, shaking her head.

"You’re reading too much into this."

Zara rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, sure."

But Selene didn’t say anything more.

And that, more than anything, told them she was lying.

Ethan hadn’t said a word since they left.

But his anger was palpable.

Selene could feel it in the way his steps were sharper than usual. The way his hands curled into tight fists, as if he was barely keeping himself from breaking something—or someone.

Finally, he spoke, voice low and dangerous.

"I’m going back."

Selene raised an eyebrow.

"Back where?"

"To those idiots who dared to open their mouths. I’ll make them regret it."

Ethan growled.

Selene sighed, rubbing her temple.

"Ethan—"

"No, I’m serious. They think they can just say whatever they want about you? Spread lies and throw stones like cowards? I’ll clear out this mess, personally."

His golden eyes were burning, his rage barely contained.

Selene turned to face him fully.

"There’s no need."

She said firmly.

Ethan scoffed.

"Like hell there isn’t."

"Ethan. I mean it. I’m over it."

Her voice was soft, but unwavering.

Ethan’s jaw clenched. He did not believe her. Not for a second.

But after a long pause, he exhaled sharply and looked away.

"Fine."

He muttered.

Selene smiled slightly.

"Thank you."

Ethan didn’t respond. Somehow, it felt like he would turn around to head back any second.

’I will need to keep an eye on Ethan. I feel like he’ll do something stupid if I don’t.’

______

When they finally reached their base, Orion immediately moved ahead, his eyes glowing faintly as he checked the protective barriers he had placed before they left. After a moment, he turned back to the others and gave a nod.

"We’re clear. And we’re back home! It feels so good to be back."

Orion announced.

Selene let out a relieved sigh.

"Good."

Ethan, arms still crossed, turned to her.

"So? What now?"

"I’ll take the loot to storage. You guys handle dinner."

Selene said, already moving toward the basement entrance.

Ethan frowned.

"I’ll go with—"

"No, you won’t."

Ethan barely had time to blink before Zara grabbed his shoulder, stopping him mid-step.

"Give her space."

Zara said bluntly.

Ethan scowled.

"I don’t—"

"She’s dealing with a lot. Let her breathe."

Zara cut him off, unmoved by his glare.

Ethan clenched his fists, reluctant. But after a long moment, he let out a sharp breath and backed off.

Zara watched him for a moment before nodding, letting go.

Selene, meanwhile, had already disappeared down the stairs.

______

The moment Selene shut the storage door behind her, her body gave out.

She barely caught herself against the wood, her legs shaking as a wave of exhaustion crashed over her.

Her fingers curled against the doorframe, her chest rising and falling as she tried to steady her breath.

It’s fine.

She repeated it like a mantra.

It’s better this time.

I have friends. I have people who are on my side.

And yet—

A hollow feeling remained.

A part of her still felt like that isolated child, standing alone in a world that refused to understand her.

She let out a shuddering breath and closed her eyes.

Maybe just a few minutes of rest.

Just a few.

Selene never woke up.

At least, not on her own.

When she next stirred, she felt warm—which was strange because the storage room was always cold.

Then, she felt something firm beneath her back.

A person.

Her eyes fluttered open just slightly.

Through the hazy blur of exhaustion, she recognized Ethan’s sharp features, his jaw clenched as he carried her through the base.

"Ethan?"

She mumbled.

He didn’t stop walking. Didn’t look at her.

But his grip on her tightened slightly, as if reassuring himself she was really there.

Selene was too tired to argue.

She let herself drift back into sleep.

______

Ethan carefully placed Selene onto her bed, making sure not to wake her.

Then, standing over her sleeping form, his fists curled.

His teeth ground together as he silently fumed.

They had done this to her.

Those idiots. Those cowards.

They had worn her down, pushed her to this point. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

He wanted—needed—to do something.

To fix it.

To make them pay.

His hands twitched.

But then he remembered—

"I’m over it."

Selene’s words echoed in his mind.

Ethan exhaled slowly, forcing himself to let go of the rage biting at his insides.

He sat down at the edge of her bed, rubbing his forehead.

"Stubborn idiot."

He muttered under his breath.

But despite everything—

He let her have this moment of peace.