Ch. 1891..1900
Chapter 1891
Chapter 1891
Persephone widened her eyes. It was her ex-boyfriend, the mistake of her four years in university-the youth she misspent, the jerk she misjudged!
She had inherited most of the excellent genes from the Hamertons, especially loyalty. Since entering university, she had fallen for this poised and handsome senior. She had poured her heart and soul into their four years together. Yet, on her graduation day, he confessed that he had fallen for someone else...
"Sephy, I'm sorry. She's the daughter of the chairman of the company where I interned. Being with her could spare me 20 years of struggle... Please understand, I want a better life!"
At that moment, Persephone almost crushed the cup of bubble tea in her hand!
Her parents had always taught her to keep a low profile, not just due to their humble and cautious nature but to avoid unnecessary trouble. As such, after attending the international kindergarten, she had private teachers at home starting from elementary school.
Even in university, she never disclosed her family background to any classmates. They assumed she was a bright student who had earned her way in.
Persephone took a deep breath, but Samuel Bellamy's words continued to haunt her.
"Sis, are you going to go rescue him or not?"
Persephone furrowed her brow. Although she was extremely disappointed in Samuel, she still had some attachment to their past and didn't want things to escalate further.
Following Theodore's advice, she headed toward the private club.
Inside a private club of the Hamertons, a handsome young man nervously faced two old men, terrified to even breathe. Either one of them had the power to crush him into powder.
The air was frigid, and Samuel's neck had stiffened. After a while, he nervously smiled.
Suddenly, Nicholas slammed the table. Samuel's legs went weak, and he knelt.
"Ahem!" Zephyr glanced at Nicholas. "Mind your manners!"
"Damn it! Why should I care about manners with this wimp? I..."
"Hey, hey!" Zephyr, always disapproving of Nicholas' rough manner, chided, "You were like this when you were young, no manners at all! Can't you change your thuggish ways? Don't embarrass Sephy!" Nicholas glared at him, turning his head away.
Zephyr's smile disappeared as he looked at Samuel, his gaze piercing, making him feel uneasy.
"Grandpa Zephyr, Grandpa Nicholas..." Samuel shuddered. "I-I really didn't know that Sephy is "
"Now you know?" Zephyr stared coldly at him. "Where does my granddaughter fall short of your expectations?"
Nicholas fumed. "This jerk chased after the company chairman's daughter for wealth and status!"
Samuel deeply regretted it. He would have stuck with Persephone if he had known about her background, even if by force! Then, he wouldn't have to struggle for 20 years. Maybe even his future generations could have skipped two lifetimes of hard work!
When Persephone arrived, she heard various shouts, cries, and pleas from inside the private club. Through the door slit, she saw Nicholas, who was never one to hold back, and the usually civilized Zephyr both involved.
She watched as they let out their anger.
Samuel, beaten down by the two elders, was carried out by Nicholas' men. He trembled in fear and fled in panic at the sight of Persephone.
Chapter 1892
Chapter 1892
Zephyr and Nicholas walked out together, resuming their bickering, each trying to prove who had been tougher earlier.
Persephone chuckled and walked up to them, hooking an arm around each.
"We let off some steam on your behalf just now." Zephyr ruffled her hair. "Feeling a bit better now?"
"Sephy, your Grandpa Nicholas' still got the moves!" Nicholas laughed. "But your taste, oh dear. You spent four years in university with that fella... Such a wimp, can't take a beating!"
"Nicholas!" Zephyr pursed his lips. "If you can't speak nicely, then keep quiet. Sephy's feeling upset."
Nicholas glared at him. "What's there to be upset about? Didn't we just thrash that kid?"
"You called him a wimp, implying Sephy can't choose right!"
"She never could. Why can't I say it?"
"You..."
"Grandpa Zephyr, Grandpa Nicholas!" Persephone was amused and exasperated by the two old men. "Could you two stop arguing? I've let go of Samuel already. Honestly, this fight was unnecessary for me." Zephyr and Nicholas exchanged a glance, understanding without speaking. They knew Persephone might appear easygoing, but she was actually sensitive and deeply committed to her relationships. She might take a while to recover from this heartbreak.
And the best remedy for a broken heart was to embark on a new relationship.
