CHAPTER 11

As the hours dragged on, Gwen paced the room, clearly agitated. She had been on edge ever since I told her about involving Licht, but her worry for me outweighed her skepticism about him.

"I still don't like this," Gwen said, crossing her arms. "But if Licht’s as resourceful as you say, maybe it’s not the worst idea."

I nodded, staring at the screen of my laptop where Licht's last message still glowed. His reassurance brought me a sense of calm I hadn’t felt in days, but I couldn’t shake the anxiety gnawing at my stomach.

“I’ll be careful,” I promised, though my voice lacked conviction.

Gwen sighed and shook her head. “I’ll do what I can from here. Maybe I can send someone to keep an eye on your father. At least that way, we’ll know he’s safe—for now.”

“Do you really think that’s possible?” I asked, hope flickering in my chest.

“I’ll find a way,” Gwen said firmly. “There’s a messenger I trust who’s good at staying under the radar. I’ll have them check in regularly. At least it’ll give us updates.”

The tension in my shoulders eased slightly at her words. “Thank you, Gwen. That means everything to me.”

She gave me a small smile. “Just don’t do anything reckless, okay? I’m already stretched thin worrying about you.”

Later that evening, as Gwen worked to arrange the messenger, I found myself once again staring at the chat window with Licht. The cursor blinked at me as I debated whether to send him another message. I needed to tell him what I was really thinking—that waiting around felt like torture and that I was considering going to the estate on my own if nothing else worked.

Me: Licht, do you think it’s a bad idea for me to go find help on my own?

His reply came faster than I expected.

Licht: Yes. It’s not just a bad idea—it’s a dangerous one.

I frowned, typing quickly.

Me: But if we wait too long, it might be too late. I can’t just sit here.

Licht: I understand how you feel, but rushing into danger won’t help anyone—least of all your dad. You need to be strategic.

His response was measured, rational… and maddening. I knew he was right, but the gnawing anxiety in my chest refused to subside.

Me: Fine. Then come with me.

The pause before his reply felt like an eternity.

Licht: I would in a heartbeat. But I might not be available in the next few days.

Me: Why not?

Licht: I’m working on something for my father. It’s… complicated. But once it’s done, I’m all yours.

I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling up. This wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but I couldn’t bring myself to be angry with him. Licht had his own responsibilities, just as I had mine.

Me: I understand. Let me know when you’re free.

Licht: I will. And Cassie?

Me: Yeah?

Licht: Don’t do anything without me. Promise?

I hesitated before typing.

Me: I’ll try.

His response was immediate.

Licht: That’s not a promise.

I sighed, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the tension.

Me: Fine. I promise.

Licht: Good. Stay safe.

Closing the chat window, I leaned back in my chair, feeling both relieved and restless. Licht’s willingness to help meant more to me than I could express, but his temporary unavailability left me feeling stranded.

“So, what did your knight in shining armor say?” Gwen asked, leaning against the doorframe.

I shot her a look. “He’s willing to help but said he’s tied up with something for his father right now.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Convenient.”

“Gwen,” I said warningly.

“Fine, fine,” she said, holding up her hands. “I’ll reserve judgment… for now. But you’re not going anywhere without me. If Licht can’t come, I’ll be your backup.”

My chest tightened with gratitude. “Thanks, Gwen. You don’t have to—”

“Oh, I know I don’t have to,” she interrupted. “But there’s no way I’m letting you do this alone."

For the first time in days, I felt a sliver of hope. With Gwen’s unwavering support and Licht’s eventual assistance, maybe—just maybe—we could pull this off.

The rest of the day passed in a haze of anxious anticipation. Gwen, ever practical, insisted on creating a plan for every possible scenario, but my mind kept drifting back to Licht’s messages. His cautious yet firm agreement to help gave me a small sliver of hope amidst the storm of worry swirling inside me.

By evening, Gwen had contacted a messenger she trusted implicitly, someone who could check on my father discreetly and report back without arousing suspicion. “It’s not much,” Gwen said as she set the plan into motion, “but at least we’ll have some eyes on him while we prepare.”

I nodded, grateful for her support but still restless. My father’s letter felt like a ticking time bomb, urging me to act faster.

Later that night, I found myself unable to sleep again. The quiet of the room felt suffocating, my thoughts swirling with worst-case scenarios. Without thinking, I reached for my phone and opened the chat with Licht.

Me: Licht, do you think I should wait… or should I just go find help on my own?

His reply came almost immediately.

Licht: Cassie, no. It’s not safe. Going alone would be reckless.

Me: But what if something happens while I wait? What if it’s too late?

Licht: That’s exactly why you need to think this through. If something happens to you, you won’t be able to help anyone—including your dad.

I stared at his message, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. My impulsiveness wouldn’t solve anything.

Me: You’re right. I just… I feel so powerless, Licht.

Licht: You’re not powerless, Cassie. You’ve got people who care about you—and about him. We’ll do this the right way.

I hesitated before typing my next message, my heart pounding.

Licht: I already told you, don’t do anything without me. Keep your promise.

I smiled faintly at his protectiveness, even as doubt gnawed at the edges of my mind. Could I really afford to wait?

The following morning, Gwen updated me on the messenger’s progress. “No news yet, but that’s better than bad news,” she said, trying to sound optimistic.

I nodded, though the unease in my chest didn’t lessen. As Gwen busied herself with more preparations, I opened my chat with Licht again.

Me: Stay safe, Licht.

Licht: You too, Cassie.

For now, I had to trust that everything was moving in the right direction. But deep down, I knew the clock was still ticking.