Chapter 168

Elara gently patted No.11's soft hair. Her eyes were filled with concern as she asked, "Have you not been eating properly?" No.11's eyes welled up almost instantly. He parted his mouth, but no words came out. Instead, like a small animal seeking comfort, he nuzzled into the palm resting on his head. Frustration simmered beneath her exhaustion. How could her carefully nurtured No.11 become so frail after less than a month away from her? Standing up, she dragged a couch cushion and blanket over to the water tank. "Don't worry. I'll be right here. You'll see me when you wake up." Yet in the middle of the night, No.11 still crawled out. His delicate tentacles gently tapped against the glass. Since they barely made a sound, the chances of disturbing Elara's sleep were close to none. He dried himself off and laid down on the floor beside her, wrapping his arms around her like a soft piece of seaweed. With every action gently executed, his heart was pounding violently in his chest lik