The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 95: Ch : It’s because of Lack of Sleep - Part 1

Selene stepped out of the house, her breath visible in the crisp morning air.

She activated her Insight, letting the familiar energy flow through her.

Immediately, she felt the distinct presence of someone following her. The energy signature was warm and steady, a feeling she had grown to recognize all too well.

Ethan.

’So he did end up following after me. Tsk, I knew he did not trust me when I said that I will not head out.’

Her lips pressed into a thin line.

Of course, he wouldn’t trust her to stay put.

Part of her wanted to whirl around, confront him, and demand he go back home.

But logic held her back.

If she made a scene now, she’d only draw attention to herself—and possibly ruin her plan altogether.

’Fine, if he wants to play this game, let him.’

She quickened her pace, moving through the backyard and slipping into the garage.

Rows of vehicles sat neatly, but one, in particular, caught her eye—Ethan’s sleek black SUV.

A smirk tugged at her lips.

She reached for the keys hanging on the wall, tossing them in her hand.

If he wanted to follow her, she’d make him work for it.

She slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and pulled out of the garage with a smooth hum.

’If you are going to follow me, then I will take your car as advance payment. That way, you will think twice before coming after me next time.’

Selene was acting vengeful, but she could not control herself. It just...felt right in that moment.

Through her Insight, she felt Ethan’s presence react, the calm energy shifting into a sharper focus.

She half expected him to grab another car and chase after her, but to her surprise, he didn’t.

Instead, his energy moved steadily on foot, trailing behind her.

For a moment, her irritation wavered.

He wasn’t taking the easy route; he was actually running after her.

She tightened her grip on the wheel, pushing away the softening feeling in her chest.

Ethan might be decent, but that didn’t change the fact that he was treating her like a child who needed to be monitored.

The drive to the C-ranked gate was short.

As she approached, Selene spotted a small group of hunters gathered outside, discussing strategy.

Their gear was worn but well-maintained, and their expressions showed both caution and excitement.

Selene parked the SUV and approached them, keeping her expression open and friendly.

"Hey, Are you heading into the gate? I’m a support-type. Mind if I tag along?"

She called out.

The party turned to her, their leader—a stocky man with a buzz cut—stepping forward. His eyes raked over her, suspicion clear in his posture.

"We’re good. Don’t need support."

Another member, a woman with short red hair, whispered something to him, but he shook his head.

They moved toward the gate without another word, the blue shimmer swallowing them as they entered.

Selene’s shoulders tensed.

She hadn’t expected a warm welcome, but the outright rejection still stung. She bit the inside of her cheek and forced herself to remain calm.

If they didn’t want her, then fine. She’d wait for the next group.

Her Insight flared, and she knew Ethan was getting closer.

His presence felt like a persistent itch under her skin. She didn’t have to turn around to know he was approaching.

"Needlessly stubborn. You know this isn’t a good habit."

He muttered as he stepped into view, his expression a mix of exhaustion and resignation.

Selene shot him a saccharine smile.

"Maybe. But it doesn’t really matter, does it? You’ll help me out anyway."

Ethan’s jaw tightened.

She could see the wariness in his eyes, the way he was struggling to find the right words.

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then he let out a long sigh.

"I don’t know why I thought you’d listen. I should’ve known you’d end up here."

His voice was softer, not as sharp as before.

A small victory buzzed through her veins. He had played right into her hands, and they both knew it. She wanted to gloat, but something about the defeated look on his face made the words stick in her throat.

"Ethan, I’m not trying to make you worry. But there are some things that I need to do regardless of how dangerous they are."

She said, her voice losing its edge.

He studied her, the weight of his gaze almost tangible.

"I get that. But you don’t have to do it alone." fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

Selene’s smirk faded. She knew his words held truth, but the stubborn part of her couldn’t let go.

"So help me out. If you don’t want me to do this alone, then help me out."

Selene’s eyes looked at Ethan earnestly and the male sighed.

"Of course I will help you out. Was that ever a question? Just don’t take off on your own again."

Ethan sounded extremely worried and judgemental at the same time. She could feel his accusation at Selene’s decision and rash thinking.

It made Selene look away without speaking anything.

The truth was, she didn’t know how to stop. The need to validate herself was a constant hum, drowning out reason and safety.

Ethan took a step closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

"Let’s go. Didn’t you want to clear this dungeon."

Her fingers curled into fists. She wanted to argue, to tell him that she could handle it on her own.

But her exhaustion betrayed her.

The lack of sleep, the nightmares, the gnawing insecurity—they all weighed down on her, leaving her vulnerable.

Finally, she nodded.

"Okay. But if you try to hold me back, I’m going in alone."

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

"As if I would/."

The tension between them eased, the unspoken understanding settling into place. They turned to face the gate, the blue light casting their shadows long across the ground.

Selene took a deep breath, steadying herself.

This wasn’t the plan she had started with, but maybe—just maybe—it was the right one.

And as she stepped forward, with Ethan at her side, the fear that had been curling in her chest loosened, just a little.