Zephyr probed, "Sephy, the Bayers are hosting a banquet this weekend. Toph and Arya's new works will be exhibited. It'll be lively! How about going with us?"
"Yes, yes!" Nicholas chimed in. "There'll be talented young folks at the banquet. It's good for you to socialize! You can't just pick anyone. You must find a match of status and background. Absolutely no more like Samuel, trying to 'help the poor'--"
Before he finished, Zephyr slapped him on the shoulder again.
A match of status and background? Persephone blinked. It didn't sit well with her. Perhaps having been born into privilege, she didn't desire a marriage based on status but rather a genuine and unconditional love.
If she had to marry for the family's benefit, that would be impossible for her.
She looked at the two seriously. "Grandpa Zephyr, Grandpa Nicholas, I want... to go away for a while."
"Sure!" Zephyr grinned. "I'll take you to the racetrack!"
"No," Persephone said. "I mean leaving Centrolis, going somewhere else."
Zephyr and Nicholas were stunned.
"I've grown up, but my life goals aren't that clear. I don't know what I can or want to do. I need time to think."
The two elderly men looked at each other and silently accepted her wishes.
Taking a trip might help. Seeing different aspects of the world might guide her to what she wanted to do.
"Besides contemplating my life, I have something very important." Persephone bit her lip, her tone incredibly resolute. "I want to go to Flinge. Greta might still be alive there, and I want to bring her back!"
Chapter 1893
Chapter 1893
No one, not even Persephone's parents or the persuasion of Zephyr and Nicholas, could deter her from making her decision.
A few days later, Persephone arrived in Flinge, the central city of the five provinces by the border. It was far from Centrolis, a world she had never seen before. Here, it was different from elsewhere, with its prosperity and darkness, a place of extravagance and infamy.
This area was a mix of everything, housing many fugitives, drug dealers, and wanted criminals. It was a haven for crime, as the rumors suggested.
"I heard Greta was sold to human traffickers by her own father!" Persephone remembered Theodore's words. "There are many human traffickers in Flinge. They torture kidnapped girls in various ways... The place is terrifying. Are you really going there?"
Persephone looked up at the neon signs overhead and took a deep breath.
In truth, human traffickers posed no threat to her. Even if there was no influence from the Hamertons there, they wouldn't allow her to face danger alone. Zuko had dispatched elite Hamerton bodyguards to protect her secretly, and Nicholas had arranged manpower in advance upon her arrival in Flinge.
After all, the Hamertons belonged to the legitimate business world, but in a place like Flinge, the influence of underworld forces was more prominent.
"Don't let Ms. Persephone find out!" They had reminded their subordinates before their departure. They just needed her to know that she was absolutely safe no matter where she was.
The streets of Flinge left Persephone a bit overwhelmed. It was different from Centrolis' grandeur-even the prosperity here carried a hint of allure.
Especially at night... Underground casinos, underground arenas, red-light districts... They transformed this place into another world.
Persephone wandered around this area for over a week. She knew someone was tailing her, and she knew the button on her bag was a tracking device.
Although she disliked the feeling of being watched, she understood she was the apple of her family's eye. Her parents, grandparents-both maternal and paternal, even her granduncle in Cumulus City-loved her more than themselves.
She couldn't allow any harm to come to herself. The bodyguards were necessary, and her safety was a priority. Even if she didn't care for herself, she had to ensure her own safety for those who loved her. However, things took an unexpected turn in the second week. The local factions targeted the bodyguards shadowing her.
The bodyguards were mistaken for members of rival factions, and they were attacked. Oblivious to it all, Persephone continued strolling down the streets, seeking Greta's whereabouts... Unexpectedly, she stumbled upon a clue and formed a plan to rescue Greta.
In the underground arena, amidst the hazy lights and the frenzied crowd's cheers, fighters battled for their lives. These fighters had signed a life-or-death contract. They weren't just fighting for a lucrative prize but also for a chance to survive.
A misstep meant only two outcomes-either being maimed or killed.
The strong scent of hormones excited the nerves of women in the crowd, screaming and generously rewarding the fighters. Among these fights, one involved the most renowned fighter in Flinge... Morpheus Orton.
