The Heart System Chapter 538

Jasmine and Tessa scooted nearer to Eleanor on the sofa. Kim and Minne stood behind the group, bending forward. Jasmine extended her phone, displaying an item on the screen.

I slipped behind them and peered downward. A compact pepper spray appeared, designed like a keychain.

"I recommend this one," Jasmine declared. "It's discounted as well."

Eleanor flicked through the reviews, her eyebrows furrowed lightly. "I've never used one before. Does it really work?"

"Oh, it works," Tessa jumped in, reclining slightly. "Spray that stuff and they're finished. Or just boot them in the nuts. Way more effective."

Kim shook her head gently. "This option's safer. We should grab one ourselves maybe."

"Yeah," I chimed in. "Smart idea. Reviews solid?"

"Four point seven stars," Jasmine answered, eyes fixed on the screen. "More than five hundred reviews."

"Then get it," I instructed, fishing out my card and passing it over. "Use mine."

She accepted it and tossed the item into the cart as I headed to the vacant armchair and sank into it. I rubbed my face once more, letting out a slow breath.

Brok. Jack Kuinn. Both lurking like ticking bombs ready to blow. At least a meeting with Kuinn loomed tomorrow. Brok presented a whole other headache.

Jasmine completed the order details, then tossed the card back my way. I snatched it from the air and tucked it away in my pocket.

"All done?" I inquired.

"Yep," she confirmed. "Ordered five. Free shipping that way."

"I despise shipping charges," Tessa grumbled. "Whoever invented that needs a talking-to."

"Welcome to capitalism," Kim remarked with a light chuckle, strolling over to join Minne on the seat.

"Yeah, yeah. Total crap."

Eleanor released a soft laugh, her shoulders relaxing a touch. "You all are... entertaining."

"When we're not devouring people and praising Satan, sure, we're a blast," Tessa retorted. "You ought to drop by sometime."

Eleanor offered a slight shrug. "I figured you wouldn't warm to me. You know, the 'entertainment girl' label and all."

"Screw that," Tessa stated bluntly. "And seriously, who names their kid Guy?"

I arched a brow. "My math teacher went by Guy."

"Poor guy," she fired back immediately. "Next up, Dude? Broski?"

That drew a faint smile from Eleanor. She looked toward Minne. "Honestly, no clue how you put up with him."

Minne toyed with her shirt's edge. "I... had no choice. For my mom."

"Oh crap." Tessa bolted upright suddenly. "Forgot to feed Mik."

"She's fine," Kim assured. "Chill out."

"No, she sticks to a strict regimen," Tessa countered, already rising. "I'm handling it."

"We should bounce too," I announced, heaving myself from the chair. "No need to linger."

"Or to stop me from doing something dumb?" Eleanor quipped with a light scoff.

"You said it, not me," I responded with a subtle grin. "But for real, if trouble hits, ring me. Any time."

"Or me," Jasmine pitched in. "You have my digits."

Eleanor rose alongside us, her face gentler now. "Thanks. To every one of you. Truly."

"Just solid neighbors," Tessa declared, making for the exit. "Let's go—I gotta feed that dummy before she flips out."

We filed out, the atmosphere brighter than on arrival, though the lurking issues beyond remained unchanged.

⟁ ⟁ ⟁

Where had I ended up?

A fierce warmth pressed into my back, firm and fierce, as if I lingered too near a blazing fire. It didn't scorch, yet the heat seeped through my attire, enveloping me inescapably. Surroundings stayed utter black. No boundaries, no ground, no roof. Only void and my breathing echoing too harshly, too raggedly.

Movement felt off when I attempted it, like my form wasn't quite under my control. Dreaming? Nope. Dreams blurred and fragmented, evading grasp on focus. This felt solid. Weighty. Authentic.

Gradually, I pried my eyes open.

Returned there.

The familiar spot from before. A grand residence, perhaps a villa. It carried that lavish, hushed vibe. Where furnishings seemed impeccably placed, as if hours poured into their arrangement.

Outside, the tempest howled. Rain battered the lofty panes, thunder grumbled afar, deep and relentless. Lightning bursts illuminated the space intermittently, etching stark shadows on the walls.

Around a low table, couches were arranged neatly in front of me. The fireplace behind me crackled gently, its dancing flames casting my shadow long and twisted across the walls.

"What?" I whispered to myself, struggling to comprehend it all.

"Hello, Henrik."

From my right, the voice emerged.

I spun around and spotted her.

Mana.

She lingered by a window, casually leaning on the frame with arms folded. The short dress she wore clung tightly to her curves, scarcely fulfilling its purpose. Her face held a serene, almost indifferent look, as if this scene was utterly normal.

With a push from the window, she glided to a cabinet stocked with bottles. Firelight flickered in the glass as she swung it open, selected a wine bottle, poured a glass, shut it, and settled into an armchair.

Smooth and deliberate, her motions flowed. She crossed her legs upon sitting, then met my gaze fully, lifting the glass to her mouth.

"I’m sure you have questions," she remarked after a tiny sip. "You can ask."

My throat felt parched as I swallowed. "Delilah, Minne, Kim... they’re not pregnant anymore."

"I already explained that," she shot back instantly.

"Other gods," I pressed on, advancing a step. "Do they do that too?"

Another voice interrupted before Mana could respond.

"No."

Toward the doorway, I whirled.