Chapter 420: The Last Stone Angel

“But from the little I remember, and from Angelica’s knowledge of the system, the multiverse, and everything I learned while living inside your soul these past months, I realized my race comes from an ancient lineage. A race that no longer exists. And even in a multiverse filled with countless lifeforms, species older than galaxies and species born yesterday, even then, a Stone Angel returning to existence would draw attention.”

Angie moved toward him with quiet, deliberate steps, as if crossing some fragile boundary she feared might shatter. She sat beside him on the narrow bed, and the mattress dipped slightly under her weight. The space between them was small enough to feel intentional. When she leaned closer, her face drifted toward his until their noses and mouths were almost touching.

“Even more so because I’m a female Stone Angel. Which means I can get pregnant. And I’m certain there are powerful psychopaths out there who would love to experiment on the body of a race that no longer exists.”

The words hit him harder than he expected. Luke blinked, caught off guard. The seriousness in her eyes made it clear she wasn’t speculating. It was a cold, factual statement. And somehow he had never thought of it, not like that.

Angie slowly pulled her face back, as if giving him room to process.

“That’s why I don’t want to cause trouble for you. I know you’d be upset if something happened to this body… out of respect for Angelica’s memory.”

The irony in her tone was sharp and quiet, almost cruel in its honesty. Her concern wasn’t for herself, but for how he would feel if she were harmed. The realization pricked at him — not pain exactly, but close.

“So, my lord… staying hidden with you for a while, until we decide what to do next, is the safest choice for both of us.”

Luke frowned, studying her. Her logic made sense, but her tone… it was too neat, too perfectly reasoned for him to take at face value.

“You’re right,” he acknowledged. “But I get the feeling you’re only emphasizing all of that because you want to stay close to me and you’re trying to justify it.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to stay near you,” she replied without hesitation. “Even if that means appealing a little to your sentimental side.”

That confirmed a suspicion. She was intelligent, dangerously so. It relieved him more than he expected. A naive mind could be shattered or manipulated with ease, and Angie’s existence, fragile in its own way, needed protection. If he ever convinced her to choose a path of her own someday, he wanted to know she wouldn’t walk into the world defenseless.

As she stood, something stirred in his thoughts.

“You don’t remember anything from your previous life? Not even your name?”

“Not even my name.”

The answer came fast, steady, without a flicker of doubt.

“And Angelica’s memories?” he asked, cautiously. He wanted to understand, but he didn’t want to violate anything that had belonged to the woman Angelica once was.

“I have all of Angelica’s memories. Angelica was a human woman, twenty-six years old, a virgin, born in a place called Texas. She loved her brother deeply, but he was killed trying to save her.”

If Angie had all of Angelica’s memories… if pieces of her personality still lived on inside that stone body… then maybe it wasn’t something bad. Maybe it was something good.

“Can you tell me what Angelica felt when she died?” Luke asked. His voice came out quieter than intended. “If it’s not something too personal… if it’s something the real Angelica would naturally choose not to share, then don’t tell me. I’d rather protect what’s left of her. But without overwriting who you are.”

“Based on Angelica’s last intentions during your final interaction, she would have answered without hesitation.”

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