Ch. 2001..2010

Chapter 2001

Chapter 2001

Stunned, Persephone teased him with a smile, "Was she the love of your life?"

Morpheus' face sank again.

Quickly, she surrendered. "I'm sorry. I won't do that again!"

They laughed.

Morpheus wasn't one to be triggered easily. Moreover, she was right about it.

The moonlight was beautiful that night.

The girl who told him the story had no idea she was talking to him now.

Morpheus smiled. He was sure the girl was Persephone. Besides royalty, only those from the Irwins could enter the rainforest.

Meanwhile, he enjoyed special treatment as Southeast Aciatic General Kaiden Orton's son.

It was the Irwins' banquet that night. Just a little over ten years old, he disliked such occasions.

Sneaking out to the rainforest, he met a beautiful porcelain doll-like girl...

Never did he think they would meet again over ten years later.

Morpheus asked softly, "Sephy, who told you this story when you were young?"

"Me?"

Just as she tried to recall it, someone knocked on the door.

The butler shouted, "Ms. Persephone, His Highness Christopher Charles is here. Would you "

"No, no!"

Taken aback, she instinctively attempted to lower her phone's volume. Amidst the chaos, she turned it up to the loudest. Morpheus heard the knocking loud and clear.

"Hey! Lazy pig of the Hamertons, it's time for school!"

Morpheus felt conflicted.

Persephone's facial expression changed. As she tried to explain, she saw him forcing a smile. He informed her that his teammate had a competition he needed to monitor, so he hastily ended the video call.

She felt beaten.

The knocking at the door persisted.

She scratched her head in irritation before jumping from the bed. "What? What?!"

Christopher was shocked, holding a pig plush toy. "Um..."

"What's up?" Persephone was annoyed, while he forced a smile.

Christopher thought he was sweet to ask her to go to school together. Never did he think he'd see this unknown side of hers.

It turned out she wasn't as elegant as he had imagined. She would get worked up easily, and it turned out she wasn't delicate all the time. Her hair was a mess now. She wore black-framed glasses, and freckles adorned her cheeks when she had no makeup on.

Nevertheless, she looked cute.

"I'm sorry to have disturbed your sleep," he apologized with a meek smile. "Take the piggie. It's my apology."

Persephone glanced at it.

There was a cartoon that had recently gained popularity in Southeast Aciatic. The main character of the cartoon was the pig that Christopher was holding. Everyone loved it for its cuteness, causing the price of the merchandise to skyrocket, eventually leading to them being sold out.

He wore a warm smile, reminiscent of the Southeast Aciatic sun, as he waved the plush toy in his hand.

This man was entirely different from Morpheus.

He was a handsome and intelligent royal. He was fortunate not to be entangled in the power struggles. Possessing enough wealth to last a lifetime, he could be a prince who did nothing if he pleased.

His life had been smooth sailing, free from difficulties, as pure as the white shirt he was wearing. He was like sunshine.

Morpheus, on the other hand...

Persephone's heart would tighten every time she thought about him.

"What's wrong?" he asked, waving the plush toy. "Don't you like it?"

"I do," she replied, forcing a smile.

Chapter 2002

Chapter 2002

"So why aren't you taking it?" Christopher asked.

Persephone glanced at him. "It's okay. I don't usually play with toys."

"Stop lying." Christopher chuckled. "Then what's that on your bed?"

His words left her stunned.

It was Morpheus who had given her the doll. Not only did it lack cuteness, but it also had a somewhat creepy appearance. He called it the Nightmare Doll and had carried it around for years.

The doll was not aesthetically pleasing, but it had the power to chase nightmares away.

Wearing a smile, Persephone walked over and picked up the doll.

"It looks old and ugly," Christopher remarked. "Is the person who gave it to you someone important?"

"Yes," she affirmed without denial.

As she looked at him, her eyes were as clear as water.

"Ms. Persephone!" He feigned annoyance. "If everything goes as planned, you'll have to marry into the royal family after you graduate!"

"You said it yourself, 'if everything goes as planned"."

Persephone remained calm.

She was aware of the arrangement. After her postgraduate studies, she would become the dedicated designer for the royal family and marry the prince in front of her. Christopher had been taking good care of her since the day she arrived in Southeast Aciatic.

