Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 477

As Clara got closer, she didn't hesitate-she slapped him hard across the face.

Ryan's clothes were still drying nearby, and his body was covered in bruises and welts from the car accident. Thankfully, it wasn't life-threatening. His face had been fine until now, but Clara's slap left it instantly swollen, showing she hadn't held back.

Fuming, Clara grabbed the front of his shirt, pulling him closer. "I came all the way here to find you, and you're giving me attitude? What's going on?"

Ryan turned his head away, staring at the cave wall. Tears streamed down his face, silent but telling.

Clara knew her brother well. Ryan was never quiet when he felt wronged-he'd usually shout about it, demanding her attention. If things went badly with Z, he'd insist she break up with him. Whenever he studied hard, he'd call just to hear her praise. He might be a bit foolish, but he was genuine, which is why Clara often let him be.

She took a deep breath, thinking about how he had come here to get herbs for her, leaving in the middle of the night and spending it alone in a cave. He must've been terrified. She regretted hitting him.

"Okay, Ryan, I shouldn't have slapped you. What's bothering you? Didn't get the herbs? I ran into an old herbalist on my way here. He gave me a jar of herbs and seemed nice enough not to cause you trouble. Plus, you're heading the wrong way. If you got the herbs, shouldn't you be on your way back?"

Why was he here, alone?

Ryan hugged his arms, burying his face, still sobbing without saying a word.

Clara couldn't stand seeing him like this; she thought he had grown up. How could he still be so helpless?

Z was better-at least he was straightforward.

She was about to nudge Ryan's shoulder when he suddenly stood up and ran out of the cave, like he couldn't stand to be near her.

Clara was shocked, even wondering if something supernatural was going on.

after him. "You're barely dressed; do you want to freeze to death?

he was too quick, disappearing into

wishing she could just grab him and shake some sense into him.

quickly followed, tracing his footprints in the

Though his injuries weren't severe, each movement made him wince in pain. He sobbed as he limped along,

almost out of energy. He was running on pure

a

felt like forever, Ryan's leg injury forced him to stop. Exhausted, he realized

landing at Clara's feet,

back, unsure of what had upset him so much.

leaned on her to stand and they started back the way they

him in

minutes to get back to

tossed his dry

he quickly put it

snow was still coming down hard, probably blocking the

risk traveling in the dark

We've got enough firewood. Let's just

adding wood to the

chin in her

grew

was just upset and not

asleep by the fire.

fell