Axeden got a little better after meditating. Because he had a celestial body, his injuries had started healing. But then he heard a man's voice and decided to check. He rose from the bed, only to wince as pain shot through him, his bones cracking and healing at once. The pain was unbearable. His face turned pale; he had never felt anything like this in his entire life.
It wasn't that he was weak. But the punishment and healing were happening simultaneously, and that was more painful than the punishment itself.
He dropped back down, clenching his jaw to bear it.
No wonder Kausphore couldn't wake up for a year, he thought suddenly, remembering how long Kausphore had stayed in that place helping Craysophy's soul cultivate.
But did he regret going there to fulfill Sophie's wish and protect her soul with his own?
Absolutely not.
If he had to face the same situation again, he would make the same choice, not just again, but every single time.
He had never felt that way for Craysophy. But since he met Sophie, he had felt something more... something indescribable. The moment he saw her face, and especially after spending a night at her house, he realized Craysophy and Sophie were two different people.
And he realized... his wish to marry Craysophy had been childish. But for Sophie? It wasn't.
After coming back from the River of Life, something inside him had changed. He didn't want to lose Sophie. Not Craysophy, but Sophie. When he returned, he left behind old memories of Craysophy with the river and wanted only to begin a new chapter, with her.
Not because she was Craysophy's reincarnation, but because there was something between them. Something stronger than fate. Stronger than reason.
So strong... he had never felt this way in his entire life.
It didn't matter whether she was the princess of crystal or just a mortal girl. He wanted to know her more, make her smile, fill her world with happiness. And more than anything, he wanted to protect her.
At any cost.
He gritted his teeth and forced himself up again, swallowing the pain that tore through his body. He opened the door and saw Aurora explaining everything Kausphore had done for Sophie.
Regret surged in his chest.
If I had come earlier...
But he reminded himself, he had no power right now. Even if he had come out, he wouldn't have been able to help.
He watched their interaction from afar. But when he heard them both agree to get to know each other again... his heart sank.
Jealousy pierced deeper than the pain in his body. But more than that, fear was cracking his bones knowing the consequences.
But he couldn't just stand by. He had to stop Kausphore from acting without considering the consequences.
Without hesitation, he strode toward them, eyes blazing, and stood in front of Kausphore.
"How dare you do that without considering the results?"
Both girls flinched, shocked to see him suddenly appear, his mood as dark as a storm. Sophie's eyes filled with concern, he shouldn't have been out of bed.
"What does it have to do with you? I just wanted to help her---"
Axeden grabbed Kausphore's collar and glared at him like he might punch him at any second.
"Did you not know that every forced use of demonic energy by mortals eventually turns into a disaster for the one who get benefits from it?"
"I know, but--"
"And every action creates its own reaction, shifting fate, and becomes a never-ending loop of disaster, until it lands on a mortal who sheds the blood of healing energy?"
Kausphore went still. Realization hit hard.
There was only one mortal who could shed the blood of healing energy.
Sophie.
"Wait, you mean it's similar to the Karmic Cycle?
Aurora asked, but no one responded.
Sophie looked at Axeden, her heart thudding. Seeing his fury, she guessed the misfortune would come for her.
"So... the disaster will happen to me sooner or later?" she asked softly.
Axeden turned toward her.
Her eyes held no fear. No anger. Only curiosity.
As if her own life meant nothing.
She smiled at him gently, and something inside him twisted with restlessness.
"It's fine as long as it's not Aurora, you, or Kausphore."
She took a deep breath.
"I've caused so much trouble because of my fate. So it's better if I'm the one who suffers, not you guys. The debt was mine, so I should be the one to pay it. Misfortune isn't anything new to me."
Axeden stepped toward her, his fury rising again.
"Are you dumb?" he snapped. "You don't have an immortal body to take the blow! This is the last time I'll hear you talk about your life like it's worthless.
You're not the one harming others, it's something beyond your control. Even if you risk yourself, you can't stop it that way.
As long as I'm alive, you're not going to face another misfortune. So take your life seriously. Be scared if you're in danger, not relieved.
And we don't know what might happen next. We need to stop it before it's too late."
Aurora's face paled.
"But... they've already taken the golden pearls."
Axeden ignored her. His eyes were still locked onto Sophie's, like he was trying to carve the truth into her soul.
"We need to stop them before they use them," he said sharply. "The moment they do... the loop begins."
Kausphore answered Aurora, and both of them turned to Axeden. His gaze hadn't left Sophie.
Aurora didn't even dare speak, the way he looked at her was terrifying.
But Sophie wasn't scared.
Her heart fluttered.
Because behind his fury, she saw his care. His worry. His desperation.
Even as he scolded her, every word overflowed with his desire to protect her, no matter the cost. To make her see her own worth.
She smiled softly, blinking back tears. Axeden mistook them for fear, thinking he'd made her cry.
But in truth, she hadn't felt this safe in years.
His words…
You are not the one causing disaster.
They lifted a weight she didn't even know she'd been carrying.
"I'll stop them," Axeden declared, looking away, feeling a little guilty for lashing out.
Sophie's eyes widened, and she grabbed his wrist.
"No. You're not healed yet! Don't put yourself in danger. You don't even know what they're capable of!"
He glanced down. Her slender fingers were wrapped around his wrist gently. He smiled, just a little.
Sophie noticed and instantly pulled her hand back.
"I mean… you couldn't even stand properly. And you still have no power."
"Yeah, but I can't just sit and watch ----wait. I don't feel anything anymore. How's that possible? You said it would take longer than expected."
He looked at Kausphore for answers. Kausphore stared blankly.
"To stop the punishment," he said quietly, "you had to feel something more painful than both the punishment and healing combined. Some strong emotional pain, like fear, envy, hatred, or heartbreak."
Axeden blinked.
He knew what it had been.
And tried to brush it off.
"Anyway... I'm healed. So I'll go stop them from using the golden pearls."
"I'll come with you," Kausphore said.
"Don't you want to stay and protect the ladies?" Axeden muttered, glaring, even though deep down, he didn't want Kausphore near Sophie when he wasn't around.
"I just want to make sure nothing goes wrong. It's about her life. It's my fault for not thinking properly before doing it. And they'll be safe,as long as they stay in the house."
"Yeah," Aurora added. "Sophie and I have been living here together for months. It's totally safe."
Both men sighed.
"Let's go, then."
To be continued