Chapter 20. Hope
The girl and the man went into the hall, where various magical artifacts were placed on stands.
"There was nothing in the archive, did you make sure?"
"Yes."
"Now we can look around and you'll see that there's nothing here either."
They both looked at the exhibits. Just like in the archive, Clarke didn't attach much importance to the Museum's items, which pleased Hope. They both went back and forth looking for the little pendant.
"You haven't changed at all..."
Hope glanced at the man and continued her tour of the Museum.
"Just as strong... Brave... And clever."
Suddenly, Clarke walked over to Hope, who was looking at a display of an ancient vase, took her by the shoulder, and turned her sharply to face him.
"You haven't changed, and neither have I," he ran his fingers down her neck and paused, as if taking her pulse, "but there is a significant difference between us."
"What?" Hope didn't understand.
The man continued to hold her shoulder with one hand, while the other wrapped around her neck and lightly squeezed her hand. He leaned close to her face and spoke.
"You're alive, but I'm not," the man pulled on the girl's t-shirt and looked at her breasts.