Chapter 208
Chapter 208:
The woman looked painfully slight, folded in on herself with her face buried against her knees, as if a single sharp breeze could scatter her into the night.
A quiet swell of sympathy rose in Kailey’s chest. Without speaking, she lowered herself onto the ground beside her.
Several long seconds passed before Dagmar finally realized someone had settled next to her. “What are you doing here p>
“And why are you here?” Kailey retorted.
With an impatient sweep, Dagmar tucked loose strands behind her ear and turned her gaze back to the water, shutting Kailey out.
Rather than bristling, Kailey followed her line of sight, watching the ripples spread across the surface. After a drawn-out silence, she murmured gently, “Your parents were truly worried about you. Wanting a little quiet was fine, but there was no need to make them so anxious p>
The remark nearly drew a laugh from Dagmar.
“Kailey, who do you think you are? Do you really think you can lecture me p>
Without looking at Dagmar, Kailey said calmly, “This isn’t about lecturing you. Your parents brought you into this world, and you need to take their feelings into account p>
𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖼𝗵a𝗽tе𝘳𝘀 e𝘃𝗲𝗋𝘆 𝘄ееk o𝗇.со𝗺
Dagmar’s face was warm with drink, her breaths uneven and rough. Her jaw locked tight, eyes rimmed crimson, as though she were forcing something painful back inside.
A sudden breeze swept through, scattering her hair and pressing loose strands against her cheeks.
“You know nothing,” she snapped hoarsely. “People like you spend all day smiling and acting stupid. What could you possibly know? Kailey, just disappear. Leave me alone.” She scrubbed at her face in annoyance, trying to clear her vision, but the wind only tangled her hair further, almost mocking her effort.
Giving up, she turned to face the lake and yelled into the darkness.
Kailey studied her side profile for a moment, then let out a soft laugh.
Dagmar spun around, brows drawn together. “What’s so funny p>
“Nothing. I just realized you’re kind of cute.” Kailey shook her head lightly.
Dagmar might have looked fierce and overbearing, but she never truly hurt anyone. She poured her frustration into the water instead — loud, but harmless.
“Cute?” Dagmar scoffed. “Aren’t you worried I’ll shove you into the lake p>
“You won’t p>
The answer caught Dagmar off guard, leaving her silent for a beat.
“You don’t need to put on this act,” Kailey said sincerely, meeting her gaze. “You don’t have to scare people away. Why not just show who you really are p>
Dagmar stiffened, then looked away. “Ridiculous,” she muttered through clenched teeth, saying nothing more.
The shore settled into stillness, the distant noise from the bar district sounding far removed, as if the rest of the city no longer existed. Aslesall never truly slept — its streets stayed bright and restless no matter the hour — yet out here, the late night had grown calmer and colder, the chill creeping in as the wind slowly drained the warmth from their skin.
Kailey rubbed her arms. “How much longer are you planning to stay out here p>
Dagmar glanced over without replying.