However, to her, he was just a good friend and a classmate.

Nobody could ever replace Morpheus.

"Got it." He smiled. "The firefly is living in your heart. It'll never fly away."

"I've already told you that I like someone." She gazed into his eyes. "I'll tell you again-I like him. Apart from him, I'll never marry anyone else in this life."

"What if..." He frowned. "Your parents say no?"

"Then I'll stay single," she replied with a chill. "It's not like everyone must get married. We can be single and happy."

"Is he really worthy of you sacrificing for him?"

"He's sacrificing for me, too!" She playfully smiled, gesturing with her fingers. "We're working hard to get to each other!" Christopher smiled helplessly.

The scarce plush toy he held paled in comparison to the old Nightmare Doll.

"So there's no chance for me at all?"

"Christopher..."

"Sephy, I actually knew that you liked someone." He smiled. "But I kept dreaming of the opportunity to fight equally. I'm a prince, and I graduated from a prestigious school. I'm superior regardless of status, background, or knowledge.

"But I realized one thing today." He sighed. "The equal fight I imagined doesn't exist. To you, he and I have no chance of fighting at all."

Persephone bit her lip. "Christopher, I'm really sorry."

"Are you putting me in the friend zone?"

He grinned and played with her hair, unable to hide the sweetness in his eyes, mixed with the melancholy of unrequited love.

"Okay. Since we've talked it through, we don't have to be so reserved from now on," he said. "We're still good friends, right?"

"Of course." She looked at him with gratitude in her eyes.

"But... Our parents think that we'll be together." He held his chin. "Should we do something to cover it up?"

"Just tell them the truth." She was not fond of lying.

"Okay." He nodded. "Then let's find time to talk to your parents."

"What are you going to say?"

"I'll say..." He raised his eyebrows and said, "That I'm a difficult prince who is only looking for a girl from the royal family, that you don't deserve me!"

Chapter 2003

Chapter 2003

Persephone and Christopher exchanged smiles.

Allure filled his eyes, accompanied by a faint sadness. He desired to hold her hand but retracted it immediately after lifting it. The last thing he wanted was for her to hate him. It was wonderful that he could be by her side as good friends.

"Oh yes, how's your design project going lately?" Christopher changed the subject. "The professor has been rejecting it."

"It's for the Flower Festival," she replied, looking down. "I came up with a couple of drafts, but the professor rejected them. I was thinking maybe I should do a site recce?"

"You mean the fireworks factory?" He was rather shocked to hear that.

Although the fireworks factory exclusive for the royalty had high security, fireworks were gunpowder, after all. It was risky.

"Yes." She nodded. "I want to check out the site to hear the experienced pyrotechnicians' opinions. I might get inspiration from them."

"But you're the designer. It's unnecessary."

Persephone chuckled. "I've always believed that art is life. If design isn't connected to the world, it's nothing different than trash. The pyrotechnicians are experienced. They definitely know what kind of fireworks suit the Flower Festival best."

"Hmm, you're right," he agreed. "Let's spare some time to go together."

Rebecca learned Morpheus was at the bar and headed there after work.

As expected, she saw the muscular figure standing at the bar after passing through a dim corridor. He seemed out of place among the neon lights.

He even looked a little lonely.

She walked over and greeted him with a smile.

Stunned, he turned his face to look at her.

"So you lack discipline, too," she joked. "I thought athletes shouldn't drink."

"We shouldn't when there's a competition coming." Morpheus' voice was cold. "But it doesn't matter that I drink a little bit when there's nothing going on."

"I..." She smiled awkwardly. "I was just joking with you."

"Really?" He looked at her. "I'm quite serious. I don't like to joke around."

She looked down, so upset that she bit her lip.

Was he a serious person?

He would smile so happily every week after talking to Persephone on his phone. The first time she saw him, she thought he would not smile often. Never had she thought that he would smile so much that it became something cheap.

It was just a phone call.

If Persephone were standing in front of him, he would pull the moon from the sky if she asked for it.

His gentleness, sweetness, smile, warmth-his whole world was given to the girl who was across the ocean.

Indeed, Rebecca was jealous. She was not born into a prestigious family. But did she not deserve love just because of that?

"Morpheus..." She paused. "Do you really think you two are from the same world?"

