As soon as Fang awoke, Syaoran rushed to call the royal physician, the queen, and Taio. The physician arrived first, his brows furrowed with concern as he checked her pulse.
After a long moment, he sighed in relief.
"Your Majesty, she has broken the curse. She's out of danger now. I'll prescribe medicine to help her recover her strength."
Syaoran's eyes softened as a wave of relief washed over him. He turned to Fang with a tender smile, gratitude swelling in his chest.
Moments later, the queen burst into the room. Her composure shattered the instant she saw Fang awake.
"Fang!" she cried, rushing forward and embracing her tightly. "I was so worried about you." Tears streamed down her face. "We won't let Lucian or his clan hurt you again."
Fang returned the hug gently, her voice calm and reassuring.
"I'm alright, My Queen. Don't worry. And I promise—I won't spare Lucian."
The queen nodded tearfully, kissed Fang's forehead, and after a few more heartfelt words, left with the physician.
Now only Syaoran and Taio remained.
Taio, trying to lighten the mood, leaned over with a teasing grin.
"You know where you've been sleeping, right? His Majesty never left your side. Not even for a second. He took care of you like a little baby! I've known him for years—and he's never treated me that nicely!"
Fang chuckled, her laughter light and genuine, while Syaoran shot Taio a sharp look.
"Go get her some food," he muttered.
Taio grinned and gave a cheeky salute before exiting.
Syaoran sat beside her, his expression growing serious.
"Fang, how did you vanish like that?"
Fang's smile faded. She looked down, trying to piece together the foggy memories.
"When I went to buy meat… my mind just went blank. I don't remember anything clearly. When I woke up, I was already here."
Her brows furrowed as she tried to recall the strange dream. Before she could say more, Syaoran gently patted her head.
"Don't push yourself. Get some rest."
She nodded softly, her exhaustion catching up to her once more.
---
That Night
Later that night, Syaoran quietly entered Fang's room, carrying a tray of food.
"Fang?" he whispered, peeking in.
But she was fast asleep.
He set the food down carefully and walked over, pulling the blanket up over her shoulders. Sitting beside her, he watched her sleep for a while.
Just then, Fang stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked up at him.
"Syaoran… what are you doing here?" she asked, voice groggy.
He smiled, brushing her hair gently behind her ear.
"I made dinner. I thought you'd be hungry… I wanted to wait until you woke up."
Fang sat up slowly, and he helped her with the tray. He lifted a spoon and offered it to her.
She blinked, surprised.
"You're feeding me?"
"I owe you for everything," he said with a warm smile. "Let me do this."
Fang's eyes welled with emotion.
"You… really are the best."
She reached out and ruffled his hair fondly.
"I'm lucky to have you, Syaoran."
He raised a brow playfully.
"What's this? You're being emotional all of a sudden."
She laughed softly.
"I just… wanted to say it."
He smiled and continued feeding her, the quiet warmth between them speaking louder than words.
---
The Next Day: A Looming Threat
The next morning, Syaoran sat in the royal assembly, the atmosphere tense. Ministers debated in worried voices.
"Lucian has returned," one muttered. "The Shadowland grows stronger. The calamities will be worse this time."
"There are no gods left to protect us," said another.
"Only the king and queen stand between us and destruction."
Syaoran stood, his voice firm and resolute.
"If war comes, I will lead. The soldiers of the Lycan Clan will fight by my side. If we tremble in fear, then we're no better than Lucian and his kind."
The ministers fell silent. Then, one by one, they nodded.
"Your Majesty… we'll follow you. We will not fall."
From afar, Fang listened in silence, her heart tight with worry. Once the meeting ended, she shut herself in her room, determined to recover her memories and unlock the seal.
She focused intensely, pushing her body past its limits. But the strain was too much.
Blood spilled from her lips. Her body trembled.
Just then, there was a knock.
Fang hurriedly wiped her mouth and hid the cloth under her bed.
"Come in."
Syaoran entered, smiling warmly.
"Feeling better?"
"A little. But why are you here so early?"
He stepped closer, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"I have a surprise for you."
From behind his back, he revealed a bracelet—handmade, elegant, glowing faintly with magic.
Fang gasped.
"This… isn't from the Lycan Clan."
Syaoran chuckled.
"When you left for college, I felt lonely. I wandered down the mountain and stopped by a store. The shopkeeper asked if I wanted to buy something for my girlfriend…"
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"I didn't know what that meant back then. So I came back and used my powers to make this. I just… wanted to give you something from the heart."
Fang smiled through her tears, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist.
"I love it. I really do."
Her voice cracked as she hugged him tightly.
"You were lonely… I'm sorry."
Syaoran held her close.
"You're here now. That's all that matters to me."
Tears fell silently from Fang's eyes as she buried her face in his chest.
In that quiet moment, their hearts beat as one—ready to face whatever darkness would come next.