Chapter 91 — Scars That Never Heal
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Location: The Hideout — A dimly lit loft overlooking the neon cityscape
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The aftermath hung heavy in the air. The fight with the shadow had left them all bruised—not just physically, but deep inside. Yuuto sat near the window, the city's lights flickering like distant stars, reflecting the storm raging inside him.
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Lingering Pain
Aika leaned against him, her body still trembling from the curse's backlash. The cursed marks on her skin glowed faintly, throbbing with residual power.
> "I… I felt it clawing at my soul," she whispered, voice raw with pain and fear.
Yuuto brushed a strand of hair from her face. "You're stronger than it thinks. Stronger than anyone."
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Uneasy Calm
Rei paced restlessly, her eyes scanning every shadow as if expecting an ambush.
> "This shadow… it's unlike anything we've faced. It learns, adapts."
"We can't let our guard down."
Mayu lay curled on the couch, drained from the binding spell. Her breathing was shallow, but she nodded weakly.
> "The curse in me... it's a part of that darkness too," she murmured.
"We're all tethered to it, one way or another."
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Yuuto's Resolve
Yuuto stood, facing his friends. The weight of leadership pressed down on him.
> "We've survived this long by facing our demons head-on."
"This curse… this darkness— it's not just a threat. It's a part of us. And together, we'll find a way to control it before it destroys everything we care about."
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Aika's Confession
In the quiet, Aika looked up at him, eyes shining with unshed tears.
> "I'm scared, Yuuto. Scared that one day, the curse will win… and I'll lose myself completely."
Yuuto took her hands, firm and gentle.
> "No matter what happens, I'll be by your side. You're not alone in this."
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The Shadows Stir Again
Outside, unnoticed, a new presence watched from the rooftops—a figure cloaked in darkness, eyes gleaming with malicious intent.
> "The curse is only the beginning," the figure whispered.
"Soon, the true power will awaken. And with it, a new era of chaos will rise."
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