'Are we tied to each other by fate or by a curse?'
"They betrayed each other"
Zhan looked at his uncle and then at Lucifer. His eyes moved all over the room to make sense of the situation. He's been at a desperate end to know what his parents did ever since he could make sense of what people said about him or his parents. But now that he sat in front of his uncle who was slowly peeling off the layers of his parents doings, he couldn't stand hearing it. Only a sentence and he's already at the verge of breaking down.
"Wh- what are you saying? B-betrayed... Each Other? B-but you've always told me how much they loved and cared about each other! How can you just-"
The younger went silent seeing the look his uncle gave him. There was sympathy in his eyes.
"Zhan, my child, you've suffered enough because of how people called your parents traitors, I didn't want to add to the wounds by telling you that the only comforting truth you had was nothing but a lie"
"What did they do?"
"They got married because of the situation of the families not because they loved each other. According to both the families, they were the perfect match and their offsprings could be a new hope for both the humans and the vampires. You already know they worked for the agency... Other than that they were very well acquainted with the vampires because of their special bloodline. The things weren't always like this. Vampires and humans did work together and the special bloodline worked as a link between them. Your father...um he loved someone else.. "
Zhan's eyes widened seeing all the lies shattering down. Oh how the walls have crumbled down on him.
"There was another girl in our team, Eleanor. Your mother had a crush on your father since they were childhood sweethearts but Xiao Yang never saw her as a potential partner and then she came into the picture. But as abruptly she'd arrived she left silently. Xiao Yang was desperate to fill her position and the family pressure drove him over the edge and he ended up marrying Lily. He hadn't moved on so their relationship was very unstable but to some outsider it was an ideal relationship."
Zhan clenched the bedsheets not knowing what to do with all the emotions thundering inside him. He felt like he was going to explode from all the information poured into him without any warning.
"There was some kind fude going on between the vampires and humans so, as to dissolve it the agency arranged an expedition of a number of people. They had no idea as to who would participate from the Royal Family... The expedition team consisted of me, your aunt, your father, your mother and a few more people... When we crossed over, we were greeted rather ambiguously... There was a hoard of Palace guards and a young man was leading them. He claimed to be sent as the representative of the Palace... We were weirded out since he was all by himself and soon he sent the guards back too. We spend around a month near the mountains exploring with the man. It went pretty smoothly and your father and mother grew closer to that man... Especially your mother.. They seemed to get along really well... When asked he said she gives off a feeling of family.... At the point we were very well aware of what kind of effect special bloods have on vampires. They are a source of comfort for them. Their scent is like a calming charm for the vampires and yet it can instigate severe emotional distortion for them."
Zhan had calmed down a little from all the emotional havoc going on inside him as he listened to the story attentively. His eyes would travel to Luicfer who stood in the doorway as determined as ever with hint of remorse towards his Uncle. His gaze would linger at the vampire before shifting back to his uncle.
"Lilly was the closest to a pure blood in the bloodlines at that time so they were very well aware of her influence. Xiao Yang didn't mind knowing very well they were more or less like siblings because of the way the man treated her and him as well. They could be considered really close friends at this point. The expedition ended on a friendly note and all of us returned."
"What happened afterwards?"
"Half a year later the Palace invited the expedition team to visit the Palace. The agency readily agreed and sent the four of us. It was a very pleasant experience. The very man who'd joined us on the expedition showed us around the Palace. But only after lurking around every corner of the Palace did they realise that the young man was none other than the Only Prince of the Palace... Prince Wang Jian Hao... It was a shock for us but nothing changes in particular until he introduced someone to us.. "
"Introduced? Who?"
"His Fiancée... His wife to be and the First Queen of the Vampire Empire after he inherits the throne. But the thing that struck thunder among us wasn't related to the future Queen of the Palace. It was the Royal Quest and the person the Prince adored with all his heart... It was that girl... Lilly and Xiao Yang recognised her instantly and it would be a lie to say that they weren't affected in the least.... Nevertheless there was no further encounter between them for the rest of the time we spent there... But something had changed... A terrible change... When we returned Xiao Yang wasn't the same.. They weren't the same. Even before they weren't all over each other since the marriage was nothing but a contract... At least for Xiao Yang... Lilly worshipped their relationship yet couldn't get anything from it"
Hae In stopped momentarily seeing Xiao Zhan's condition. Boy looked like he was going to start hyperventilating any moment now. As he stopped, Xiao Zhan looked up as if urging him to continue.
