[System Notification: World Departure Countdown – 4 Days Remaining.]
[Warning: Bonded Male Lead Will Remain Unless Special Conditions Are Met.]
[Hidden Task: Complete Emotional Confession from Male Lead.]
Liora had faced death. Betrayal. Court politics. Assassins. She had played the game of seduction and survival with grace sharper than any blade.
But nothing terrified her like these final four days.
Because she was in love with him. And she was about to vanish.
The palace was brighter that morning, as if the air itself was lighter now that the Prime Minister was locked away and the court had turned to the Crown Prince with awe and respect.
They called him a just ruler. A wise leader.
But in private, he was still just him.
And tonight, he came to her not as the Crown Prince, but as a man.
The moonlight spilled into her chamber, casting a silver glow over the silk sheets. Liora sat on the windowsill, dressed in soft robes, hair unpinned, eyes distant.
He entered without ceremony. He didn't speak right away.
He just looked at her.
You're thinking again," he said softly.
Dangerous habit," she murmured, not looking back. "Especially when I know what's coming.
He walked toward her slowly. "Liora.
I don't belong here." Her voice cracked. "I never did. I came as a stranger. And somehow… I stayed.
He stopped behind her. You don't have to leave.
She turned to face him. "Yes, I do.
He stepped closer. Then give me tonight. Just tonight. As if you're mine. No palace. No secrets. No lies.
Liora's throat tightened. I've always been yours.
That was all it took.
He kissed her like a storm pulling her into him, hands tangled in her hair, lips rough with desperation. Her hands clutched at his robe, drawing him closer, matching his intensity with a hunger born from knowing she was running out of time.
They stumbled backward, lips never parting, until she was pressed against the bed. His mouth left hers only to trail down her neck, her collarbone, each kiss reverent, worshipful, like he was trying to memorize her skin before it vanished.
Tell me this is real," he whispered against her throat.
It's real," she breathed.
Tell me you'll stay.
She faltered.
He pulled back just enough to look at her. "Liora…
Tears shimmered in her eyes. "I want to. God, I want to. But I
Don't lie to me now," he said gently. "Not now.
She shook her head. "I'm not lying. I just… can't promise things I can't control.
He nodded once. Then he kissed her again, slower this time. Deeper.
They undressed each other without haste, as if every layer shed was one more reason to stay. One more chance to hold on.
His hands roamed her body like she was a secret prayer, a blessing he had waited too long to receive. She kissed his scarred shoulder, the place where he'd bled for her, and he trembled under her touch.
When he finally sank into her, it wasn't lust it was need. Quiet, sacred, the kind that burns behind the ribs and never truly leaves.
They moved together in soft waves, breathless gasps and whispered names exchanged like sacred vows.
Mine," he said against her lips.
Yours," she answered.
He held her afterward, his arms strong around her, their bodies tangled beneath the sheets as if letting go would shatter the moment.
She rested her cheek against his chest, listening to the steady thud of his heartbeat.
How long will you stay?" he asked quietly.
Liora didn't answer right away.
[System Countdown: 3 Days, 9 Hours, 12 Minutes.]
Not long, she whispered.
He tightened his hold. "Then let me find you. Wherever you go next. I don't care if it takes years.
Her heart cracked wide open.
You'd cross worlds for me?
I'd destroy them if they kept me from you.
[Hidden Task Completed: Full Emotional Confession Acquired.]
[Special Condition Met: Bonded Male Lead is Now Eligible for World Jump.]
[System Reward Unlocked: "Love That Transcends Worlds.]
She inhaled sharply as the notification whispered through her mind. He felt it he always sensed when she tensed.
What is it?" he asked.
Liora turned to face him, cupping his face with her hands. "No matter what happens when I disappear… don't stop looking.
I won't," he promised. "Even if I have to rip the stars down to follow you.
She kissed him again long, slow, like it was their last.
Because it might be.
The next morning, the court hailed her as the woman who saved the empire.
But Liora could barely look at the throne room without imagining the countdown ticking behind her eyes.
[System Update: Final Farewell Approaches.]
[2 Days, 14 Hours Remaining.]
The Crown Prince took her hand during the feast. In front of everyone. Boldly. Publicly.
She didn't know what the next world would look like.
But in his eyes burning with love, sorrow, and determination she saw a promise.
He would find her.
And she would wait.