As he entered, the cheers from the crowd escalated, almost lifting the roof. His movements were fluid and precise-a powerful throw followed by a heavy punch, and his opponent was thrown out of the ring, down and out.
The boxing ring bore marks of blood, and as Morpheus licked his lips, wiping sweat from his face, the referee's countdown ended without the opponent rising.
The referee raised Morpheus' hand, prompting another wave of screams from the crowd. Those who had bet on him won fortunes, while those who had bet against faced enormous debts and left gloomily.
Morpheus descended from the ring with an indifferent expression, heading to a corner. He removed his gloves and bandages, grabbing an ice pack from a bucket to place it directly on his head. The refreshing sensation spread from his head to his entire body, the mix of water and sweat trickling down his muscular chest, disappearing into the edge of his shorts.
Chapter 1894
Chapter 1894
"Morpheus, oh, Morpheus! Haha..." Amidst the chaos, a man's voice cut through with unusual clarity.
Morpheus glanced at the approaching figure. He was seated while Fat Jim stood, though he wasn't much taller.
"Morpheus, you've hit the jackpot!" Fat Jim's laughter crinkled his eyes and nose together. "The spectators are clamoring for you to have another match! Hehe! You're the pillar of our boxing ring now! How about it?"
He patted Morpheus' shoulder, pinched it hard, and then moved behind to pat his back, but Morpheus grabbed him by the arm.
"Hehe... Don't be so forceful!" Fat Jim almost lost balance. "Relax a bit. Get ready and keep up the good work! You can still win the next match!"
"No more," Morpheus muttered. "You know my rule: one match a day."
"Don't be so rigid! How is one match a day enough? Among all the fighters, your popularity is the highest!"
"Even if it's higher, it's still one match." Morpheus raised an eyebrow, his cold gaze akin to a predator prowling in the dark.
Fat Jim stiffened slightly.
Morpheus stood up. He was more than a head taller, a towering figure of over 1.90 cm.
It was his entire demeanor, however, that fully conveyed his dominance. His chilling aura made people hesitate to challenge him.
Sometimes, Fat Jim felt that Morpheus didn't need to fight. He could just step into the boxing ring and intimidate opponents into submission!
"Well... Morpheus, let's negotiate! As long as you agree to continue fighting, I'll offer you this!" Fat Jim gestured with his hand.
Morpheus raised an eyebrow. "5,000 dollars?"
"50,000 dollars!"
"No deal," Morpheus replied coldly.
Fat Jim leaned closer to Morpheus' ear and whispered, "Plus a girl..."
Morpheus' hand, clenched around the boxing glove, paused abruptly as he turned to look at him with suspicion. "What did you say?"
"Hehe..." Fat Jim's laugh turned particularly lecherous. "I knew you couldn't resist this! When was the last time you touched a woman? Let me tell you, it's one of the girls brought by Kourtney. She seems like an out-of-towner...
"I took a peek at her, and she is really beautiful!"
Fat Jim nudged Morpheus. "You're in for a treat tonight! Hahaha..."
Morpheus frowned slightly, his gaze darkening.
There was a subtle intention to embarrass him in Fat Jim's words. The notorious slayer of Flinge's boxing ring was never close to women and had gradually become a topic of external rumors he wasn't potent.
Despite his well-built physique, he wasn't even considered a man, hesitating around women. This was the heated gossip circulating outside.
Tonight, Fat Jim's apparent generosity with an extra fight and a girl for Morpheus was probably to satisfy his curiosity, to see if he would indeed falter. Morpheus rolled his eyes.
Just then, the door banged open. Several men dragged in a blindfolded girl, with Kourtney following behind and smiling obsequiously at Fat Jim and Morpheus.
Chapter 1895
Chapter 1895
"Oh, Morpheus, still so dedicated!"
The sharp voice of the woman made Morpheus furrow his brows involuntarily.
"I've brought something good for you today!"
Before the words could land, Morpheus had already noticed the girl they had brought along.
For some reason, his heart trembled slightly at the sight of her. This street was both the most bustling and the dirtiest in Flinge. He had never seen a girl daring enough to wear a long white dress on this street. Wasn't she afraid of getting dirty?
As it turned out, just like Fat Jim had said, she was an outsider, unaware of the dangers lurking in these murky waters.