"Xiao Yang's visits to the other side increased, he would often visit even when not asked or needed and of Lilly couldn't bear to see the world she'd created falling apart... I think one of her prayers brought the havoc on both the humans and vampires. A war broke out between the two races because the humans were allegedly accused of being the cause of the plague that was wiping out the vampires at a rapid pace. The agency was accused of causing the outbreak of the plague... Two years into the cold War and humans also started showing symptoms of getting effected by that very plague. The effects were completely different... Whatever it was it killed the vampires slowly and gave them a painful death whereas if a human was infected he'd die within a day or two. A quick death yet painful. Xiao Yang and Lilly started working together to find a cure or something to help both sides. The humans to develop the symptoms the fastest were the special bloods... Wiping out bloodlines after bloodlines... This made the drift worse since the special bloodlines were a connection between the vampires and humans."
Min Hae In sucked in a breath because of the churning feeling rising in him.
"7 years... 7 years went down and the relationship between the two races came to a cold end where neither of them tried reconciliation or even open opposition. That year was actually one of the most peaceful of all... Lilly got pregnant with you... It was the most beautiful time of her life... Xiao Yang at first was very reluctant to accept that they were going to have a string in the name of a child that will bind them together... But eventually gave in because of how happy Lilly was. She was going to have the complete family she wanted and she wished for the longest."
"S-so... You... You are telling me I might as well been a mistake?"
Zhan chuckled dryly as his identity was being ripped away from him rather harshly. This was so hilarious yet so humourless that he couldn't help but laugh at it since crying was not the option....yet.
"Zhan no matter what they both loved you"
"Oh yeah?... I'm not so sure about that any more.... Let's listen to it more so I can actually find out if they really loved me or not even though it doesn't matter at this point..."
He was lying.. It did...it mattered a lot... He was still blindly hoping that his parents didn't do anything un-redeemable that he won't be able to forgive or forget...
"Lilly gave birth to the healthiest baby of that time. Both of them adored you... Lilly named you Zhan... Xiao Zhan... She used to call you her little fighter since you gave her hope and a reason to always move ahead and fight for herself and for you. Everything was going well... A bit too well. First time in 9 years an invitation from the Palace caused a mess in the agency. The invitation was stamped with the Royal Emblem and the name of the Emperor was written with bold letters 'Emperor Wang Jian Hao'.... The content of the invitation were kept confidential and the only information we got was that Lilly and Xiao Yang were invited with their child."
"I'd been to the other side before?"
"Yes Zhan you've been to the other side and that wasn't the only time you went there but that place gave you nothing but painful memories, that you decided to forget"
Zhan groaned as a stinging pain shot up his head. He held his head on frustration.
"Bits and pieces are missing since I didn't tag along this time. On top of that your Aunt was sick around that time and our son was showing some sort of similar symptoms to the virus or whatever that was. By that time it was named as the VH-13.. I was scared for both of them. I feel so pathetic saying this but at that time I was completely detached from Xiao Yang and Lilly. I regret it to this day. If only I had been there for the both of them, things might be a bit different from how they are."
"..."
"The next time I met them things weren't the same as they had been. I don't know what happened but they were fighting a lot. I know it might sound absurd, you might not want to believe me but your dad did something none of us could imagine. He was very well aware of how special your mom's blood was but the thing is he knew how special your blood was... Xiao Yang was a genius a d he had found a way to cure people from that virus... He never revealed it knowing it could put you and your mom in danger. Both of them secretly helped me and my family and I'll always be under their dept... Lilly didn't want anyone to know about the fact that her son is a life source. She knew people will do anything to get their hands on you. She loved you dearly... I later discovered that both of them had been conducting experiments on each other to find the perfect cure and all the experiments had a very drastic effect on Lilly's health."
"If everything was going fine then what happened?"
"Someone dear to Xiao Yang got infected. He tried persuading Lilly but she refused to help him knowing one more attempt and she'll die."
"She was dying?... And yet Dad asked her to do something that could potentially kill her? What?"
"He asked her if he could us- um take you to help that person-"
"USE ME! To use me!! Don't sugar-coat your words!"
"Zhan calm down hmm..."
"What happened next?"
"Of course Lilly turned him down immediately. If he was to really take you and help that person he'd be putting you in a huge danger."
