Ch. 1951..1960
Chapter 1951
Chapter 1951
Morpheus' gradual recovery unfolded day by day. Capitalizing on the sunny weather, he meticulously cleaned his home, both inside and out.
However, in the process, he encountered an array of poignant memories tied to a particular individual-a bunch of dried flowers, a half-eaten box of chocolates, a stack of prescriptions...
His heart suddenly clenched with pain.
Persephone cherished the streets of Flinge, particularly the unknown little colorful and vibrant flowers blooming by the roadside. She claimed these flowers were never seen in Centrolis. After confirming they were unattended, she secretly plucked a bunch and turned them into dried flowers. Each day, she would beam at the flowers with a bright smile.
With a penchant for sweets, especially after he scolded her, she would guilt-trip him with her big teary eyes, prompting him to feel he had been too harsh. Consequently, he would regularly buy her chocolates. There were limited dessert options in Flinge, and this brand of chocolate stood out as the best.
Concerned when he got injured, she stayed up all night writing prescriptions, asserting that they were secret formulas from Southeast Aciatic and highly effective for bruises...
As Morpheus ruminated on her, memories of her appearance and personality crystallized in his mind, yet his vision began to blur.
He chuckled, muttering inwardly, 'Silly girl... She even knows secret recipes from Southeast Aciatic.'
After the chuckle, he suddenly felt a cool drop on the back of his hand.
Abruptly, urgent knocking interrupted Morpheus's thoughts. He swiftly gathered everything and opened the door to a sly, smiling face.
"Bro!" Fat Jim slapped his chest. "Wow, you're looking stronger!"
Morpheus's gaze dimmed. He said nothing, just stepping aside to let him in.
Once Fat Jim entered, he started surveying the room-boxing gloves, punching bags, and training equipment in abundance. However, the dried flowers peeking out behind the cabinet clashed with the room's masculine vibe.
He smirked, speculating about the potential connection between the man who wanted Morpheus dead and the owner of these dried flowers. Nevertheless, he remained indifferent to their love triangles or quadrangles. The cash he held was the most tangible thing.
Fat Jim paused, reaching into his pocket to retrieve a small dark vial. "Take this before next week's match."
Morpheus was taken aback. He knew what was in it. Fat Jim had forced it on him before. Despite Fat Jim's persistence, it was futile as he was physically too weak. After Morpheus firmly refused, Fat Jim never dared to mention it again. Hence, Fat Jim harbored complex feelings, wanting to exploit him but also resenting him.
Fat Jim shifted his gaze. "I know you disdain winning matches this way, but think about it. Who's your opponent next week? That person is more ruthless than Louis!" "I've faced much tougher opponents," Morpheus said nonchalantly, adjusting the bandage around his wrist. "I'm still standing here in front of you, aren't I?" "Why are you so stubborn?" Fat Jim looked pained. "In our world, fists don't have eyes. There are no rules in these matches-kill or be killed!"
"I know."
"Everyone's on something. Why aren't you?"
"I don't like this dirty stuff!"
"You..."
Fat Jim glared at him with a barely noticeable smirk. He placed the bottle on the table, knowing it was up to Morpheus whether he took it or not.
He knew Morpheus wouldn't. This banned substance was highly dangerous, causing fighters to get overstimulated during matches. Once, someone had taken it and killed their opponent in just three punches.
While it brought substantial gains, it also brought severe physical harm. They would sacrifice their health for the latter half of their lives. After 35, their entire being would fall apart.
This was why Morpheus was an exception in the underground arena-he never used prohibited drugs, never relied on their effects, yet still managed to win brilliantly.
His status as the slayer in the boxing ring was unshakable.
Chapter 1952
Chapter 1952
Fat Jim chuckled, giving Morpheus' shoulder a friendly pat with his chubby hand. "Think about it carefully. Your next opponent is too formidable. You're the brother I value the most. I can't stand by and watch you perish!"
Morpheus didn't turn to look at him, only hearing his heavy footsteps gradually receding.
Once out of the building, Fat Jim grinned sinisterly.
Morpheus wouldn't take the drug, but his opponent would. The opponent taking the banned substance would result in Morpheus' death in the ring. Fat Jim had fulfilled his obligation to warn him.
In this underground arena, they signed their lives away. Even if someone was killed, there'd be no justice for the deceased. Lives were worthless there. The only thing of value was money.
