Angel turned to Boiling Gentleman. "This is far enough."
Boiling Gentleman said nothing, only nodded. But he did not turn and leave immediately. Instead, his gaze fell upon Angel's feet...
Spotty Dog was still following at Angel's side.
Angel lowered his head to Spotty Dog. "You should go back. Minister Dim is still waiting for you."
Spotty Dog gave two woofs, tilting its little head as its clear eyes quietly watched Angel. That innocent little gaze made Angel want to take it with him right then and there.
But considering all the circumstances, that was clearly impossible.
Angel met Spotty Dog's gaze for several seconds, then sighed softly and crouched down, pulling it into a deep embrace.
At the same time, he whispered a word into its ear: "Thank you."
Though he did not know why Spotty Dog had snuck out, if not for it this time, he likely would not have been able to successfully play the part of "Shava."
Releasing the embrace, Angel set Spotty Dog on the ground and rubbed the soft fur atop its head. "Go back. We'll meet again someday."
Though Angel spoke with certainty, deep down, he felt the chances of them meeting again were already very slim.
Angel's comforting words seemed to finally make Spotty Dog understand what he meant.
Spotty Dog gave a whimper, rubbed against Angel's trouser leg with great reluctance, then slowly turned around and walked toward Boiling Gentleman.
Clang—
The instant Spotty Dog turned its head, Angel heard metal strike the ground. Looking back, he saw that although Spotty Dog was heading back, it had placed that ornate-patterned Zhen Birdcage on the floor.
Angel looked at Spotty Dog in confusion. Wasn't it interested in the Void Travelers? Why had it put the birdcage down?
Could it have mistaken his