However, after walking for a while, Hadley felt completely disoriented. The area was maze-like, filled with almost identical alleys.

Which one was the route she had taken?

Meanwhile, Eric returned to the shop with medicine and water, only to discover Hadley had disappeared. His heart hammered against his ribs.

“Where’s my friend?” he asked the shopkeeper urgently.

“I don’t know.” The shopkeeper shook his head.

“Too many people here. I didn’t notice.”

Eric burst outside, racing through the streets while shouting, “Hadley! Hadley!” But there was no trace of her anywhere.

People around him began staring at him curiously.

Eric approached someone nearby and asked desperately, “Excuse me, have you seen a girl? Long hair, tall, about five foot seven, very beautiful!”

With her striking appearance, she would command attention not just in this small town, but anywhere.

“A man responded, “Yes! Does she look like a celebrity?” He gestured in that direction.

“I saw her going that way!” That had to be her!

“Thank you!” Eric expressed his gratitude and immediately rushed in that direction.

“Hadley! Hadley!”

In the alley, Hadley, who was feeling utterly lost, thought she heard Eric’s voice. Filled with relief, she called out loudly, “I’m here!”

She whirled around frantically, calling his name.

“Eric! Eric!”

“Hadley!”

“Eric!”

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“I can hear you!” Eric’s voice strained as he commanded, “Stay exactly where you are! Don’t move! I’ll come find you!”

“Alright.” Hadley nodded and followed his instructions.

“Keep calling my name!”

“Eric!”

“I’m coming!”

The sound of urgent footsteps reverberated across the ancient cobblestones.

Finally, Eric’s tall silhouette materialized at the alley’s entrance.

“Eric!” Hadley lifted her arm and waved enthusiastically at him, then jogged forward.

“Hadley!” With his long stride, Eric closed the distance between them in mere steps.

Knowing she was at fault, Hadley offered a sheepish smile.

“I just…”

Before she could finish, Eric spread his arms wide, leaned down, and enveloped her in a fierce embrace.

Hadley went rigid, her lips parting slightly, but no words emerged.

“Why did you run off?” Eric’s face had drained of color, his breathing coming in short bursts.

“Just now…” Hadley rushed to explain.

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