That was the first time Matthew had fallen into profound fear simply by standing before someone and sensing their emotions.
His fear was not because the other person was cold or cruel, but because there was simply nothing of the sort within them. Positive emotions, negative emotions—none of them existed.
It was like suddenly leaving the ground and falling into deep space, where an immense, endless void rushed over him. And from that void, fear was born.
Tap, tap—
The abrupt knocking jolted Matthew awake from the shudders of his memories. He came back to himself, and his refocused gaze found an owl perched outside the window, pecking at the glass with its beak.
Matthew froze for a moment, then grabbed his wand and gave it a wave. The window opened automatically. The owl let out a shrill cry and flapped inside, kicking Matthew's teacup away with one claw before landing imperiously in front of him. It tucked the claw with the letter tied to it beneath its body and merely glared at him with its round eyes.
The corner of Matthew's mouth twitched. He could only stand up, fetch the owl treats he had specially prepared, and place an entire box before her.
Only then did the ill-tempered Miss Owl stretch out her claw in satisfaction, signaling for Matthew to hurry up and take the letter.
Forget it. No point arguing with an animal.
Matthew silently consoled himself. With a stern face, he fed Zhu Weiqiong several pieces of dried mouse as a matter of "courtesy" before unfolding the brief note.
The small slip of paper contained little. Matthew finished reading it quickly, then set it ablaze with a flick of his hand.
Zhu Weiqiong soon finished her treats as well and flapped away. The room returned to its