His hand that was swirling the glass stopped while his face sank.

He turned his face to look at her. His eyes were cold as ice.

Her heart was pounding, and she dared not look into his eyes.

"Don't ever say this again, okay?" He enunciated after a cold silence. "While I still treat you as a friend."

Taking a deep breath, Rebecca snatched the glass from him and immediately finished the drink.

Morpheus was astonished.

He wanted to order another one, but she pressed onto the back of his hand.

Seeing that, he frowned.

She was a lightweight. The half a glass of hard liquor was her limit. She looked up with her blushed cheeks, smiled at him, and waved softly. "I'm not drunk." He kept his distance from her.

Chapter 2004

Chapter 2004

Rebecca was visibly upset as she confronted Morpheus. "You don't have to draw a line between us, right?"

Morpheus glanced at his phone. "I'll get you a taxi. Go home."

Her voice choked, and she asked, "Do you hate me so much?"

With his back turned, Morpheus behaved as coldly as if they were strangers.

Rebecca anticipated he wouldn't send her home himself, but she hoped at least for his assistant to send her home. Yet, he did none of that.

Calling a taxi, he treated her as if she were just another normal friend.

Tears welled up, and her emotions erupted. Fueled by the alcohol in her system, she shed the image of the rational and calm psychologist she was, finally expressing what she had been holding back. "Morpheus, you and Persephone really don't suit each other."

"I've said that you can't judge whether we suit each other or not!" Morpheus was now angry. "Rebecca, I treat you as my friend, but don't cross the line!"

"She's the one who crossed the line!"

"Shut your mouth!"

"I'm telling the truth." She walked to him, showing a picture on her phone. "Do you think she isn't crossing the line?"

He glanced at it. At that very moment, his heart seemed to skip a beat. It was Persephone in the picture, dressed in a simple white T-shirt and jeans, smiling happily. Next to her was a young man who smiled as sweetly as she did.

"They've been spending time together lately," she said softly. "She studies fireworks design in Southeast Aciatic. She said she's looking for a fireworks factory to learn from the pyrotechnicians, and the prince really found her one and went with her.

"The princess has more than bodyguards whenever she's out." She chuckled. "She even had the prince working for her!

"Look at the firework she's holding! Do you know how much that is?"

Morpheus remained expressionless and silent.

Rebecca forced a smile. "It costs 40,000 dollars just for her to experiment with!"

"Are you done?" he asked coldly. "The taxi is arriving. You should leave."

"You just don't want to face reality!" She walked to him. "Morpheus... I know what you're thinking. You just can't stop loving her. But the two of you are from different worlds! She's playing with fireworks that cos 40,000 dollars each! Can you fulfill her needs?

"Even if you can, could you move mountains for her graduation project like the prince does, gathering all of the pyrotechnicians from the royal fireworks factory? "Wake up, Morpheus!" She shook him. "She doesn't love you as much as you do! She already has a change of heart, so why are you saving yourself for her?"

Rebecca screamed before she finished speaking and then fell onto the ground.

The bar fell silent instantly, everyone looking over.

Morpheus was so overbearing that nobody dared to say a word. He looked at Rebecca coldly.

He had never hit a woman, and he looked down on those who did. However, he had just pushed her.

Morpheus squatted down and asked, "Rebecca, where did you get this picture from?"

She was shaking, unable to speak.

"Sephy is all the way in Southeast Aciatic, but you got her news so easily..." He uttered each word through gritted teeth. "Who exactly are you, and what exactly do you want?!"

Chapter 2005

Chapter 2005

Rebecca stared blankly at Morpheus, shaking her head repeatedly.

"You should know that anyone who attempts to hurt Sephy will suffer," Morpheus warned in a deep voice.

"I"

He conveniently grabbed an empty beer bottle and slammed it onto the ground. It crushed entirely, leaving glass shards scattered.

Shocked, she retreated, screaming.

Morpheus, however, didn't even blink at the shattered bottle.

"I don't know who you are, nor do I know what you're trying to do," he said coldly. "But if you dare touch Sephy, you'll end up worse than this bottle. Get it?"

Teary-eyed, she dared not make a sound, only shivering.

Morpheus got up and left, resembling a black-clad slayer walking through hell.

The next day, Morpheus' assistant revealed the investigation details.