"Wow.. He didn't care about my mom.. He didn't care about me? I've been looking up to that man for my whole life! Did you enjoy making a fool out of me! Huh! Tell me Mr. Hae In!! Did you find it amusing!"
"I'm sorry"
"What did he do? What did he do!!"
"H-he... He took you with force... He took you without Lilly's permission"
"Ha ha... Ha ha" Zhan laughed at how pathetic it sounded. His hand swiftly moved over his eyes. Even though tears were forming in his eyes, he refused to cry and could only laugh at himself.
"I'm missing a lot of pieces but Lilly went after him. I don't know what happened there... The next time we met... It was just you. Emperor Wang Jian Hao brought you back. You were in a horrible state Zhan. That day before leaving, he warned me.. If the boy he brought back ever tried meeting his son. He'd kill him with his own hands... I don't know Zhan what happened but that man had remorse, rage, pain, and hatred all together in his gaze. Later I found out that some horrible events went down there. Lilly killed the the Second Queen... Who presume was the same woman Xiao Yang once loved and I'm positive she was the one who Xiao Yang was trying to save at the cost of his wife, his son and his own life."
"At that time the plague was consuming the humans rapidly so when the agency discovered that Xiao Yang and Lilly had found the cure they labelled them as traitors as both of them went over to the vampire's side... Nobody knew that they didn't betrayed anyone but each other. Xiao Yang and Lilly paid for the betrayal with their lives."
Hae In looked up as he finished the story. He looked up to see Zhan sitting with a blank look as if trying to find the suitable reaction for the situation. What was he supposed to express? Sorrow? Anger? Rage? Longing? What?
"Uncle why did they... Ha... Why?... Why?"
The only thing he felt was a strong sense of betrayal by both his parents.
"I tried my best that no one finds out who you really are but I didn't want to rip you off your identity. You were Sean Xiao Zhan and you'll always be Sean Xiao Zhan. Even though the agency was very much interested in finding what cure Xiao Yang and Lilly came up with. They couldn't find it and I never revealed what the cure was, knowing they'll take you away forcefully. I couldn't take the risk. I couldn't put you in any kind of danger. That's why I never wanted you to associate with Vampires and these stuff... I knew one day.... One day you'll get tangled in the messy strings of the past. The past generation did a lot of mistakes and I didn't want you to face the consequences that's why I always tried hiding you from the world. From everyone's eyes, that's the least I could do in return for what your parents did for me"
"At least someone appreciates them."
"Zhannie your parents weren't bad people. They never intended to harm each other or you or anyone for that matter.. Their bad decisions are what caused all this. Humans or even vampires or anyone and everyone is bound to make mistakes. The thing is they forgot their actions could actually affect your whole life.."
"And you said they loved me? ... Uncle, am I apathetic? Or do I not know what love is? Or do I not see their love even when I'm trying to find even the smallest ounce of the love they showed me?"
"Zhan..."
"You don't have to defend them out of gratitude. They are dead!"
"Xiao Zhan!"
"What!? Do you still expect me to respect such people!! You are so wrong for that!"
Lucifer who'd been silent all the time looked at Xiao Zhan with a face he couldn't interpret.
"Your Prince. He's here"
"Yibo?"
"Wait a minute! Prince!? The son of the Emperor Wang?"
Zhan looked back at his uncle who was getting paler by the moment. He held Zhan's shoulders and shook him.
"You can't associate with that vampire!! I can't allow you to meet him!!"
"Uncle-"
He was cut off as his uncle hugged him and squished him tightly not paying any mind to his wounds. He was terrified and Zhan got scared a little seeing his reaction.
"No... Zh-Zhan not him! Anyone but him! Please Zhan..."
"Unc- you are h-hurting me"
Lucifer moved over and pushed away the man effortlessly. He grabbed Zhan's arm and pulled him up and carried him without much difficulty.
"Put him down! Put my son down this instant! I'm telling you Lucifer!!! Put him down!!"
"Not this time Min Hae In. He'll make his own decisions! I won't let anyone drag him down this time! Not again! He'll live! He has to live.."
'Again?'
"Lucifer... What are you saying?"
Zhan was taken aback by his words but he refused to answer or even look at him. This was the first time Zhan felt such intense emotions from Lucifer. As if... As if... He was trying to correct his mistake...
"We're leaving"
"Wait! Uncle! Wai-"
He couldn't complete his sentence and felt like everything was spinning as he held on to Lucifer for dear life. In no time they were at another familiar place. Zhan recognised the door very well. He immediately jumped down from Lucifer's arms and rushed into the apartment. The door was open but there was no sign of Yibo. He turned to look at Lucifer who was still standing outside.
