Chapter 40. Empathy of Love

“You don’t hate her?” Azeeva started to sound shaky.

“No.” Justin grabbed Zee’s glass, holding Zee’s arm after putting it away. “You’ve drunk enough. I’m not sure if my story is getting through to your ears.”

“What’s the point!” snapped Zee. Her cheeks were dotted with redness. “My wits still work.”

The half-lidded eyelids made Justin fume. He pulled his chair closer to Azeeva, flanking her thighs with his. He was afraid Azeeva would collapse and hit the floor.

“Carl Justin,” Zee called like a child.

“Hm?”

“You don’t need to be anyone else,” she said, “I’ll make you much stronger than anyone else.”

***

The Valley of the Butterflies is one of the must-see places whenever Justin visits Athens.

Justin and Zee traveled to the outskirts of the city by taxi. Carrying Azeeva on his back, Justin walked along a small bridge whose interior was deliberately made of thin but sturdy wood. It was almost midnight. It was certain that there were