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."