"Where is he! Where is Yibo?!"
"He's coming..."
Zhan tumbled down on the floor not having any energy left to deal with anything. He could only wait for Yibo.
"Why aren't you coming in?"
"This place is protected by the Royal barrier. I'm not allowed in since the barrier considers me a threat to that brat and you as well... It's a different story if you allow me in yourself"
"Come in already"
"I can't. You have to help me in"
He said stretching his empty hand towards Zhan. The human suppressed an urge to roll his eyes but went over nevertheless. He held Lucifer's hand and walked in with him. Lucifer looked down at the hand with a subtle smile but when Zhan tried letting go, he immediately held on even tightly. He looked up in a panic to find a very confused Zhan.
"We're already inside... Let go"
"What if I get hurt the moment you let go"
"So much for a noble vampire of a high rank hm? Whatever, can we at least sit down? I'm tired"
"Emhm"
They both settled down with Lucifer's hand still firmly holding Zhan's...
"Why does the Emperor hate me Lucifer? Even you said that if he finds out who I am, he'll be the first one to kill me.. Why?"
"What do you expect from him, when your mother killed someone he loved so dearly"
"The Queen?"
"The Second Queen... Yibo's Mother"
Zhan felt like his heart would burst any minute now... He felt like the world would come to an end any moment but nothing happened. He sat there pretty much alive and the world was still moving along not giving a fuck about what was happening.
"Mom killed his mother"
"Emhm"
"How do you know all of this?"
"I might look young to you Zhan but I am in fact very old... Um not that it matters..."
"Oh yeah?" Zhan asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Xiao Zhan-"
"You don't actually love me Lucifer"
"Zhan-"
"You know it very well. You don't love me. You are guilty of something. Don't project your guilt on me like everyone else. I'm not a dumpster for emotionally unstable people"
The moment the human mentioned 'guilt' Lucifer couldn't help but squeeze his hand anxiously but he remained unfazed.
"We'll argue over this some other time. I don't wanna prove anything to you right now"
"Let go of my hand"
Lucifer didn't argue and immediately loosened the grip. He reluctant with-drew his hand. He stood up and walked around the living room. He was about to walk into a room when he felt a hand curling around his wrist stopping him in his track. He turned around to look at the human who was giving him subtle glares as warnings.
"Not allowed in there"
Lucifer retrieved his steps obediently and helped Zhan back to sit down in a comfortable place. He sensed that someone was coming and he chuckled dryly as Zhan got up and rushed over to the door. The apartment was plunged into utter darkness so Yibo didn't see him or maybe he was too focused on Xiao Zhan to even notice anything. Lucifer bitterly witnessed their oh so sorrowful reunion but stepped in as he saw Xiao Zhan trying to make Yibo feel like a saint and that he's got nothing to worry about.
- Present -
Yibo was sitting in front of Zhan with the same blank look he had after listening to what his parents did.
"I'm sorry for forcing myself into your life"
"And now what?"
"I'll leave! I'll leave without saying anything! I'll-"
"And that'll fix everything!"
Zhan flinched as the vampire raised his voice at him. Alex and Hai Kuan decided to give them some space seeing their heated argument. They walked out of the apartment silently.
"Yibo listen! You.. You said you don't love me! And and... And you said you won't hesitate to snap my neck if I were to stand against you! Remember! You... You don't love me! You-"
"Xiao-"
"It's not love! It never was!"
"Xiao Zhan-"
"I lied! I'm an asshole! I'm a fucking prick who doesn't care about anyone! Even I want to kill me!!"
"Stop it! Stop forcing me to admit that I hate you and that I want to kill you!! Stop it!!" Yibo said holding him and shaking him violently.
"But you do! You should! You are supposed to!!" The human yelled and pushed him away.
"Are you stupid! I love you! I just said that I love you!! I love you with everything I have!"
Yibo was getting agitated because of how stubbornly stupid Xiao Zhan was acting.
"But you shouldn't! I don't deserve it!!! Why can't you see it!!" He barked at the vampire getting angry because of his persistence.
"What is there to see! What!! We have nothing to do with what our parents did!!"
Zhan stepped back and clenched his fists desperately, not knowing what to say. This argument was so pointless and he was well aware of it.
