I ran away.
I knew Raiden would invite me back to the palace. He always does.
But I couldn't let that happen.
I shouldn't be near him.
Because if I stay... he might drown because of me.
So I ran. Fast. Without thinking. My sword tight at my side.
The forest around me was alive—vibrant shades of green danced in the early light. The wind brushed through the trees like it was whispering a secret I wasn't supposed to hear. Birds sang above me. Peaceful. Alive.
Unlike me.
I let my body fall to the ground.
For a moment, I didn't want to move.
I was so tired.
Tired of running. Tired of being strong.
Tired of pretending that I wasn't breaking inside.
I was glad I had helped that girl.
But deep inside, I couldn't stop wishing someone—anyone—would help me too.
There are so many things I don't even understand about myself.
ENOUGH.
No more pity.
I stood up.
My legs were heavy, but I kept walking.
Eventually, the forest gave way to open land. A village.
I saw people. Laughing. Living.
I smiled faintly. Just for a moment.
I walked until I found a small tavern. It reeked of sweat and bad decisions. Inside, it was full of drunken men and loud voices. I rolled my eyes and found a corner.
A man asked what I wanted.
"Wine," I said. "A lot."
He brought it. I drank.
One glass. Two. Three.
I don't usually drink. Only when I'm exhausted.
Time passed. The wine blurred my thoughts. I must have drunk five glasses... maybe more.
Then, suddenly—I saw him.
Raiden.
Standing right in front of me.
He smiled.
I narrowed my eyes. "Don't smile like that."
I threw my glass at him.
He vanished. Just an illusion.
I sighed.
"Why are you in my head?" I whispered. Then the world around me spun.
And I lost consciousness.
I wasn't dreaming.
Empty.
Darkness.
Then I woke up.
My head was pounding.
I was still in the tavern. Empty now. The bar owner stood over me.
"You're finally awake. Slept all night here," he said.
I groaned. "Wasn't my plan."
I handed him some money. "Why is it so quiet?"
He laughed. "Big festival near the palace today. Sword fights, archery, even the Imperial Corps will be there. You should go. You can even join if you're brave."
I rubbed my eyes. "Festival, huh?"
Then he handed me a small cup. "Here. My new drink. Clears the mind."
I hesitated.
It smelled horrible. Like rotten herbs and something dead.
But what did I have to lose?
I drank it.
Regret came immediately.
But I thanked him and left.
Outside, people were already heading toward the palace. I followed.
The meadow had been transformed. It was massive. Decorated with flags, flowers, and towering gates.
There was a large blackboard. People wrote their names.
Sword fights. Archery. Wrestling.
I smirked. The tension, the thrill—I missed it.
"I'M GOING TO DESTROY EVERYONE," I whispered with a dark grin.
Then a man recognized me. "Hey! You're not Lianhua, are you?"
I tensed.
"Join the sword match," he said.
"No."
"Scared you'll lose?"
I shot him a glare. A deadly one.
He grinned. "Thought so."
I turned to respond, but he was already gone.
Strange man.
People gathered fast. Old, young, noble, poor. It felt like a kingdom united for a moment.
Then came the music. The dancers. Women in long white robes decorated with crystals twirled like angels, moving in harmony with drums and flutes.
The crowd went wild.
Then silence.
An old woman beside me whispered, "The princes will fight. Every year, brother against brother."
My heart froze.
Trumpets sounded.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" a servant shouted. "THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL BEGINS! WELCOME THE SONS OF THE EMPEROR!"
The crowd erupted.
First came the elder brother.
Dressed in obsidian black and crimson. His robe flowed like smoke, his sword shining with golden runes. His aura was regal, calm, deadly.
Then Raiden.
Midnight blue with silver dragons embroidered across his chest. His hair tied back, his gaze sharp. The cheers grew louder for him.
My breath hitched.
He hadn't changed.
i didnt know him
They stood in the center of the arena.
Nods.
And then—swords drawn.
The crowd held its breath.
Raiden struck first. Fast, precise.
His brother deflected and spun low, countering with an upward slash. The steel sang as it clashed. Sparks flew.
Every movement was poetry. Controlled, elegant, deadly.
They danced with blades.
Raiden twisted mid-air, striking low. His brother flipped backward, laughing.
It wasn't anger.
It was challenge.
They were enjoying it.
Then—the brother slashed forward. Raiden slid under it.
Suddenly, the older prince stepped back, held his sword forward—and flames erupted from the blade.
The crowd screamed.
A stream of fire blazed toward Raiden.
I froze.
Fire? What the hell?!
both they eyes are dark red
waht was that
that are not humans
Raiden narrowed his eyes, dashed forward through the fire—untouched—and struck back. Their blades collided, flames swirling.
A pause.
A silent, powerful pause.
Then, both lowered their swords.
The crowd exploded in cheers.
They bowed to each other.
Then, the older prince clapped Raiden's shoulder. They laughed.
Brothers.
As they left the arena, Raiden's brother whispered something into his ear.
Raiden looked at me.
Our eyes met.
Just for a moment.
Then he looked away.
Figures.
The archery contest started. I watched others take turns. Not bad.
But Raiden kept glancing at me.
What do you want?
I turned away.
Then a voice called out:
"NEXT ROUND... LIANHUA."
I froze.
What the hell?
The entire crowd turned to look at me.
Well, damn.
Let the games begin.