Do you know the way home?

Jerome went still. Completely still.Beside him, Lazarus froze.How had he failed to notice that his Lord was not with them? Was he worthy of his Lord’s trust?But unlike Lazarus, Jerome didn’t stay that way for long. He snapped out of his inner chaos, analysing every eventuality as he slowly lifted his head and looked at the bewildered faces before him. His gaze settled on Thomas.The young man had a tight, guilty expression, one that was anything but innocent.“Speak.” Jerome narrowed his eyes. That expression seemed to scream… ‘I am an equal partner in crime’. He knew it well… not on Thomas, but on his brother’s accomplice. Jerome shook his head as the thought came unbidden.Like father, like son.Thomas exhaled, defeat already written across his face, silently apologizing to Jack.“They wanted to ride to Stranton’s place to seek the healer, so we wouldn’t waste time fetching her once we reach Southamberston.” He shrugged lightly. “What we don’t have right now is the luxury of time…

They are forbidden… they bring trouble.

They rode in silence.Lady luck didn’t forsake them entirely… they ran into Bari and his men, a few towns away from the capital.“Young---” Bari started, then stopped. He cleared his throat. “Nephew… what are you doing here? So far from home.”“We…” Jack hesitated, pursing his lips, but Mira smiled, naturally calling out, “Uncle Bari!”“Aaiii... little Mira...” He greeted heartily, his attention immediately shifting to the little pearl his friends held at the tip of their hearts.He guided them to a hidden chamber, one that he often used when he travelled. He was no fool… he could see through Jack’s hesitation to speak and Mira hoodwinking them.“Uncle Bari, do you know this place well?” Mira asked, without explaining, “We are looking for apothecaries… ones that carry exotic potions.”“I know this place…” he paused, “well enough. But what are you looking for?”A mysterious grin tugged at his lips. “I know places that aren’t apothecaries, and yet you can get almost anything.”“I want…”

Ha! They’re worse than us.

Back at Southamberston, the relaxed atmosphere was slowly dissipating.They had gained a lot in just a few days… finding the nephew, cousin, and grandnephew they had thought long gone. And in times like these, the chances of losing them again were just as real.What started as noise and chaos slowly gave way to serious discussion… filling in the exact details of what had happened… especially with Jerome.With each passing minute, the tension began to rise.The first to crack was, of course, the one with the shortest fuse.“Are you sure Jerome is back to himself?” Humphrey asked for what felt like the hundredth time. He pushed to his feet abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. “I think I’ll head out and see if I can find anything.”“Don’t be silly,” Linus scolded. “Do you even know where they wandered off to?”Humphrey’s gaze slid meaningfully toward Jerome’s usual partners-in-crime.“Don’t look at us…” Harry shrugged. “Ever since he got his nephew, we’ve lost favour.”“They’ll

Do you want to tell us old timers what the hell is going on?

Ludo had just left when Harrison announced the arrival of the next batch of visitors.A very pissed-off Cousin Farris… and Uzi. They had been left behind at the Zumerong estate by the Zumerongs themselves.“We thought you were worn out from the journey,” Wilkin said with a sheepish smile. The truth was, they had been impatient… and hadn’t had the heart to disturb their rest.“Hmph!” they both huffed as they dropped into their seats, the sound sharp with lingering annoyance.But irritation didn’t last long here. It rarely did.Their expressions shifted as they took in the room… quick glances, silent counting.Jerome wasn’t there.Neither was Leander.The edge in their shoulders eased, just slightly. So, they hadn’t missed it after all.Zelda followed Jerome back into the formal lounge, her steps measured, her expression composed.Conversation faltered.“You… you… you…”Linus was the first to react. He pushed himself halfway out of his seat, finger trembling as he pointed at Zelda like

All Chapters of Second chance at happiness: Chapter 361 - Chapter 364

Do you know the way home?

They are forbidden… they bring trouble.

Ha! They’re worse than us.

Do you want to tell us old timers what the hell is going on?