Kourtney Moon took a few steps forward, her eyes glued to Morpheus' well-built muscles. She smiled cryptically, her hips sashaying like a serpent.
Clad in a striking dress that was fitted to her figure and paired with her bold makeup and fragrance, she exuded a compelling aura.
Her gaze roamed over Morpheus' form. As the most famous madam in this area, she always thought she was invincible among men. However, she hadn't expected to hit a wall with Morpheus.
From the very first glance, she had been captivated by this handsome, rugged, and masculine slayer of the boxing ring. No matter what tricks she pulled, though, Morpheus simply ignored her. In frustration, she spread the rumor that Morpheus was all show and no substance, incapable of performing.
Men took such matters more seriously than their lives, but strangely, Morpheus seemed unaffected by these rumors.
This surprised Kourtney. Could it be that she hit the nail on the head?
Hence, the scene unfolding now.
She brought the beautiful girl and handed her over to Fat Jim for him to test Morpheus.
Morpheus casually wrapped bandages around his hand, his voice low. "Kourtney, thanks for thinking of me, but take this girl back where you got her. There seems to be a crackdown on law and order in Flinge recently. Don't get yourself into trouble at this time."
"Oh, so you care about me?"
"I care about myself." Morpheus looked at her with a smirk. "In case this underground arena also gets targeted, where would I go to earn money?"
"You..." Kourtney glared at Fat Jim, who understood her intentions and directly pushed the girl into Morpheus' arms.
"Go on, go on! Finish this match quickly and spend a wonderful night with her! Morpheus, don't be ungrateful. Kourtney has never cared for anyone like this!"
Fat Jim squinted with a sinister smile, seeming eager for the drama.
Morpheus remained expressionless.
In this place, there was no humanity left. People became like animals, driven solely by instinct.
"It seems Morpheus doesn't want this girl." Kourtney laughed disinterestedly, swaying her hips as she turned to leave. "I'll take her back then. Check her out. She seems like a virgin. I could find a wealthy client to deflower her!"
Morpheus suddenly paused amidst packing his things.
He caught a glimpse of the two men Kourtney had brought trying to grab the girl. Even though her eyes were covered, and her white dress was a little dirty, she let them tug at her without a single reaction.
She wasn't panicking or flustered. Her mouth wasn't gagged, yet she didn't utter a sound. Even her fair hands remained clenched, like a small creature prepared to strike at any moment.
Something in Morpheus' heart was struck. A thought popped up subconsciously-he couldn't let those dirty hands touch this pristine dress.
Chapter 1896
Chapter 1896
Fat Jim and Kourtney were chatting and laughing as they walked out. When the door opened, a tall, sturdy figure blocked their path. Before they could react, Morpheus kicked the men who were holding the girl, sending them flying with force.
Then, he scooped the girl up with a swift motion, carrying her over his shoulder, and strode out through the doorway.
"I'm taking her with me," he stated firmly with his back to the others, enunciating each word. "From now on, she's mine."
All along the way, Persephone had her eyes covered, remaining so silent that it gave the impression that she might be mute.
The progress of events took her somewhat by surprise. However... lying across Morpheus' shoulder felt surprisingly comfortable.
He ran fast and steady, easily supporting her with just one arm. She guessed he must be a big guy. An inappropriate analogy flashed in her mind he was a bit like the horse she had raised in her family's stable since she was young.
Thinking about it made Persephone chuckle.
Morpheus' steps noticeably paused.
Soon, he brought her home. The house was a typical dwelling in this area of Flinge, a mixture of wood and bamboo, making creaking sounds when stepped upon.
Morpheus' house was small and sparsely furnished, and it did not even have an extra chair. He settled her on the only low sofa in the room, intending to remove her blindfold. However, he suddenly noticed something hidden in the boots she was wearing...
Morpheus froze.
Yet, in a quick move, she had already removed her blindfold. In that split second, Persephone suddenly leaped from the sofa. A cold glint flashed across his eyes.
Reacting swiftly, Morpheus dodged, immediately locking eyes with Persephone.
It was a gaze he would never forget in his life.
Her beauty seemed as if she didn't belong to this world. Even though slightly disheveled, she couldn't hide the elegant air about her. She resembled a startled rabbit but also a stubborn, relentless little leopard cub.
