Part-252

  “Look, it’s not going to be easy, but we’ll manage,” James reassured her. “I’ll do my best to keep it casual, and I won’t overstep your boundaries. We set rules for ourselves if that helps.”

  Joya smiled at their exge, clearly pleased with the camaraderie that was developing. “That’s the spirit! Establishing boundaries is essential. unication will be key. If at any point it feels unfortable, just talk to each other.”

  As they discussed the finer details of their pn, a sense ency lingered in the air. James couldn’t shake off the feeling that time was running out and that Rakib wouldn’t sit idly by. The threat of him trying to approach Toya felt immi, especially now that he knew someone was taking a stand.

  “Do you think Rakib knows about this? I mean you guys not liking him and his approach,” James asked.

  “It’s hard to say,” Joya replied, her expression growing serious again. “He’s not the type to just back off quietly. He’s used to getting what he wants, and that makes him dangerous.”

  James ched his jaw, anger boilih the surface. “Then we o be prepared. I’ll make sure to keep an eye on things at school. If he makes a move, I won’t hesitate to front him.”

  Joya nodded, her expression softening as she looked at James. “Thank you. It means a lot to me that you’re willing to do this for this child.”

  “Of course,” James replied, meeting her gaze. “I won’t let him hurt her.”

  As their versation tihey outlined specifis for the ing days. James would start by casually joining Toya iudy sessions, and they would make a point to be seen together in school activities. With every detail they pnned, a small flicker of hope ignited within James. They had a long road ahead of them, but they were united in purpose.

  The pn took shape, and as the sun began to set, James felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension about the role he would py in Toya’s life. Despite the plexities of their situation and their ive retionship, he was determio protect her. This was more than just a role to him; it was a itment to safeguard someone he cared about, even if it meant diving headfirst into a dangerous game.

  When it was finally time to leave, James stood at the doorway, gng back at Toya and Joya. “We’ll make this work,” he said, his voice filled with vi.

  Joya nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and gratitude. She khat this was going to be a difficult journey, but she was fident that James and Toya would be able to overe the challenges ahead. She took a deep breath and said, "I believe in you both. You have the ce and strength to make this work."

  The air ihe Lamp of Time dungeon was as stifling as ever, carrying the familiar st of stale stone and dampness. The flickering glow from James' mp reflected off the jagged walls, casting eerie shadows that danced in sync with his movements. For five relentless days, he had plunged into this byrinth, hunting down Ratlings with a singur focus—his swordsmanship.