"Indeed, Rebecca is from the Hamerton Group's medical team. She majors in physiology, but there's nothing off about her. She bought the pictures from someone else."

"What?"

"She bribed a Hamerton maid, as well as Ms. Hammerton's attendant." The assistant placed the documents on the desk.

Morpheus frowned upon seeing the dunning notices from various online loan platforms. She had spent quite a sum to bribe the two people.

"Naturally, it'd be a difficult task to bribe people from the Hamertons." The assistant chuckled. "She'd have to spend quite a lot."

"I see," Morpheus said softly. "Theoretically, the Hamerton Group should pay their medical team handsomely, while she's usually thrifty. I thought she had to help her family financially. Never have I thought..." "She didn't actually get any first-hand news from bribing them." The assistant continued after checking his reaction. "They might have been... making things up. There's nothing going on with Ms. Hammerton and that prince, I don't think..."

"Mm-hmm." Morpheus responded flatly.

He looked chill, but his fists clenched.

That was right. Nothing was happening now.

However, the Hamertons would make it happen sooner or later.

"What do we do about Rebecca, sir?"

"She bribed people from the Hamertons." Morpheus' voice deepened. "Find an opportunity to inform their butler and get him to take note of that."

The assistant nodded. "Got it."

As long as the butler was informed, the people involved would naturally be chased out of the household. No need to stir things up-they could solve it quietly.

After some hesitation, Morpheus handed his assistant a name card. "She might lose her job after the butler finds out... My name should be useful to get her a job."

"Noted."

"Don't let her know that I'm the one behind this."

"As you wish." The assistant nodded. "Sir, about the matter in Southeast Aciatic..."

"About that..."

His voice was so soft it sounded like he was talking to himself.

With his hands in his pockets, he walked to the ceiling-to-floor window, gazing into the distance.

The ray of sunset shone on his face. The warm orange hue seemed to have brought him back to Flinge, to the place where she was right next to him.

Lately, the longing he had for Persephone was growing. He knew that he could not lose her.

Even though he would have to walk into a nightmare once again, losing her would be scarier than the nightmare.

Morpheus chuckled and instructed, "I'll handle it myself."

"Sir?" The assistant was quite shocked.

Chapter 2006

Chapter 2006

"Book a ticket to Southeast Aciatic for me," Morpheus instructed, turning to his assistant. "Please take care of the club for me in the meantime."

Christopher stood by Persephone's side as she pulled an all-nighter working on the design draft. He smiled as he observed her deep in thought, occasionally sighing.

He offered her a cup of hot chocolate and warmly said, "I remembered that you like sweet things. Sweet food lifts one's mood. Will you drink some?"

"No need, thanks," she replied with a smile.

"Are you on a diet?"

"No!"

"Then..."

He still held the hot chocolate, realizing she refused it because of that man. Chuckling at himself, he put the drink away.

"Sephy, is he that amazing?" he asked softly.

"Of course he is," she replied without looking up, completely focused on the draft.

He didn't press further. He had heard that the man didn't have a great background in Flinge, often appearing at underground rings and having connections with gangs in the chaotic city filled with sex and violence.

Could such a man truly deserve Persephone?

"I'm finally done!" she exclaimed, stretching her exhausted body.

Despite her weariness, she couldn't hide her excitement.

Christopher congratulated her. Just as he was about to suggest a midnight movie to help her relax, she picked up her phone to make a video call.

He knew she was calling that man, so he left quietly.

Persephone screamed happily as soon as the call connected, "I finished the project!"

Morpheus looked at her gently, the starry night behind him.

"Hmm?" She was stunned. "Is it nighttime in Centrolis as well?"

He smiled quietly and turned the phone around, revealing beautiful, tiny flowers on the screen-exclusive to the streets of Southeast Aciatic, a popular attraction there. Persephone stared at him blankly before calling out his name, "Morpheus..."

"I'm here."

The two words were like a giant wave that washed her into a sea of joy.

"What did you say?"

"I said I'm here for you."

He smiled as brightly as the stars above his head.

What he said left her incoherent. "W-Why are you here? D-Didn't you say that you don't like Southeast Aciatic? D-Didn't you..."

"I'm sorry, Sephy." His voice was deep with the electric charisma that was exclusive to him. "I didn't consider your feelings. You needed company, but I was so stubborn.

