Brianâs assassination attempt had been witnessed by many, making it a complex issue.
Outside the door, Melany, too, froze upon hearing the reporterâs question.
Cautiously, Aron responded, âIâll deliberate on that matter once Iâve fully recuperated.
Thereâs no need to rush.
â
The reporter refrained from pressing further and left.
Once we were alone, I approached Melany with concern.
âHow is Brian?
I hadnât heard anything about him from Melany since Caleb and I woke up.
I also didnât see him at the hospital, which was unusual.
Caleb, equally concerned for Brian, stood behind me, his eyes locked on Melany.
âWhy hasnât Brian made an appearance? What has happened to him?â
Melany looked anything but comfortable.
After a momentâs hesitation, she sighed and explained, âAfter being hit by Debra, Brian suffered broken ribs.
However, he received prompt medical attention, and his physical health swiftly rebounded.
â
After a pause, she continued, âBut learning about his actions while in a frenzied state left him in despair.
Heâs chosen to isolate himself, shunning any legal assistance, and has been immersed in self-reflection.
â
I was speechless.
I now understood why I hadnât seen Brian lately.
âHow do we go about his situation then?â
âI donât know, either,â Melany said with a tinge of sadness.
âIâm not sure.
Iâm deeply concerned about Brianâs mental state.
Though his frenzy was induced by the foggy forest, heâs filled with remorse, particularly towards you.
Iâve been attending to him during these days, wanting to share the truth with you but unsure of how to convey it.
â
Overcome with emotion, Melany covered her mouth, her eyes welling with tears.
âIâm terrified, afraid that Brian will face severe consequences from the Thorn Edge Pack if this continues.
â
Caleb and I exchanged a meaningful look.
He remained composed, not blaming Brian, but rather worried about how to help him overcome his psychological turmoil and navigate the looming judgment.
After a thoughtful pause, I spoke with determination.
âMelany, Iâm almost fully recovered.
The reporters have been here and are aware of Calebâs condition.
Weâve decided to leave the hospital immediately.
â
âBut why the rush? Melany protested, surprised.
âItâs safer for you to stay here a while longer.
â
I declined the well-intentioned offer, affirming, âNo, Iâm well enough now.
Caleb and I need to swiftly delve into the matter, unearth the truth, and ensure Brian, our friend, receives the protection and support he needs.
â
Debraâs POV:
Our words reached deep within Melanyâs heart, evoking tears in her eyes.
In a hushed tone, she murmured her gratitude, her voice barely rising above a whisper.
âThank you.
â
Unlike before, she didnât stand in our way this time.
She told us about Brianâs location.
âEver since the foggy forest ordeal, Patrick had Brian locked up behind iron bars.
If you want to see him, the prisonâs your destination,â
Armed with this vital information, we hastily waded through the bureaucratic paperwork required for discharge and made a beeline for the prison where Brian languished.
The detention center, conveniently situated not far from the hospital, prompted us to walk there.