After Fat Jim left for some time, Morpheus slowly turned around, gazing at the bottle of drug on the table with disgust. He was about to throw it in the trash when Wynn entered, hurriedly reaching out to stop him.
"Morpheus, don't act rashly!"
Morpheus glared at him, his cold eyes causing Wynn to step back.
"I... I saw your door was open, so I came in." Wynn's voice was low. "Morpheus, don't throw away this drug yet. If it bothers you, I'll keep it with me!"
"Why are you keeping it?"
"I'll keep it in case you change your mind."
"Wynn!"
Morpheus' low growl was somewhat incredulous. He thought Wynn understood him.
"Morpheus, why are you so stubborn?" Wynn was anxious. "Taking this drug once won't harm your body. Moreover, in this kind of battle, there are no rules!" "They may have no rules, but I do."
Even in the darkness, Morpheus refused to win by dirty means. This place might not be noble, but he had his self-respect and pride.
In a moment of anxiety, Wynn blurted out, "Do you want to lose the match in front of Sephy?"
"What did you say?"
"Sephy will be there too!"
Morpheus' ears buzzed, his heart racing. He thought this name had disappeared from his life long ago.
"It's true. Seamus told me." Wynn looked at him. "On the day of your match, Sephy will go to see you before they leave Flinge. Before leaving, she wants to see you one last time. "Originally, Sephy didn't want to tell anyone, but Seamus couldn't bear to see her distressed these days. As such, he asked me to pass on the message.
"Morpheus..."
Even Wynn felt upset. "This substance will compromise your principles and values, but if you lose that day, how can you let Sephy leave happily? Can you bear to let her see you covered in blood from being beaten?"
Morpheus clenched his fists, veins bulging.
His opponent that day was indeed formidable. He had once defeated Louis, and Morpheus had struggled hard to win against Louis in their match.
That match had scared Persephone, and he seemed to hear her suppressed cries when he was feverish from an infected wound...
There was also Fat Jim.
Fat Jim understood his temperament. If it weren't for the opponent being too powerful, he wouldn't have brought this bottle of medicine. Wynn sighed softly, "Morpheus, don't you want Sephy to see you win?"
Chapter 1953
Chapter 1953
On the day of the match, Morpheus held the banned drug in his hand. After hesitating backstage for a moment, he unscrewed the cap and swallowed it. His throat felt as though it had been sliced open by this tiny pill. He seemed to envision a version of himself, gutted and covered in blood, utterly grotesque.
Even on the battlefield, he had never resorted to underhanded methods. He had always been upright. He could fend off others' hidden attacks, but he couldn't bring himself to harm someone with deceit. Today, however, he broke his rule for Persephone for the first time. All his principles and beliefs collapsed when he saw that tiny figure in the crowd.
All he knew was that she was watching him from the stands, and he didn't want her to witness him being defeated.
He grabbed the nearby bottle of water, gulped it down, slammed the cup to the ground, and stormed into the ring.
Persephone sat somewhat uneasily in the stands. Amidst the uproar, she recalled her first meeting with Morpheus.
It was also in this dim place, where the air was murky with a nauseating stench. The surroundings were filled with beastly men and snake-like women. They would leer at her maliciously, goading Morpheus to have his way with her then and there.
Morpheus had hoisted her over his shoulder, like an ancient chieftain carrying war spoils, and strode back home.
Persephone bit her lip. Perhaps the pain in her lip could overshadow the pain in her heart if she bit a little harder. After today, Morpheus' name would completely disappear from her life. They would return to their respective paths, never to intersect again.
"Here." Seamus handed her a bottle of mineral water with a gentle smile.
Persephone glanced down. Although not her usual brand, this brand was the most expensive available in this area.
"This was the only one I could find," Seamus said apologetically. "Deal with this first, okay?"
Persephone smiled, accepting it, but didn't open it.
Seamus then brought her a few pieces of cake, and she looked at them but didn't eat.
Living a carefree life at home previously, she always had a good appetite. Only now did she realize that one could lose the desire to eat during times of agitation and confusion.
Seamus' face darkened slightly. "You haven't eaten in the morning, and this match takes an hour. I worry that you can't stand it."
"I'm fine." Persephone didn't look up.
"Miss, is this person truly worth all your distress?"
In the dim light, Persephone kept her head lowered.