"I understand it now. If I insisted not to come, what if someone took you away one day?"

"Nonsense!" Her eyes became teary when she smiled. "Am I like that to you?"

"No, but I can't let someone else's care surpass mine."

"Where are you now, Morpheus?" She ran outside in excitement. "I'll pick you up. Wait for me!"

The screen moved, and he could see her running out of her room to the courtyard.

It was the palace in the night behind her.

His heart squeezed as he clenched his fist. He couldn't stop shaking. He had been fighting the moment he landed in Southeast Aciatic-fighting himself and the terrifying dream.

Chapter 2007

Chapter 2007

"Morpheus!" Persephone exclaimed. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the screen. "Where are you right now? I'll pick you up?"

"No need." He managed a forced smile. "It's late. It's not safe for you to be out. Let's—"

"It's safe, very safe!"

As she spoke, she swiftly changed her clothes.

After emerging from the changing room, she picked up her phone and grinned at him. "Morpheus, I—"

He gently interrupted, "Sephy, you really don't have to pick me up. I have a place to stay."

"But you're not familiar with Southeast Aciatic!"

"It's alright." He smiled. "Be a good girl and go to bed. We'll meet tomorrow."

"But..."

Persephone was visibly upset as she wanted to see him right now.

Didn't he feel the same? Which couple could wait to see their partner in the same city after being apart for so long?

"Okay." Resigned, she acknowledged his character. Nobody could change his mind once he decided on something. "Promise me that we will meet tomorrow."

"I promise."

He smiled gently and hung up.

He wasn't feeling too well, either, as his physical symptoms were worsening.

Taking a deep breath, he felt the distinctive heat and dampness of the air in Southeast Aciatic.

Soon, he reached the hotel he had booked in the suburbs, far from the palace.

The distance helped him calm down.

As usual, he experienced nightmares throughout the night. His father appeared on the bloody battlefield once again.

This time, his father didn't scoff or mock him. He just stared, conveying with dim, cold eyes that they now belonged to different worlds.

"So I can be with her now, right?" Morpheus mumbled.

His father looked at him with an ambiguous smile on his face. "You owe me for the rest of your life, Morpheus. You killed me!"

"No..."

"You killed your father, and you got so many people to die with me. Their souls will not forgive you either!"

Morpheus opened his eyes, his back drenched in cold sweat.

The next day, Persephone arrived at the agreed-upon meeting place.

It was a charming cafe with a great atmosphere and vibrant flowers blooming in the courtyard, providing a private setting.

Morpheus had paid the cafe owner for the privacy he desired.

Persephone was momentarily stunned when she saw him from afar.

Like a happy bird, she opened her arms and threw herself at him.

He held her tightly, greedily inhaling her scent.

"What took you so long?!" She punched him. "You didn't even call me through video chat. You only called every week like it was an errand... You're so annoying!"

"Aren't I here now?!"

She pretended to be mad, turning away to ignore him.

"Okay, I'm sorry." He chuckled. "What do you want me to do?"

"That depends on your sincerity!"

"Oh..."

Approaching her, he began unbuttoning his shirt.

Persephone was shocked. "What are you doing?"

"Didn't you say you want to see my sincerity?" He smirked and subtly revealed his muscular chest.

Chapter 2008

Chapter 2008

"You..."

"You can't see my sincerity, but would you like to touch it?" Morpheus teased.

Persephone blushed, unable to conceal the smile on her face.

She pushed him forcefully, and he pulled her into his arms.

Persephone was surprised to witness this side of him. After all, he was typically calm and composed...

"Okay, I'll stop messing around," he said softly. "They have some amazing specialty dishes here. Let's eat, then I'll go wherever you like for the rest of the afternoon. How's that?"

She nodded and glanced around after taking her seat, realizing it was a beautiful place. Though small, they weren't stingy with the decoration-sophistication exuded from every corner.

She noticed a crystal bottle similar to the one she had seen in the palace on the cabinet...

"Where's this place, Morpheus?" She looked at him curiously. "How come I never knew about it?"

Hearing that, he chuckled. She had only been in Southeast Aciatic for a short period, so it was natural she didn't know.

Moreover, the cafe wasn't open to the public. They only accepted regulars.

