At that moment, when those azure eyes looked at Rod, he let out a long sigh.
At last, they were safe.
"Dean..."
Rod was about to speak when a surge of overwhelming sadness suddenly welled up, choking him, rendering him speechless.
Theodore seemed to sense something and asked quietly, "Has Lier and the others sacrificed themselves?"
Rod nodded faintly.
Sadness flickered through Theodore's eyes, but it was quickly concealed behind his rectangular glasses. He spoke softly, "Little Rod, do not be sad. Returning is our destiny. Without their sacrifice, there would be no smiles in the Royal City. Gifts come at a cost. You too have been happy like this before, and you can bring such happiness to those who have smiled for you."
In an instant, many faces flashed through Rod's mind: Guardian Qingyu, Auntie Youse, Sister Nun, Kashan, the Reslin brothers, Ado, Teresa... and many others, some known and some nameless.