Persephone was momentarily stunned. The dagger was hidden in her boot, and her previous movements were quite agile. She hadn't expected him to dodge in time.
Morpheus was just as she had imagined-burly and powerful but with a face more chiseled than she had pictured and a pair of deep, complex eyes.
The two stood there quietly, a few seconds passing by like centuries.
Persephone regained her senses first, suddenly feinting a move past him. Then, she raised the dagger straight toward his chest!
The seasoned Morpheus had long seen through her trick. He easily evaded it, grabbing her shoulder as she attempted the move.
They accidentally knocked over a glass on the table in their struggle, scattering shards all over the floor.
Morpheus chuckled. "You came prepared, huh?"
He swiftly pulled her close, her head hitting his sturdy chest.
Then, his large hand encircled her slender waist while the other gripped her wrist. A slight exertion made her gasp in pain, the dagger falling to the floor with a cold clink. "Let go of me..." It wasn't until now that Persephone truly felt a bit flustered.
Morpheus looked up, alert, toward the direction of the window.
"Keep your voice down," he whispered near her ear, "If you don't want to be handed over to man after man, then behave yourself... and listen to me!"
Chapter 1897
Chapter 1897
Persephone had indeed quieted down, but her claws were still out.
Morpheus looked at her with an undecipherable look.
"Outside..." Persephone also heard the commotion and glanced at Morpheus.
Morpheus nodded slightly at her.
Oddly enough, how did he know that she wanted to ask if those people outside were the ones who had brought her here? Morpheus leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "It's Kourtney and Fat Jim. They came intentionally to test us." Persephone was puzzled. Test? Weren't those two clearly traffickers? Greta had been bought by them!
Morpheus asked, "Hey, can you moan?"
"Moan... about what?"
Morpheus smirked, swiftly lifting her by the waist and tossing her onto the bed.
Persephone was startled. She hit her head on the headboard and felt dizzy instantly.
The next moment, Morpheus pressed down on her!
Persephone screamed, kicking and resisting with all her might, but to no avail. It was then that she finally understood the saying about an insignificant insect trying to take on a giant tree. She was the little bug, and he was the robust tree!
Morpheus supported himself by her ears, using his gaze to signal her to stop screaming. However, Persephone, never having experienced such a scare, lost all rationality and wit at that moment. She was going to scream-she was too frightened!
Morpheus frowned, swiftly grabbing a clean cloth and gagging her.
A surge of grievance and shame burst forth, transforming into big tears streaming down Persephone's cheeks.
Morpheus suddenly felt a pang in his heart. He took a deep breath and growled a few times, his breathing becoming noticeably heavier. Persephone stopped crying, staring at him blankly.
She didn't quite understand why he was growling and panting like that. What was he trying to do?
Morpheus supported himself on the bed, looking at the girl beneath him. She lay there quietly with tear streaks on her face, her big eyes clear and innocent. Her hands were still defensively covering her chest. Her skirt was lifted, revealing fair and slender legs.
The heavy pants and low growls he made just now were deliberate for the people outside to hear.
However, as he looked at her now, an unexpected restlessness arose within him. Something wanted to act out of line.
Morpheus bit his lip, the brief pain jolting him back to reality, and that restless part subsided.
Persephone's mind went blank, staring at him, but he seemed unwilling to let her look. After confirming she wouldn't scream again, he gently removed the cloth from her mouth and then blindfolded her with it. Then, Persephone felt a gentle hand rubbing her head, particularly where she had bumped earlier.
After some time passed, there was no more movement outside. Morpheus slowly got up. Persephone stayed dumbfounded for a while before getting up and pulling off the blindfold. She tilted her head slightly, noticing sweat stains on the sheets.
He had just supported himself in a plank position for over half an hour.
Persephone took a deep breath and looked up to see Morpheus taking off his shirt and changing into a clean one. She gasped, covering her eyes with her hand.
Morpheus turned to look at her, chuckling. "Never seen a man shirtless before?"
Persephone sat on the edge of the bed, hugging her knees and not responding.
"I just took off my shirt, not my pants. You okay?"
"You..."
"Drink." Morpheus offered a cup.
Persephone glanced at him, very thirsty but hesitating to take it.
