Brandon arrived outside the Sanctum of Trials.
The moment he neared the entrance, a familiar figure approached him.
"Brandon."
It was Vanessa Grace.
Evelyn's best–friend.
Brandon paused, and so did the two guards behind him.
He turned around, meeting Vanessa's gaze. Just like him, she too looked exhausted. Her eyes were puffy, and her entire appearance seemed bloated.
Vanessa's voice trembled, but her eyes softened as she spoke.
"I believe you. You're the last person in the world who would kill Evelyn."
"...."
"I know how much she meant to you,"
Vanessa continued, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Whatever happened…. it wasn't your fault. I refuse to believe it."
Brandon stared at her blankly before he turned around, the weight of her words hanging in the air. He didn't want her to see the brief flicker of emotion in his eyes.
"You don't know everything, Vanessa."
"Then tell me."
