"Yes."
"You're coming with me on this journey," Ethan said.
Hearing that made Risa freeze in shock. All her life, she had never once left the village—let alone traveled through floors.
It was dangerous and risky. She wasn't sure if her people would agree with Ethan's idea, but knowing how much they cared for her, Risa believed they'd have a hard time accepting it.
"Why?" Risa asked.
"I just want to make sure you're safe. If you're near me, I can protect you," Ethan said.
"If you stay here, I won't be able to keep you safe."
"What if the village is attacked, and you die while I'm on Floor 50?"
Risa listened. She understood that Ethan's proposal was the most realistic response to Lord Gor's message.
Still, she was bound by her people's approval—and the village elders would surely reject Ethan's idea.
"I need to discuss this with the villagers and the elders," Risa said.
