It had been a quiet morning in the Dragon King's former castle—now the home of Aizen Arcime, Lyra Subaru, their children, and their new peaceful life. The war was over. The bloodshed had faded into stories. But Lyra… couldn't stop thinking.
She had been having dreams—dreams about her past life. Raizen. Her past lover.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him. His fierce eyes, his calm nature that could turn terrifying in an instant, and the way he always stood up for her. One memory clung hardest to her heart:
> Two scummy men surrounded her on a school street corner. They said things she couldn't forget. "We'll give you a real fun time, cutie," one had hissed.
Before she could react, Raizen appeared. He didn't hesitate. He stepped in and punched both of them so hard, they flew into the wall. His expression was ice. His heart was fire.
He didn't even speak—just looked at her, then took her hand and walked her home.
Raizen Archime.
It was strange, wasn't it?
Now, Lyra was living a new life. She was reborn as a Dragonkin, and she met someone named Aizen Arcime.
> Raizen Archime.
Aizen Arcime.
Just one letter difference. And yet… it wasn't just the names. It was everything else.
Aizen's calmness under pressure. His protectiveness. His brutal strength. His voice when he comforted her. His smile when she cried. His fiery rage when someone he loved was hurt. He had killed the Dragon King for her. For their family. For justice.
She had known Aizen for 8 years. Eight long, wonderful, terrifying, beautiful years.
But now the idea whispered in her chest like a soft storm.
> What if Aizen is Raizen?
The memories she had—the ones that were hers before this life—they all matched his personality. His presence. Even his pain. The nightmares he had. The soft murmurs of a name called "Miyako Mizaki" in his sleep.
Lyra clutched her chest.
What if it's fate?
What if we're not just lovers in this life—
—but reunited souls from a promise?
Still, a part of her feared being wrong. What if she was just seeing what she wanted to see?
She had to be sure.
There was one way.
She found Aizen in the study, looking out the window, deep in thought. He had just recovered from being unconscious for two weeks. His eyes shone golden as always, but there was a tiredness behind them… as if even in rest, his mind wandered to faraway places.
Slowly, Lyra walked behind him. Her heart pounded in her chest. Her voice shook.
"Aizen…"
He turned slightly, blinking, giving her his usual soft gaze. "Hm?"
She took a breath.
Then she whispered,
> "Raizen…"
For a split second—
He froze.
His body stiffened ever so slightly. His golden eyes widened just a bit. And then—
"…What did you say?" he asked, his voice unsteady.
Lyra's eyes widened. That reaction. That hesitation.
> That was not normal.
She stepped forward slowly, staring deep into his eyes. Her voice soft.
"Who is Raizen, Aizen?"
He didn't answer.
Not yet.
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(END OF chapter 34)