"You… what are you doing here?"
Eyan's voice was cold, sharp—but behind it, confusion flickered in his eyes. He held Eva's wrist tightly as she stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat.
She looked up at him, and for a moment, everything blurred.
His eyes…
That voice…
The way he stared at her—like she was someone precious he'd once held, and lost.
Memories surged forward like a crashing wave. Her first life. The palace. The betrayal. His face.
And suddenly—she remembered.
Her breathing quickened. She struggled against his grip.
"Let me go," she whispered. "It… it hurts."
Eyan blinked, then released her at once. "You're injured?"
She shook her head quickly. "No, I'm fine… I just—please, let me leave."
"What is a noble lady like you doing here?" he asked, stepping closer. "This is no place for—"
"I didn't know what was happening here!" she snapped, trembling. "I was looking for a job, that's all."
Before he could respond, a man from the shadows tried to flee. Eyan turned swiftly, summoned a blade from his waist, and in one quick strike—ended the man's life.
Blood splattered across the floor.
Eva's eyes widened. She stumbled back.
The sound. The sight.
Her heart pounded with fear.
She turned—and ran.
"Don't let anyone leave!" Eyan shouted.
But one of the knights misjudged the order. Without thinking, he released an arrow—too fast to stop.
The scream tore through the air as it struck.
Eva collapsed, the arrow piercing clean through her leg.
"You FOOL!" Eyan roared. "What do you think you're doing?!"
But she was already pushing herself back up, her gown soaked in blood. Gritting her teeth, she ran—limping, staggering—through the alleys until she disappeared into the darkness.
Eyan summoned his wolves.
"Find her. Now."
The pack scattered like wind-blown shadows.
Somewhere in a quiet alleyway, Eva leaned against a wall, breathing raggedly. Her leg throbbed with each beat of her heart. Blood trickled onto the stone floor.
She slid down to sit, whispering to herself, "Don't find me… please…"
But moments later, three silent wolves emerged from the mist.
Eyan arrived seconds later, panting from the chase. He knelt beside her.
"Princess—no, Lady—are you alright?"
Eva shrank back, eyes full of fear. "Please don't kill me…"
Eyan's face twisted in pain. "I'm not here to hurt you. You're injured. Let me see."
She hesitated—but the pain was unbearable. She nodded faintly.
He gently touched her leg and she let out a scream.
The arrow had gone clean through.
Eyan looked furious—not at her, but at his soldier, at the world.
"I'm taking you to a doctor," he said, voice trembling. "No arguments."
"But… it's nighttime," Eva murmured. "No doctor will be open—"
"I'm not asking," he said firmly. "It was my man's mistake. Let me make it right."
He slipped his arms under her and lifted her effortlessly.
Back at the palace, the halls were still glowing with candlelight.
"Hans!" Eyan barked as he entered. "Fetch the royal doctor. Now!"
Hans stared. "What… what happened to her?!"
Eyan clenched his jaw and didn't answer.
The doctor arrived swiftly, treating the wound with skilled hands. After a painkiller and careful stitching, Eva finally fell into a deep sleep.
"She'll be alright," the doctor assured them. "She just needs rest."
Eyan sat beside her, watching her breathe.
He gently picked up her hand and placed it against his cheek.
"Princess…" he whispered. "When will you stop worrying me?"
His voice trembled.
His eyes stung with tears he couldn't let fall.
Just then, her fingers twitched.
Eva slowly opened her eyes.
She stared at him through the haze of pain and sleep.
"…Kyel?" she murmured weakly. "Is that you…?"
Eyan froze.
He gently let go of her hand and looked down at her, startled.
Her gaze was soft, lost in memory—but his name…
No. Not his name.
The name of the man she now loved.
And the man he wasn't.
Eyan could only whisper her name, his chest tight.
The room fell silent.