Seamus couldn't clearly see her face, but he could sense that her heart had long flown away-not to the boxing ring, but to meet Morpheus' under the sunlight, soaring far away hand in hand. Seamus clenched his fist, his expression growing even more somber.
After a long silence, Persephone finally spoke. "Do you think I should thank you?"
Seamus was taken aback.
"You, Mr. Rutherford, have always been devoted to protecting me. Now you've 'permitted' me to come to a place like this to watch a boxing match, 'permitted' me to have a final meeting with Morpheus. I should keep all these favors and rewards in mind. Once back in Centrolis, I should completely forget everything here. That's how I won't let you down, right?"
"Miss..." Seamus was somewhat surprised.
"Hold your tongue, Seamus!" Persephone glared at him. "My affairs are none of your concern! My parents have only assigned my safety to you! My eating habits and worries are not within your jurisdiction, are they?"
Chapter 1954
Chapter 1954
Seamus stared at her blankly.
Yeah, he had crossed the line first, forgetting that Persephone was a pampered heiress from childhood. Which heiress ever had a good temper?
However, during her time in Flinge, he had personally witnessed her change for Morpheus, leaving him feeling quite uneasy.
Seamus silently lowered his head, saying nothing.
Persephone vented her frustrations at him, releasing pent-up emotions. However, upon reflection, a twinge of guilt crept in as she observed his current state.
"Alright, get out and wait for me!" she muttered. "You didn't really want to watch the match anyway. Why suffer? Go outside and get some fresh air!"
Seamus glanced at her and coldly turned away.
As Persephone watched him vanish, a wave of guilt overwhelmed her once more.
At that moment, it felt like she had been divided into two parts-one tethered to Centrolis, the Hamertons, and teenage years spent with Seamus. The other was solely devoted to the figure in the boxing ring.
She inhaled deeply, resting her forehead against her folded hands and closing her eyes. This was the way of prayer she had adopted since arriving in Flinge.
She prayed in her heart, wishing for Morpheus' success in the match. She hoped that everything would unfold smoothly for him henceforth and then... for him to erase her from his thoughts.
Cheers and shouts, like waves rising one after another, swept through the already small venue.
Morpheus stepped onto the ring, and his opponent on the other side flaunted his heavily tattooed arms as some kind of demonstration. Meanwhile, his pierced lip curled into a devilish grin. Morpheus gave him a cold glance.
This man, like Louis, was of mixed race, with the towering stature characteristic of individuals with diverse backgrounds. Even before the match began, he strutted around like a wild beast in a cage. Amid the heat of the atmosphere, Morpheus remained cold. He silently watched his opponent, aware that drugs likely fueled the man's excitement.
It didn't matter, though he had taken them, too.
Morpheus chuckled, discarded the towel draped over him, and leaped into the boxing ring.
The uproar below was deafening. He glanced at the spectators. Though everything seemed a blur, he managed to see Persephone sitting there quietly.
His heart twinged slightly. This would be his last time being this close to her.
The whistle blew, and the referee announced the start of the match.
Morpheus felt something was off after throwing a few punches. He felt dizzy, his feet as if stepping on cotton, unable to stand steady.
His opponent took advantage, tripping him and landing a heavy blow on his temple!
Morpheus' head rang loudly. He felt warm, viscous liquid sliding down his head, painting everything a crimson red before him. He struggled to get up, but his opponent continued to knock him down, each hit lethal!
He was powerless to defend himself, unable to summon the strength to raise his arms to protect himself.
His opponent forced him into a corner of the ring, and every bone in his body ached as if being pulled out one by one. He roared, trying once more to stand upright.
At that moment, his opponent leaped suddenly!
Morpheus heard a heart-wrenching voice amidst the clamor. He wanted to stand up and hug her again, but his eyelids couldn't open anymore. His breath grew faint, and his soul seemingly detached from his body.
As his soul floated in the sky, he saw his own body, saw Persephone crying her heart out, saw Fat Jim's smirk, saw the chaotic and filthy world slowly drifting away from him...
Chapter 1955
Chapter 1955
Persephone's hoarse cries were quickly drowned out in the crowd. No one could hear her voice as protests began to rise. Before the match, they had bet heavily on Morpheus' victory, but this match would leave them penniless.
"Useless, get up!"
"You wasted our money!"
"Give us back our money!"
However loud these people shouted, the more pleased Fat Jim seemed. With such high odds, he could make a fortune. Morpheus could still earn him so much money even before dying, making the most of his usefulness.