"Yibo you don't love me! You.. You love this!" He said pointing at himself "You love this body! You love the blood coursing through my veins! It is driving you crazy! It's not love... It's the fucking fault of who I am! It's all my fault! I shouldn't be even existing!! Ask yourself! How can you love the son of your mother's killer! Ask yourself!"
"Do you even hear yourself! You are spouting nonsense and nothing!" Yibo tried not to yell but he couldn't control it. He was about to get closer to the human but what Xiao Zhan said next shook him and froze him on the spot.
"You will regret loving me dammit! I don't wanna see regret in your eyes one day when you finally realise that loving me was nothing but a mistake!!"
"..."
"I won't be able to live with that! I won't be able to continue living seeing doubt and regret in your eyes for the love you claim to have for me."
"Zhan-" He whispered softly not wanting to irritate the boy even more. He reached over but hesitated seeing how emotionally whelmed the human looked.
"I can live with this.. I can continue with this.. I am content with this.. You saying you love me is enough for me... But I don't want you to regret. I-"
Zhan's breath hitched as he was pulled in by Yibo. At first he tried pushing him away, even tried hitting him but he didn't have the heart to hit him. He could never. He felt his heart calm down in Yibo's embrace who was gently caressing his hair.
"I'm not Xiao Yang... Don't be afraid..."
Zhan felt his body stiffen up as he realised what he was doing. He was seeing Yibo and his relationship in his parents light. His dad's actions disgusted him and his mom's obsessive love that made that unstable relationship was really taking a toll on him. He was relating his love for Yibo to his mother's for his father when he didn't appreciate it.
"But what's the guarantee that I am not a reflection of Lilly Xiao?" He inquired in a broken whisper. For the first time since he'd met the vampire, he felt vulnerable and weak and didn't try hiding it. It was kind of pathetic but he couldn't care less at the moment. He clutched onto Yibo's shirt firmly.
"So what?"
"Huh.. What if I change? What if I-"
"I'll bring you back to me. No matter how far you go... No matter how deep you drown... I'll always bring you back to me right here in my arms..."
"What if I refuse to return? What if I-"
"And I'll give up? Oh please, as if you'll say you won't come back and I'll leave... I'll be the anchor of your life. You will... You have to come back to me no matter how many times you leave"
Yibo said sternly looking at him intensely as if giving a silent command, making a quiet promise.
"Thank you"
"For what?"
"I don't know..."
Alex knocked on the door and entered after getting the permission. Hai Kuan followed along silently. Alex pulled out the journal and handed it over to Yibo.
"It belongs to the late Queen... I think we'll be able to get the missing pieces from this"
Yibo gulped and grasped the velvet covered journal. His cold fingertips brushed over the velvet and he quivered imagining how many times his mother must've held it. All of them sat down in a circle as Hai Kuan lit the fire place seeing how Xiao Zhan was shivering because of the cold.
Yibo opened the journal and smiled softly at the name shinning in the centre of the page. He ran his fingers across it and sighed.
Queen Eleanor Wang
It rolled off his tongue a bit unnaturally. He abandoned the thoughts bubbling in him and flipped the pages.
Entry 1
I, Eleanor Wang, the Second Queen of the Palace of the Vampire Kingdom, Wife of Emperor Wang Jian Hao and Mother of my Prince Wang Yibo, gladly submit to death.
Yibo's breath hitched as the words got stuck in his throat. He felt a relatively warm hand clutching his colder one. He didn't need to look up to know it was Xiao Zhan. He flipped the page and continued.
Entry 2
Yibo my child one day you'll get your hands on this journal. I hope you can forgive the mistakes of your elders.
Xiao Yang found out that I am indeed infected by the virus. What he doesn't know is that I was already infected when I was five months pregnant. I survived for so long just because of my son. Jian Hao is still unaware of this news and I don't intend on revealing it. It will only cause trouble for everyone. I know Xiao Yang liked me when I was still working in the agency but I couldn't return those feelings in a million years. My heart found its owner in Jian Hao.
Yibo paused as the entry ended at his father's name.
Entry 3
I am devastated as I write today. Yibo is infected with the virus. My suspension was indeed correct. Mother is sorry for causing so much pain for you son. I am positive Yibo got infected by me during the pregnancy. I can't bear to see my child dying. I contacted Xiao Yang. He wanted to cure me but I want nothing more than to see my son healthy.
Yibo clenched his fists knowing what happened when his mother asked for Xiao Yang's help. He looked up to see Xiao Zhan looking at him with nothing but adoration.