However, nobody had come since he left Southeast Aciatic.

"How did you find this place?" Persephone searched on her phone. "I can't find it on any platforms, and they don't seem to have a name... Look, I set my location here, and there's nothing on the map!" "Do you like it?"

"I do!" she exclaimed and beamed. "I want to bring my friend here!"

"Oh..." He pretended to be serious. "Is your friend a guy?"

She gestured to hit him.

Morpheus smirked and held her hand softly. "I found this on an underrated website... Let me know if you'd like to bring your friends. It'll be my treat."

"How can I do that? I'm considered a quarter Southeast Aciatician. I should be the host! It should be my treat!"

"You silly goose."

There was an indescribably complicated emotion in his eyes.

She claimed that she was a quarter Southeast Aciatician.

Yet, she was clueless that he was a born and bred Southeast Aciatician.

Soon, the food was served. Each dish was exquisite, with a unique taste. However, that didn't excite Persephone. They tasted good, but...

They were similar to the dishes she had in the palace.

Morpheus spread some caviar on the toast and handed it to her. She glanced at it-the palace had the same caviar as well. It was strange. It was impossible that such a small place would have food served in the palace.

After some hesitation, Persephone looked at Morpheus and asked, "What exactly... is this place?"

"What's wrong?"

"Hmm... The food is good, and it's mysterious."

He smirked. "Eat more if you like it. I'll make a booking for you if you want to come again."

She stopped asking further and tried her best not to overthink it. After all, he knew nobody in this place. It was impossible that he could have owned a cafe out of nowhere.

As promised, Morpheus went everywhere she wanted that afternoon.

Southeast Aciatic had beautiful sceneries, with many places to explore. There happened to be few tourists at this time, allowing them to enjoy themselves to the fullest. Persephone suggested going to the mountain in the south last.

Morpheus patted Persephone's head as the sun was setting and the sky was turning dark. "It's late. I better send you home soon."

"No!" She hugged him. "I have a surprise for you."

"Surprise?"

Persephone grinned.

It was something she had prepared for him. As she clapped her hands, colorful fireworks burst into the night sky.

It was astonishing to see the beautiful sparks.

"I designed this!" Like a kid waiting for compliments, she looked at him. "Is it beautiful?"

He stared blankly at the sky.

The sparks reflected on his face... Like stray bullets whistling past his ears.

The noise coming from the fireworks was not romantic to him. It was the roar of the devil that took him back to the bloody battlefield...

"Morpheus?" Persephone looked at him, whose face had turned pale. "What's wrong, Morpheus?!"

Chapter 2009

Chapter 2009

Persephone wore a look of concern as she inched closer to Morpheus. "D-Do you not like it?"

Just then, the final firework illuminated the sky brightly.

She had designed it especially for him. The silver sparks gleamed like a thousand stars, with two letters shining brightest in the middle-MY. "Morpheus, see the 'MY' in the middle?" She smiled. "I designed that for you!

"Do you like it?

"Morpheus?"

Morpheus stood frozen, like a cold sculpture.

His heart pounded, but he could only hear the flying bullets in the battle-a haunting echo of his troop's last scream at the battle's end.

It was his father's final bellow of despair.

Morpheus covered his ears and squatted down weakly, his head throbbing with pain.

"No... No..."

"Morpheus!"

Persephone was shocked by what she saw. She attempted to hug him, but he pushed her away. Despite being wounded from the push, she ignored it and tried to embrace him again. "What's wrong, Morpheus? You're scaring me!"

He trembled and sweated as if his soul was being devoured by a terrifying wave.

"Morpheus!"

Persephone choked.

The fireworks continued in the sky, but the person in front of her seemed unable to enjoy them.

"What's wrong? Do you not feel well? Talk to me! Morpheus..."

He pushed her again!

This time, Persephone couldn't hold back and started wailing.

Meanwhile, the man who used to care for her even when she frowned did nothing at that moment.

Persephone returned to the palace looking beaten.

She sat on the couch upon her arrival. A ghastly helplessness crawled toward her heart like a vine.

A maid brought her supper, but Persephone had no appetite. She shook her head in exhaustion.

Just then, a voice came from outside. "How was the date?"

Persephone looked up forcefully and saw Christopher entering with a smile while holding a small cake.