"There's no drug in it," Morpheus said.
Chapter 1898
Chapter 1898
"If I wanted to take advantage of you, just now would have been the perfect opportunity. Why would I need to drug you now?"
Persephone remained alert. She glimpsed the dagger on the floor and dashed to grab it.
However, Morpheus anticipated her move. He kicked the dagger away and swiftly pulled her into his arms, pinning her shoulder against the wall!
Persephone instinctively flinched, but as her back hit the wall, there was no expected pain. It felt like she had hit something thick and soft. When she realized it, it was Morpheus' big hand that separated her from the wall.
She couldn't move and met his icy gaze.
"Who sent you?" Morpheus' voice was heavy, each word sharp as ice. "To kill me?"
"You're with them!" Persephone showed no fear.
"What?"
"Hand over Greta!"
It was now Morpheus' turn to widen his eyes in bewilderment. What Greta, what them? He had never heard the name before!
"There seems to be a misunderstanding between us. I don't know the person you're talking about." Morpheus spoke clearly. "If you're willing, we can sit down and talk calmly. If you insist on killing me, I can send you to the afterlife now. It's your choice!"
His aura was uncompromising and dominating.
Persephone had never seen such an intimidating presence on an outsider before. She thought that her grandfathers and father were already impressive, but this man before her, though he lacked poise in comparison, had a thuggish air.
Persephone didn't want to lose in this situation. She nodded slightly. "I... I'll talk to you."
Morpheus narrowed his eyes. He slowly released, lifted, and placed her on a chair. This step was entirely unnecessary. She hadn't been injured and could have sat on the chair herself. For some reason, he just wanted to hold her, and he seized every chance to do so.
He didn't touch her skin directly but held her through her skirt. Even so, he was content. Her skirt was already smooth and soft.
A smile, even unnoticed by Morpheus, crept onto his lips.
"Tell me your name first, and then tell me who this Greta you're looking for is."
"Can I change the order?" Persephone's wide eyes were on him. "Greta is my best friend. Her father sold her here... I found out that the people who bought her were the man and woman from earlier!" Morpheus frowned slightly. "So, a young girl like you came to a place like this to save your friend?"
Persephone pressed her lips together, not saying more. She wasn't alone-she had bodyguards.
"Yes." After a while, she nodded. "I'm here to save her... We grew up together, and I have to bring her back!"
"But do you know what kind of place this is?"
"I do. That's why I appeared in front of those two people." Persephone remained calm, surprising him. "The best hunters always appear as prey, don't they?" Morpheus was slightly taken aback.
"So... you intentionally let them capture you? You turned yourself into prey first, then imagined taking them all down to save your friend?
"Miss, are you crazy?!"
Chapter 1899
Chapter 1899
Morpheus gazed incredulously at Persephone.
What was she saying? Best hunters? Appearing as prey? It sounded like a joke!
Those people's noses were keener than dogs in a place like this. They didn't care if one were a hunter or prey. As long as they smelled money on one, they would resort to all sorts of brutal means to drain one's last drop of blood.
"Unfortunately, you've got it wrong." Morpheus looked coldly at her. "The person you're looking for might not be on this street. At least I haven't heard that name."
"Could it be... Greta changed her name?" Persephone speculated. "What do girls sold here usually do?"
Morpheus frowned, staring at her as if she were clueless. No, she probably wasn't clueless. To speak of excellent hunters appearing as prey and maintaining calmness in danger? Such courage wasn't something an ordinary girl possessed. Perhaps in her world, she was clever, even from an elite background.
However, this was a quagmire, a bottomless, dirty pit.
Falling into this world, she was destined for doom.
"What do you think?" Morpheus' voice was icy. "The one who abducted you earlier, that woman's Kourtney Moon. She's a famous madam in the red-light district. The fat guy, Jim Liddell, has some influence in the underground arena. Do you think helpless girls could step into the ring?"
Persephone was stunned, and her eyes dimmed.
"Women who can't enter the ring to fight will have to end up in men's beds!"
Persephone's face paled, and she held her left wrist with her right hand.
Morpheus moved closer, his body's scorching heat almost touching her face.
