Chapter 1845

Instead, Melon clutched the pendant tightly, his young mind processing this unexpected turn of events.
After a moment of contemplation, he lifted his gaze to meet Moss, his voice low but filled with hope.
Moss, may I visit you in the future? Moss gaze hardened as he shot back at Melon, his voice laced with ice, No chance.
Dont come looking for me again.
If I catch you trying, IU break your legs.
Melon blinked, his face scrunching with confusion.
Why? But Moss wasnt in the mood for explanations.
His jaw tightened, and without sparing Melon another glance, he rose and started fiddling with the control panel.
Once he was done, he made a sharp turn, heading for the lower deck.
Yet, just as he reached the door, he noticed Melon was still following him.
Moss frown deepened, his patience wearing thin.
Leave me alone.
Find something to do yourself, he muttered, waving Melon off.
The sting of rejection hit Melon hard, his lips curving into a pout. Why was Moss acting like this? Just moments earlier, they had been side by side, enjoying the sunrise together.
Moss had even given him a pendant.
But now, Moss was acting so cold and harsh toward him.
Their eyes met briefly, but Moss quickly averted his gaze and walked away.
Melon wanted to follow Moss but quickly remembered Moss earlier words.
He stopped himself and just stayed there, daring not to bother Moss.
Outside, Moss lingered near the door, looking at Melon in secret.
Melon looked dejected, his head bowed like a scolded puppy.
When Moss saw Melon like that, something flickered in his eyes.
He was lost in thought for a while, his expression unreadable.
A minute later, with a determined huff, Moss marched toward the cabin door, his mind set on whatever decision he had just made.
Melon still sat on the chair, his legs swinging aimlessly as he stared at the sunrise.
His heart felt heavy, the earlier warmth of the morning overshadowed by Moss sudden coldness.
Eventually, exhaustion won over, and his eyes fluttered shut.
The collar of his shirt dampened as drool pooled at the corner of his mouth.
But the peaceful moment shattered when a sharp blare pierced the air.
Melon jerked awake, wiping the sleep from his eyes as he peered out the window.
His breath caught in his throat-several large cruise ships were closing in fast.
Panic tightened his chest.
He thought Zaydens men had found him and Moss again.
Without wasting a second, he bolted from his chair, racing to find Moss.
But when he reached the cabin, the door was shut tight.
He banged on it with both fists, his voice trembling.
Moss! Moss, come quick! There are many ships approaching us! But there was no response from Moss.
Melon gripped the door handle, but it wouldnt budge.
His heart pounded louder as he stood on his toes, trying to peek through the tiny window above the door, but his small frame couldnt reach it.
The sound of the ships was getting closer. With a growing sense of urgency, Melon stopped pounding the door and instead darted off in search of something-anything-to defend himself.
In the cramped storage room, he rummaged frantically through dusty boxes and crates, searching for weapons he had seen Moss use before guns, explosives, anything powerful enough to fend off those bad people.
But there were no guns here, no explosives.
His heart sank.
ALL he could find was a thick wooden stick, slightly longer than his arm.
Just then, the echo of footsteps outside sent a shiver down his spine.
Gripping the stick tightly, Melon slunk into a dark corner, his knees drawn to his chest.
His hands trembled around the wood, but he held the stick firmly.
He told himself to be brave.
Moss had protected him before.
Now, it was his turn to protect Moss.
His mind raced with possibilities.
Even if those bad people caught him, he doubted they would actually kill him.
At worst, he figured, he would go a few days without food.