He chuckled, spat out his sunflower seed husk, and instructed his men to find a decent grave for Morpheus. After all, they were like brothers, and a blank tombstone could serve as his own remembrance. "Boss, look quickly!"
Fat Jim's subordinate's sudden panic surprised him.
He followed the direction his subordinate pointed at and saw a slender figure amidst the chaos. Like a determined little rabbit, she desperately climbed toward the ring.
Guards were trying to stop her, but she seemed crazed. Several big men couldn't actually hold her down...
No one knew who she was. Speculations suggested she was a female gambler who lost big.
Only Fat Jim knew that gambling losses didn't drive Persephone. If she had a knife, she could kill! "Quickly... Stop her!"
"Boss, don't we have rules? Can't lay a hand on guests, especially a woman..."
"What's wrong with a woman?!" Fat Jim was losing his mind as well. "If Morpheus were alive, I—"
Before he finished, someone else rushed over and grabbed Persephone's hand. She struggled, but the person pulled her back, preventing her from going further.
That face flashed before Fat Jim. He was stunned for a moment. When he rubbed his eyes and looked again, Persephone and that person seemed to have vanished simultaneously. Due to the chaos just now, the referee halted the match. Morpheus was barely breathing.
Persephone was outside the crowd, with Seamus firmly holding her back. She cried out and kicked and punched Seamus, but it was all in vain.
Seamus looked at her coldly, allowing her to make a scene. Helplessly, she watched as Morpheus was carried away, his life hanging by a thread. "Miss!" Seamus roared.
Persephone finally came to her senses a bit.
"Miss, stop it." After a few seconds of silence, Seamus' tone softened. "You've seen him one last time. It's time for us to go home."
Persephone couldn't stop her tears and choked up, unable to form a complete sentence.
"Miss..."
"But he's dying..." Her heart was in agony. "I saw him getting beaten..."
"That's his fate."
"I can't just leave like this!"
"Miss, do you remember your promise to me?"
Seamus looked at her, his gaze stern yet tinged with disappointment.
Persephone took a deep breath but remained silent, tears streaming down quietly.
"I've arranged for a ship. This time, it'll be foolproof." Seamus patted her shoulder. "We're leaving tonight. I must safely escort you back to Centrolis!
"Miss, it's my duty to you," he said in a low voice. "Staying here puts you, the Hamertons, and the Thompsons in more danger. Even if you don't care about my feelings, please think about your family!" Finishing, Seamus turned away, took a few steps, then stopped.
Persephone saw his clenched fists at his sides. She lowered her eyes, the sorrow in her heart surging like waves.
Chapter 1956
Chapter 1956
Seamus said, "I promise you that once we're on the boat and out of here, I'll find someone to inquire about Morpheus' whereabouts in Flinge. Rest assured. He will be fine." Persephone wanted to cry but clenched her hand tightly, refusing to make a sound.
"Miss, think positively." Seamus looked at her. "Injuries among fighters are common, and Morpheus is accustomed to this lifestyle. Besides, he's the cash cow of this arena. How could the boss just let him die? "Don't be afraid." His voice gradually lowered, tinged with a hint of sneering. "I assure you. He isn't as fragile as you imagine!"
By nightfall, Persephone was still in a daze.
She didn't have a phone, so she discreetly used Seamus' phone to call Wynn. No matter how many times she dialed, however, there was no answer.
Her heart hung in suspense again.
Suddenly, a message came through. She unintentionally opened it. The sender's name was saved with a dash, and there was minimal conversation. The recent message had only four words: [He did not die.] Persephone felt shocked, her heart pounding.
'He didn't die? Is this "he" referring to Morpheus?
'But who is this person, and why did they message Seamus, telling him Morpheus didn't die?' she wondered.
Her mind was in disarray. She wanted to click on the person's profile to see more details, but Seamus happened to enter the room. Her hand trembled as she turned off the phone and tossed it aside. "Miss, what's wrong?" Seamus noticed Persephone's pale face.
Persephone shook her head faintly.
"I've packed everything. Let's go."
Persephone softly agreed, following Seamus.
Nothing happened on the way from home to the dock. The sea was calm tonight, a good time to set sail.
It was almost midnight, so there were few people left on the dock. Individuals engaged in small businesses were wrapping up their operations for the night. Persephone sat in the waiting room.
