Outside Allen's tea store, the weather had changed dramatically, as if it carried countless secrets within itself. Allen and Claire were moving swiftly toward the old house where, according to the ancient book, the portal existed—the very gateway that could send Claire back to the real world. Claire had been able to meet her father here, and because of that, she was deeply happy and did not wish to return. But Allen did not want his daughter to be trapped prematurely in the cycle of life and death.
Allen held the same ancient book in his hands, its pages fluttering violently in the gusts of wind.
"Claire, you are a very precious daughter. I will miss you after you leave, but you must promise me that you will take care of yourself—and of your mother, Evelyn," Allen said. His voice carried both a father's fear and a warrior's stubborn resolve.
