One evening, after returning from work, Vixen walked into the house, casually calling out Kin's name. But there was no response. A strange silence echoed through the rooms.
He searched his own room—empty.
An uneasiness gripped his chest. Fearing the worst, Vixen hurried toward Shen's room.
And then… his heart stopped.
Inside, he found Shen with his hand wrapped tightly around Kin's throat, pushing Kin down on the bed while Kin struggled, desperately gasping for air.
Without a second thought, Vixen lunged forward and shoved Shen with all his strength.
Shen, already physically weak, was flung off Kin and hit the floor with a dull thud.
Kin coughed violently, clutching his throat. But instead of thinking about himself, he stumbled toward Shen, kneeling beside him to check if Shen was okay.
Vixen stood frozen—watching Kin… still selfless, still kind.
Kin helped Shen sit up and gently fed him water, wiping his mouth with a cloth like nothing had happened.
Then, Kin stepped outside the room with Vixen. The tension between them was thick and silent.
Vixen gently held Kin's wrist, inspecting him closely.
That's when he saw it.
Clear red finger marks around Kin's neck.
A fury surged inside him.
"You're coming with me to the doctor tomorrow," Vixen said firmly.
But Kin shook his head, refusing. "No, I don't want that."
Vixen sighed, his voice low and serious now.
"Kin… I think we need to put an end to what's happening between us. At least until we understand everything clearly. It's too dangerous."
Before Kin could protest, Vixen took his hand and guided him back to their room.
Sitting him down, he gently applied ointment to the angry marks on his neck.
"I'm going to speak to the village uncle tomorrow," Vixen murmured. "About the cult. We can't ignore this anymore."
Kin nodded in agreement. "Can you also ask him to bring Little Kenny to meet me sometime? It's been so long… I really miss him."
Vixen smiled faintly. "Of course."
They spoke a while more about their work and some mundane topics to ease the tension, then headed for dinner. But before sitting down, both of them went to check on Shen once more.
Shen was sleeping quietly.
Satisfied that everything was under control for now, they returned to their own room.
Vixen poured a glass of warm milk and left it on Kin's bedside table.
After wishing each other good night, Kin softly said, "Good night, Vixen."
But Vixen didn't reply immediately. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Kin from behind.
"Close your eyes for a moment, honey," Vixen whispered.
Kin blinked. "Why?"
"Just do it," he smiled. "Please…"
Kin hesitated, then closed his eyes.
And then—he felt Vixen move away slightly.
When he opened his eyes, he gasped.
Vixen was kneeling in front of him, holding out a ring. His hands were trembling.
Before Kin could say anything, Vixen gently slipped the ring onto Kin's finger.
"I want to be yours in every lifetime, Kin," he said, voice shaking with emotion.
"Wherever you go, I'll follow. Be it heaven or hell… I'll be there by your side.
Through every joy, every pain… in all my lives, I promise I'll belong only to you."
Tears welled up in Kin's eyes. His heart was overwhelmed.
"I want that too," Kin whispered through soft sobs. "In every form… in every life… I want you to be my partner. No matter how we're born again."
He hugged Vixen tightly, burying his face in his chest, crying in joy.
And in that room filled with quiet warmth and soft light…
two souls silently vowed to never let go of each other.
To be continued...