Seamus went to check the ship's status, instructing two other bodyguards to stay there.
Feeling bored waiting, Persephone paced back and forth. Suddenly, a young girl selling flowers ran over and handed her a rose.
The two bodyguards immediately stood up, but Persephone glared at them, making them step back.
"Miss..."
"You're guarding me against a little girl?" Persephone was already in a bad mood, so she vented her frustration on the two men.
They lowered their heads and retreated.
The young girl stepped closer, her clear, big eyes looking at Persephone. "Miss, you're as beautiful as the flower!"
Persephone smiled.
The young girl said again, "Take this flower!"
Persephone asked the bodyguards to pay, but the young girl refused the money, just pushing the flower into her hand and disappearing without a trace.
The two bodyguards exchanged looks.
Persephone remained puzzled for a moment as she held the rose in her hand. Suddenly, she noticed something in the wrapping paper...
Her heart thumped.
There was a folded piece of paper hidden in the wrapping paper. Otherwise, it wouldn't have felt so obvious. She gestured for the bodyguards to step back and secretly unfolded it only to see a line of text. [Don't board the ship. It's dangerous. Morpheus is fine.]
Persephone's mind buzzed, her heart almost leaping out of her mouth.
She instinctively looked around, but everything seemed normal-no one was following her.
She didn't know who had given her this note. The words were printed, so it seemed the person didn't want her to recognize their handwriting.
Chapter 1957
Chapter 1957
Persephone felt a moment of panic.
Her initial thought was whether the note might be a prank, but she quickly dismissed that idea. Even if it were a prank, there was no need for it to target her specifically.
Besides, the name written on the note was clear-Morpheus.
Morpheus was fine!
This person must know her, but for some reason, they couldn't tell her this face-to-face. It wasn't Wynn because his personality was straightforward. He wouldn't use such roundabout means. However, who else did she know in Flinge besides Wynn and Morpheus?
Persephone's heart raced. When Seamus placed his hand on her shoulder, she nearly jumped.
"Miss, what's wrong?"
Persephone stared at him for a few seconds before shaking her head frantically.
"You don't look too well." Seamus frowned. "Are you feeling ill?"
Persephone quickly slipped the note into her pocket and continued along his line of conversation. "I... I do feel a bit unwell."
"What's the matter?"
"Perhaps it's this flower." She glanced at the flower in her hand and casually tossed it into the trash. "You know I've had a slight allergy to pollen since I was a child."
Seamus' frown gradually relaxed. What she said was true.
Perhaps, due to being overly protected since birth, Persephone had various allergies. Later on, Zuko and Pamela decided to let her be, not excessively cautious, and she grew up healthy. It was just that some residual allergies from her childhood persisted.
"It's alright." Persephone smiled. "I'll just go to the restroom, wash my face, and I'll be fine in a while."
"I'll accompany you..."
"No need. I'll be back soon!"
Persephone hurriedly headed to the restroom.
Seamus felt that something was off but couldn't pinpoint it. He turned to glare at the other two bodyguards, asking what had happened.
The bodyguards could only recount the incident with the flower-selling girl.
He walked over and retrieved the flower from the trash can-its wrapping paper was rough, clearly cheap. Nothing was inside the wrapping, but the flower was the rose that Persephone was allergic to. Perhaps her pale complexion earlier was really related to this flower?
Seamus slowly lowered his hand and tossed the flower back.
As Persephone leaned against the restroom wall, she took out the note, looking at it repeatedly. She lightly traced Morpheus' name, feeling an indescribable emotion.
After some contemplation, she tore the note into pieces and flushed it down the toilet despite her reluctance.
She washed her face and stared at her reflection in the mirror, suddenly feeling a bit lost. The distant sound of the ship's horn echoed. Her return to Centrolis was imminent. However, because of the note, waves of uneasiness subtly haunted her.
She slowly moved to the public area outside the restroom.
At that moment, two burly men emerged from the men's restroom, rough-looking with tattoos on their arms. They walked with their pants pulled up, their peals of laughter echoing down the corridor. Persephone never felt comfortable around such people, so she hid behind a pillar, intending to avoid them and wait for them to pass before proceeding.
However, she overheard the conversation between the two men.
"They say tonight is an heiress?"
"Yeah, raised in luxury from childhood, soft and tender!"
"Hahaha... We should make it an unforgettable night for her!"
