Chapter 90

Lava waded into the water until she was up to her neck in it. She was struggling to take a breath. Hyperventilating.

That the water was freezing, or that this obstinate, independent girl was now beginning to suffer the repercussions of her passionate pride, were the thoughts that ran through the old vicar's mind. After that, Lava sank below the surface. She had gotten into the habit of remaining beneath him for extended periods of time. It was her method of getting away from the neighborhood and feeling in charge, as well as her way of expressing herself. As a result, when she failed to return to the surface, the vicars did not express concern at the time. She had strong lungs and was able to remain in the water for an extended period of time.

However, as time went on, they became increasingly anxious. She was not going to show up. It had been more than ten minutes since the last time they checked. It's getting closer to eleven or twelve. Something didn't feel quite right. The