He noticed a red string of a bracelet tied around her left wrist. This kind of red string represented a lifelong commitment in the border areas. Could it be... she already had someone in her heart? Morpheus' face fell, an inexplicable sense of jealousy churning in him. He moved closer, his hands resting on the sofa's armrests. His nose almost touched her forehead.
Persephone instinctively leaned back, and her heart beat erratically.
"Your friend has been in a dangerous situation since being sold to a place like this." Morpheus' voice was low. "If you still want to find her, be prepared for similar circumstances." Persephone bit her lip, refusing to show any fear.
Quietly, she repeatedly rubbed the small decoration on the red string. In reality, it was a chip used to communicate with her bodyguards. However, no matter how she tried, there was no response. She regretted her impulsiveness and recklessness. She thought that growing up in a family like the Hamertons had exposed her to enough of the world, enough to handle herself in a place like Flinge. She forgot that no matter how much of the world she had seen, it was only one side of it. She had been too confident and arrogant.
"What's wrong?" Morpheus looked at her lowered eyes, his voice tinged with mockery. "Are you afraid now?"
"I... I want to leave this place." After a long silence, Persephone spoke slowly. "Can you help me?"
Morpheus was shocked again, looking at her as if she were a fool. "What do you think this place is? An amusement park?"
"I can give you money!"
"I don't need money."
"I can also give you status. You're a fighter, right? Fighting in the underground arena, you earn a lot but also face life-threatening risks! If I help you get out of this environment, will you help me leave?" Morpheus straightened up, speechless.
"Bro, you're not a saint. There must be something you want in this world, right? Just name it, and I'll....."
"I want the moon. Can you pluck it for me?" Morpheus snorted. "This world isn't as simple as you think, at least not Flinge."
Persephone lowered her head in silence.
Morpheus glanced at her. Tears welled up in her eyes, yet she staunchly held them back.
Chapter 1900
Chapter 1900
Persephone was clearly afraid yet determined to tough it out. She clearly lacked the ability, yet insisted on barging into hell. Was she now left with nothing but stubbornness and pride? Morpheus sighed, his voice much gentler. "You've provoked Kourtney and Jim. Now that they've noticed you don't expect to leave unscathed. This place has complex gang relations. The entire Klinge is just gang territory."
He looked at her. "You've already gotten involved, and you won't be able to pull yourself out. Besides, you still want to continue searching for your friend's whereabouts, right?"
Persephone thought for a moment and nodded. "So... what should I do?"
"Stay with me for now."
"With... you?"
Morpheus raised an eyebrow. "Am I not good enough for you?"
Persephone was momentarily at a loss for words, her mind blank.
"Just kidding." Morpheus chuckled. "We'll stay together temporarily, making them think you're with me. It'll keep you safe."
Persephone sat quietly, not saying a word. The feisty, clawed little cat had suddenly become a docile rabbit. The softest spot deep within Morpheus was unintentionally stirred. After a while, he sat next to her and solemnly said, "Rest assured. I won't touch you."
Persephone looked up abruptly. His gaze was cryptic, but she could see a glimmer of warmth like the setting sun breaking through dark clouds and gradually softening him. She glanced at her bracelet, the pendant still dark. Unable to contact her people, he might be her only reliance for now.
"Okay," she said softly. "When I safely leave this place, I'll make sure to thank you properly."
"Don't worry about leaving for now. If the time comes, I'll help you."
"Okay."
"But first, you need to tell me your name." Morpheus turned to look at her, smiling. "I'm Morpheus Orton."
He then took out paper and pen from the drawer to write down his name.
Persephone smiled sheepishly.
"What's your name?"
"I'm Persephone Hamerton."
Morpheus stared. "Did your birth cause your parents a lot of trouble?"
"You..." She also glared at him, writing her name on the paper.
Once finished, they exchanged a smile.
"Persephone" and "Morpheus" were written side by side on the paper, just like the two of them were sitting closely together in front of the table.
"By the way, there's one more thing," Morpheus said with a serious tone. "The people outside earlier were Kourtney and Fat Jim. Kourtney will surely ask you about me tomorrow..."
"Ask me about what?"
Morpheus coughed, feeling a bit awkward. "Just follow what I taught you, alright?"
"Oh." Persephone struggled to understand. "Then how should I respond?"