"Get lost! She's a virgin. Let me go first!"
"I can't wait..."
Chapter 1958
Chapter 1958
Revolting filth spewed from the mouths of those two men.
In that instant, Persephone's mind went blank. She remembered the note also said: [Don't board the ship. There's danger.] With what those two men said... Her heart dropped, and she felt as though she had stepped off a cliff into an abyss! Persephone forced herself not to link these two things together, but could there really be such a coincidence in this world?
If the heiress the two men spoke of wasn't her, then what about the note?
Persephone slumped against a pillar, breathing heavily with cold sweat running down her body. However, she quickly calmed herself, turned to look at the two men, and discreetly followed them.
Shortly after, she witnessed the two men circling around the waiting room, then sneakily boarding a certain ship...
Under the moonlight, she discerned the ship's number on the hull-0829. It was the very ship Seamus had arranged to take her back to Centrolis!
Persephone felt hollowed out, like a bomb exploded in her mind, rendering her thoughts into blank chaos. She held her breath, suppressed her racing heartbeat, and subconsciously looked for Seamus.
As she ran back, she hesitated.
How could those two men board the ship? Hadn't Seamus arranged everything already?
Could it be... Seamus had also arranged those two?
Impossible!
Persephone squatted on the ground and clutched her head, tears streaming uncontrollably. Her world felt like the vast, endless black of the sea before her. It was an abyss of despair.
Seamus waited for quite a while. The ship's captain had sent people several times to urge him to board, but he saw no sign of Persephone.
He went to the restroom, finding it empty, not a soul inside.
Growing increasingly frustrated, he inadvertently saw the battered rose in the trash can. Suddenly, something flashed through his mind... and he dashed back toward the ship! On the ship, one man said to the other, "Is this the place?"
"This ship isn't big, only three rooms. This one's the best... It must be here!"
"But the lights are out inside. It doesn't seem like anyone's there."
"The princess might be asleep?"
The two men shared a smile, about to break in when suddenly someone appeared, and a thick stick mercilessly struck one of them on the head!
"Ah!" one of the men screamed in pain.
The ship began to sway, and the other man recklessly charged toward the attacker, only to be struck as well. The three engaged in a scuffle, but with a flash of light, both men froze!
"You? You..."
"Get out of here!" Seamus roared.
The two men stared at each other, and Seamus swung his stick, hitting them repeatedly. Blood gushed from their heads, forming rivulets down their faces.
Enraged, the two men lunged forward to confront Seamus.
Persephone saw the commotion on the ship from afar. The vessel rocked on the sea, seemingly at the mercy of every small wave, as if ready to be swallowed by the ocean. Her heart clenched, and she staggered back to the waiting room.
At that point, the other two bodyguards were also agitated, desperately trying to board.
"Where's Seamus?" Persephone shouted.
"He's on the ship!" One bodyguard blocked her, instructing the other, "You stay here to protect Ms. Hamerton. I'll go help Seamus!"
Chapter 1959
Chapter 1959
Persephone's mind went blank. Gunshots erupted from the ship, followed by sparks. It reminded her of that night when she failed to leave successfully the ship had exploded with flames soaring into the sky. "Seamus!" she yelled.
Persephone rushed toward it and ignored the bodyguard restraining her and assuring her that Seamus would be fine.
She cried uncontrollably.
"Miss, please calm down..."
"Seamus is still on the ship!"
"Miss..."
"Call the police!"
The bodyguard hastily pulled out a phone.
The sounds of the fight drew closer, mixed with chaotic footsteps.
Persephone followed the noise and saw Seamus running toward them. He was covered in blood, his steps losing strength.
The moment he saw Persephone, he hesitated before he turned abruptly and dashed in the opposite direction!
Persephone widened her eyes.
Seamus placed himself as her last line of defense against the assailants, standing between them.
The two men who had caught up were the ones she had seen at the restroom door. They wielded knives, attacking Seamus with punches and kicks.
Seamus hugged his head tightly, struggling to stand, but was quickly knocked down again.
"Miss, run!" The other bodyguard rushed over, his head bleeding. "Seamus said to ensure your safety!"
Tears blurred Persephone's vision...
After that day, she needed medication to sleep at night.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Seamus covered in blood, shouting desperately for her to run.
Every time she closed her eyes, she heard the gunfire and saw bullets piercing the bodies of those two men, the man lying on the ground, convulsing and spitting blood...
