I only heard voices echoing in the distance.
"Is she still alive?"
My body was weightless, carried by someone strong. I couldn't open my eyes, but I felt warmth. A heartbeat. The rhythm of running. Then, slowly, the blur faded.
I saw him.
Raiden.
He was holding me in his arms, running as if time itself was chasing us.
Next to him, his brother. Eyes sharp, filled with urgency.
"Eloula, try to breathe. Your breathing... it's not regular!"He turned to his brother ."Tell the doctor we're bringing a woman. She's dying. The poison's already reached her heart!"
Darkness wrapped itself around me like a storm cloud.And I was gone.
I dreamed.
There was only one path.
Cherry blossoms danced around me, floating in the warm wind. The sun was bright, yet soft. Everything glowed in a pink haze, like I had stepped into a memory I never wanted to forget.
It was too beautiful.Too peaceful.Too perfect.
That's when I saw her.
A little girl.No—me.The younger version of myself stood barefoot among the blossoms, her eyes wide, kind, and free.
Her long black hair shimmered like silk. Her smile was gentle.
She reached out her hand toward me.
I didn't move.I only whispered, "What have they done to us?"
My voice cracked. "We don't belong in this world."
She tilted her head, still smiling, and said,"But we still have to protect the ones who can't protect themselves."
I smiled sadly. "I just wish… I wasn't so alone."
She leaned closer, eyes soft."You're not," she whispered. "There's already someone in your life who would do anything for you. You just haven't figured it out yet."
Her hand found mine.
And just before I could ask her what she meant…a blinding light exploded around us.
I gasped and—
I screamed.
I woke up, breath ragged, eyes wide.
Where was I?
I sat up in a strange bed. The sheets were silk. The walls shimmered with gold and red.A servant rushed to my side, pressing a damp cloth against my forehead.
"You're awake…" she whispered, surprised.
"W-Where am I?" My voice trembled.
"You're in the palace," she said gently. "You were poisoned. You nearly died. Actually… you did die. But the prince saved you."
Raiden… again?
I swallowed hard and nodded.
Then I looked around.
My sword. Where was it?
"Where is my sword?"
"No need to worry, my lady. It's beside you."
I turned my head. There it was—my lifeline. I grabbed it and held it tight, breathing easier.
"I'm sorry," I mumbled, clutching it like it was a part of me.
The servant gave a nervous smile. "They were going to confiscate it. But the prince insisted you keep it."She paused. "Though… they say the poison might still linger."
She turned and left the room.
I sank back into the bed, exhausted, heart racing.
He saved me again.Why is he always so kind?
I wanted to believe it was real.But a voice inside me whispered: He's the enemy.I had to kill him.
But he let me go… again.
I stood up, the dizziness washing over me like a wave. But I had something to do.I needed to find Rayne. To apologize.
I stepped out of the room, only to realize how enormous the palace really was.
After what felt like a maze of endless halls, I found the entrance to the Imperial Garden.It was beautiful—crimson trees, shimmering koi ponds, and silence so deep it hurt.
That's when I saw him.Raiden.
He stood by the pond, alone, focused.I hid behind a tree, heart pounding. How was I supposed to apologize?
I hate apologizing.
But I knew I had to.
I stepped forward—
—and nausea hit me like a blade.
I doubled over, vomiting onto the grass.
When I looked up again… he was gone.
Then a blade pressed coldly against my throat.
I froze.
His voice, sharp like steel:"Were you watching me to say hello… or to kill me?"
I grabbed my sword instinctively and slashed—
—but my stomach betrayed me. I dropped again.
He lowered his sword, unimpressed."You should be resting."
"I'm fine," I lied through my teeth.
He sheathed his blade. "You're as pale as death."
I narrowed my eyes. "why were your eyes red? And why didn't you bleed when I touched the blade?"
He looked at me. Silent. Then he sighed.
"I can use demonic power… not always, only when I lose control. What you saw—was a flash. It didn't hurt you."
I stared at him, shocked.Demons weren't human. They were spirits, floating embers, cursed and shapeless.But he—he was flesh and bone.
How?
I bowed.
"I'm sorry," I said softly. "I shouldn't have screamed at you. You're a prince. I should have shown more respect."
He stepped forward.
"Lianhua. You saved me… when I fell in the waterfall. You didn't have to. You could have let me drown."
I blinked.
"There's something I want to ask of you."
"What?"
"Tomorrow," he said, "I need to go into the forest. There's a cave… something I need to retrieve. Normally, my brother would go with me. But this time, I'm going alone. I want you to come."
"Why me?"
"There are thieves along the way. It's not a long journey… but it's dangerous."
He hesitated. "And I trust you more than I should."
My breath caught.
He… trusted me?
Despite everything?
I looked down."Alright. I'll come with you."