"She loved you so much" The human said through teary eyes and a smile that could never reach his eyes.
Not being able to witness his devastated state, Yibo flipped the page and continued reluctantly.
Entry 4
Today I played with Hai Kuan, Yanli and Yibo in the garden. I was tired and honestly my body has started deteriorating. I don't know for how long I can keep up.
.....
Xiao Yang showed up at the Palace with a boy. I recognise the boy as Yang and Lilly's only son, Sean Xiao Zhan. The boy is a ray of sunshine. He shines the brightest among the children. He has the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. I'm sorry Yibo but he's so cute. Mama will praise you a lot when you grow up into a handsome man. For now you are really stubborn and mischievous and you don't listen to Ma.
.....
As I am sitting in the garden. You and Xiao Zhan are playing. He's a year older than you and runs faster than you. He lost many of the races deliberately to make you happy. Both of you oddly like each other very much despite the fact that you two have completely different personalities. I hope you two grow up to be great friends. Xiao Zhan takes care of you so nicely. Surprisingly, you didn't even bothered to ask where your sister and brother went with your father. Was playing always this fun?
.....
You look so peaceful sleeping beside your little human friend. Mother is really sorry you have to go through all this. Today you fainted and it scared me. Lilly arrived at the Palace and she was very angry. I realised Xiao Yang came without telling or asking her. Lilly slapped my son. I was angry at her for hurting you. What I didn't know was that she's just trying to protect her own son... Just like me. Xiao Yang told me that the cure for me and my son reside in the human child. They have a suspicion that the process can harm the kid. So, I refused to take help from him. I don't wanna harm someone's child to save mine.
Yibo let out a shaky breath as he finished the entry. He felt a gentle hand rubbing his back in a comforting manner.
Entry 5
Today I feel like I am the worst person to exist. I didn't know I could stoop so low just for my own sake. Yibo fainted after having two consecutive nosebleeds. He was burning in fever for the past three days and he keeps asking about his friend. When offered blood, he refuses to drink it saying he doesn't find it appetising and it makes him want to throw up. The imperial doctors have lost hope. They think that only a miracle can save my dying son. He's lost his abilities to distinguish between taste and blood disgusts him. He is not getting any nutrition and I am losing hope every passing minute. I contacted Xiao Yang even though I know what I am doing is wrong, I can't help it.
Entry 6
Yibo woke up with blood spilling from his eyes and he keeps saying he can't see anything. I am terrified of what is going to happen next. As he's lying in his bed, he looks as dead as a corpse. How can a mother call her own son a corpse? How cruel! How pathetic! I am desperate and I know I will hate myself for what I am about to do.
.....
Xiao Yang and Lilly are temporarily living near the Palace since Lilly was in no condition to leave. I pity her but I am selfish for my son. I called Xiao Yang and he brought his son with him. I kept it from Jian Hao and I have no intentions of telling him of how despicable I am.
.....
In order to ensure my son's safety, the imperial doctors suggested forming a soul bound between the two boys. I know I am being very unfair and cruel to the young human boy but I am helpless against the fate. I know the consequences of a soul bound but that's the only way to make sure my son lives.
.....
Both of them suffered because of how draining the process was but it has come to an end. Sean Xiao Zhan now carries the marks of my son, Prince Wang Yibo. He's destined to keep him safe and alive for this lifetime.
Yibo clutched the journal tightly in rage. He threw it across the room standing up.
"Yibo-"
"It would've been better if she had let me die! Look what she did!"
"She did what she thought was the best-" Zhan said standing up and moving his hand up and down Yibo's arm in a soothing way.
"No! Selfish! Cruel! She turned me into the cause of your misery! I am the reason you are so miserable"
"Blaming each other or ourselves won't do any good. Sit down and let's continue hmm" He continued as he pulled him down and made him sit. Hai Kuan brought the journal back and handed it over to Yibo.
"Isn't that enough? Do we need- Do we even want to know more? It's already so unbearable. I don't wanna know how fucked up our lives are because of what our elders did"
There was a long pause before Alex spoke up.
"T-the soul bound the Queen mentioned... If it is what I think it is and if it is the one I am thinking about... Then we have to continue. Your lives depend on what information we dig into"
There was this still air that strung the hearts and made them quiver in fear of what they were going to find out.
"Let's continue"
°°°°°°°°°°°
13th, February 2022