"Miss, you had another nightmare."
Persephone abruptly opened her eyes when she heard that gentle voice. She moved, and the old lady was gently wiping her palms with warm water. The compassion and love in her eyes were like a thick blanket that enveloped her tightly.
"Granny Catherine." Persephone had only recently remembered the name. The shock from that night had caused her to suffer from mild PTSD, making her weak and sleepy, with declining memory.
As Seamus and the other two bodyguards were men, it wasn't convenient for them to frequent her room, so they found a local elderly widow, Catherine, to take care of her.
Catherine was honest, usually quiet, very clean, and without any connections to any factions or groups since she was alone.
One of the bodyguards had recommended Catherine. Seamus was seriously injured, and Persephone was traumatized. The two of them couldn't take care of both of them properly, so he brought this old lady in.
Seamus initially disagreed. However, after Persephone, who had endured three days of nightmares, enjoyed a tranquil sleep while leaning on Catherine's shoulder, he couldn't help but agree to let her stay. Catherine handed Persephone the stewed soup and blew on it gently. "Eat it while it's warm."
Persephone felt like crying again, but she held back the tears, picking up the bowl of soup and drinking it in big gulps.
"Miss, don't worry." Catherine smiled. "Everything can be resolved."
Persephone looked at her.
Catherine didn't know anything-didn't know their identities, where they came from, where they were headed, and what they had done. She was just an old lady working there, but she knew how to comfort her...
After a long silence, Persephone spoke softly, "Granny Catherine, it's all my fault that Seamus got injured."
Chapter 1960
Chapter 1960
"Injuries will heal."
"He got hurt because of me."
"Who doesn't make mistakes?"
"But..." Persephone didn't know what else to say. It seemed like no matter what happened, Catherine could smile as if nothing was a big deal to her and taking care of her was the only significant thing. Persephone curled up on the bed, her hands hugging her knees.
Seamus had not just gotten injured because of her he had also killed someone because of her...
Seamus was the one who had fired the gun. He had killed one of them and wounded the other in the leg. That man, with his leg drenched in blood, had limped away as he cursed...
Persephone couldn't recall what that man had been cursing about.
The police had arrived quickly but didn't pin the man's death on Seamus during the investigation. Those two men were from a local faction involved in various illegal activities, and the police wanted to rid themselves of them quickly as well.
Hence, the final conclusion was that the man had died in a factional conflict.
Despite that, in Persephone's memory, this was the first time Seamus had killed someone. Growing up, she knew Seamus to be a gentle person, yet he ended someone's life because of her.
"Miss, rest well." Catherine smiled. "Just sleep peacefully, and everything will be fine."
Persephone also smiled. It would be nice if it were, as she said.
"How's Seamus?" she asked.
"He's recovering," Catherine replied.
Persephone thought for a moment and walked to the table for a pen and paper, jotting down some herbal names.
"These are all herbs available at the market. Buy these with the dosages I've written, then simmer them into a soup for Seamus to drink."
Catherine's mouth twitched when she saw the names. "Miss... you know how to make tonics?"
"Mm."
"These are all for treating bruises and injuries, right?"
Persephone was taken aback. "You know about these too?"
"I don't, but Mr. Rutherford got hurt this badly, so the herbal soup you give him must be for treating his injuries." Catherine folded the prescription and put it in her pocket. "I wonder if these kinds of medicines... can treat the heart."
"What are you saying?"
"Nothing." Catherine looked at her and smiled. The sunlight cast a warm, pleasant glow on the old lady's face, but Persephone inexplicably shuddered.
"Rest well. I'll go take care of this."
Persephone was dazed for a moment, then lifted the covers and stepped out of bed. As her feet touched the floor, she felt dizzy, probably because she had been lying down for too long.
She walked to the balcony-this was the only room in the apartment with ample sunlight. Originally, it was Seamus' room, but he gave it to her when she arrived.
From childhood till now, it had always been like this. Whatever she liked, whatever made her happy, he would go to any length to make it happen.
This time, however, they didn't manage to leave again. What could be the reason now? Why did it seem like everyone in Flinge was scheming against her? Persephone's thoughts were a mess, and her temples throbbed. In a daze, the image of Seamus covered in blood flashed in her mind again.
Strangely, this image overlapped with the scene of Morpheus in the boxing ring... Both were bleeding, covered in injuries, and gazing at her with open eyes.