Hert's gaze was vacant; he couldn't refuse the woman, just as he couldn't stop the memories returning like a tide.
"They all died, under my own eyes, mummified by the blazing sun."
On the horizon, Nolen's rescue came late, and by the time he saved Hert, Hert had already fallen into complete madness under the influence of overwhelming grief and Illusion Syndrome.
"Lula healed me; she crafted a false illusion for me..."
Hert spoke emotionlessly, "She cruelly left me with a goal that could never be achieved, just to give me motivation to keep living."
The woman lifted Hert's chin, making him tilt upwards to look at her. Her captivating beauty filled Hert's eyes, yet this time he felt no desire, only a near-numb sorrow.
Nolen had always stopped Lula, as his brother, Nolen didn't want him to face this terrible nightmare again.
A cruel tenderness.
"I can fulfill your wish, Hert."
