Chapter 44

Ethan's POV
Unnoticed, blood flowed from my calf to my ankle. This black blood was not too heavy but also not too little. I didn't have time to clean it. I only had the opportunity to enter this cave. Because Cleo said that this was Elder Rowan's house. In front of this cave, there was a gate or a kind of door that only opened every few minutes automatically. But this time the door in question was wide open.
I couldn't miss this opportunity. Because the door would close in just a matter of a minute. So I rushed in and invited Cleo and me to come inside to accompany me. To be a way and intermediary between me and Elder Rowan later. Because we were still strangers and didn't know each other at all. This was our first meeting. Although I had always heard about him. His name was often mentioned as an elder figure.
Meanwhile, many leaders often came to see him to get advice that was useful for their leadership and life to run smoothly. As for me, during my time as an alpha, I had not had the chance to meet him. This was the first time I forced myself to be able to meet him here. That was also because it was very necessary and urgent. So there are many challenges that I get during this journey.
"Okay, Ethan, you have to go inside immediately! Because this door is only open for a moment, it won't be long before it closes automatically."
"Is that right, Cleo?"
"Yes of course, so hurry up and come in!"
"Are you coming too?"
"Do you still need me to accompany you?"
"Yes, I still need your company, Cleo."
"Okay then."
There were signs that this door had started to move too close. I was immediately shocked and said goodbye. Likewise with Cleo who also immediately jumped forward. I walked first to cross the doorway. While Cleo entered after I was in front of her. But suddenly something bad happened.
“Cleo..."
"Ethan, help me!"
"Yes, I will help you get out of this door."
When Cleo was about to enter after I entered, suddenly the door moved and closed spontaneously. Making Cleo trapped because his jump was not that far. Now Cleo's right leg was trapped by the door, and he looked in pain, holding the clamp. I started to feel restless because I was worried that something worse would happen to Cleo's leg.
"Ethan..." Whining in pain.
"Hold on Cleo, you must be strong!"
"But Ethan, my leg hurts so much. What if my leg breaks?"
"No! No! Don't talk like that! You will definitely survive and your leg will be released from the door clamp intact."
Cleo started to shed tears. Feeling hopeless, I almost had no enthusiasm for the next one. But after a few minutes of waiting without pulling it at all. Finally, the door started to move again and opened again.
"Finally." I felt happy and my eyes sparkled.
"Ethan." Cleo looked very weak.
"Come on, jump one more time! You can do it!" I encouraged his to get away from the door before it closed again. So that he wouldn't get trapped again.
"Ethan... Aaaa... Ouch.." Cleo jumped, forcing herself, and finally succeeded. But he suddenly collapsed in pain and fell unconscious. Maybe because he's been holding back the pain for too long. I panicked again and started to get restless again. Because I was confused about Cleo's current condition. How should I evacuate him?
My heart trembled, feeling like I was starting to have a spiritual bond with Cleo. I felt like we had been friends for a long time, and I couldn't bear to see him like this because he had worked so hard to help me. But I was confused about what to do now. I could only stay still waiting for Cleo to wake up. He looked weak with a slow heartbeat. His breath was also very cold. I was very worried that Cleo would die on the spot.
Suddenly there was a small movement from his body even though his eyes were still closed. Suddenly I was shocked and immediately greeted his with questions. Making sure that he was starting to be okay.
"Cleo, are you awake? Cleo?"
It seemed that Cleo began to open his eyes, although slowly and little by little. I was still waiting for the time when he really seemed conscious and could communicate with me again. I didn't ask his any questions. But suddenly my mind was reminded of the time I had to meet his soon. Elder Rowan. Isabella's face crossed my mind automatically. I immediately swallowed my saliva, not feeling well and confused by this situation.
Cleo then woke up and started to be able to talk to me.
"Ethan."
"Cleo, are you still strong?"
"You "Just go first, I'll catch up later!"
"But Cleo, there's no way I'm leaving you here alone, especially in a situation like this. I can't run away from my responsibilities. You've helped me a lot, while I shouldn't have left you in a weak and sick state. "
"It's okay Ethan, it's okay with me. You have to keep chasing time and continue your journey to Elder Rowan. You have to be able to get there in no time."
"But Cleo you..."
"No, Ethan, do it. What should you do? Your initial intention to meet Elder Rowan was better than having to wait for me to be able to continue my journey. I just need to rest first until I can jump again."
My eyes filled with tears hearing Cleo's sincere voice. Feeling guilty and uncomfortable at the same time. Cleo is very important to me but Meeting Elder Rowan is also important and is part of my main goal now. To be able to get out of this era and return to my era. I also started to rise and dare to make the final decision to leave Cleo alone. Although with a heavy heart but I still have to do it. No matter how heavy my heart is, what can I do that I still have to choose to leave her? I hope Cleo starts to get better and I can find the next way to meet Elder Rowan.
"Okay, I'm going; I'm sorry, Cleo." Unconsciously I shed tears.
Cleo smiled thin and nodded.
I started to leave his alone here. Although I felt bad when I was about to step. However, I strengthened my intention to keep walking and continue this journey. Hopefully, nothing bad will happen to Cleo when I leave her. I hope Cleo and I will meet again after I finish my business. I started walking steadily and straight. Returning to making a new focus on my goal. Strengthening the belief that my goal will come true in the end. I started to firmly return to that belief. Without the slightest delay, a sense of confidence began to grow again in my soul.