"The pastry chef just made this. You won't find it anywhere else! Would you like to try it?"

She remained silent.

Noticing she was moody, he thought he wouldn't ask her since she didn't tell.

"Did he like the fireworks? Hey, did you tell him that I put a lot of effort into it? Although I didn't help with the design, I was the one who got people to set it off. And-" Persephone glanced at him helplessly. "Can you leave me alone?"

Christopher smiled awkwardly and told her to rest well. As he was leaving, he was shocked to notice wounds on her!

There were scratches of various intensities on her arm, wrist, and palm!

"Persephone?" He looked aghast. "Didn't you go on a date?!"

"What?"

She was startled as he rushed toward her.

Ignoring what she said, he grabbed her hand as soon as he reached her.

Persephone pushed him away, and he accidentally touched her wound as they struggled.

She exclaimed from the pain.

"What's this..." He was in disbelief. "Who did this to you?"

"No! I fell on my own!"

"Where did you go to have this happen to you?"

"Just leave me alone!"

Chapter 2010

Chapter 2010

"Persephone!" Christopher shouted, "You better make this clear to me today. Is that person treating you poorly?" Persephone felt a splitting headache.

How could Morpheus possibly treat her poorly? It was just that his behavior tonight was really unusual.

Christopher stared quietly at her, not pressing for more. After a silent moment, he walked toward the door.

"I'll get a doctor here," he murmured. "Your injuries need immediate attention in case they get infected. Don't worry. I won't gossip about your injury. As for that person... If being with him is really exhausting for you, do you want to consider..."

"No!" Persephone's voice was resolute, making Christopher's heart clench.

"I understand your kind intentions and appreciate your concern for me." She looked up at him. "But being with him is not tiring for me at all. Today was just an accident. He wasn't like this before." "Don't let your infatuation cloud your judgment and think he's perfect everywhere!" Christopher sighed. "By the way, could there be something he's hiding from you?"

"What?"

"You said he wasn't like this before... which means, as soon as he came to Southeast Aciatic, he changed?" Christopher raised a brow. "Did he get possessed when he arrived in Southeast Aciatic?" Persephone glared at him disapprovingly.

"Do you know that there are spiritualists in our palace? How about you bring your boyfriend over and let a spiritualist take a look at him?"

"You're making things sound more and more absurd!"

"Don't disregard this kind of thing!" Christopher said seriously, "The presence of spiritualists in the royal family has been a tradition for hundreds of years. It's just never talked about outside." Persephone pushed him out, but inadvertently, she took his words to heart.

Since childhood, she had heard that Southeast Aciatic was rampant with sorcery. Sometimes, these mysterious things couldn't be explained scientifically.

Despite that, she couldn't rashly bring Morpheus to the palace. If she wanted to bring him, she would have to get his consent beforehand.

Persephone sighed lightly, collapsing onto the bed, and closed her eyes. Her wound still ached faintly.

The morning sunlight streamed into the cozy room, and Persephone slowly opened her eyes, instinctively reaching for her phone and finding numerous unread messages. They were all from Morpheus.

Between the lines were his guilt, apologies to her, and his concern. He was afraid she was hurt, yet he was the one who had caused her pain the previous night.

As Persephone read them, her heart softened. She called Morpheus, and he instantly picked up.

His voice was hoarse, perhaps from a sleepless night. "Sephy!"

At the sound of his voice, Persephone's heart fluttered slightly. She pretended to still be upset, coldly asking, "Why did you send me so many messages?" "Sephy, I-"

"You pushed and shouted at me yesterday. Did you get possessed?"

"I'm sorry."

Persephone had a strange feeling. "You keep saying sorry, but I always feel like you're hiding something from me."

There was silence from the other end, making her anxious.

"Can you tell me what happened yesterday? Are you afraid of fireworks? If you're scared, I won't show them to you anymore..."

"I'm sorry," he repeated.

Besides the weak apology, he seemed to have nothing more to say.

He chuckled self-deprecatingly. What should he tell her? Should he say that he once had hands stained with blood, that he had killed his own father?

What she had been through in Flinge was already the darkest moment she had experienced. Yet, what he had been through was even darker than all those experiences she had in Flinge. After learning about it, would she still stand by his side with firm determination?