----
Leo staggered through the busy streets, one hand clutched tightly to his chest.
Pain pulsed through him in sharp waves, spreading from his heart to every crack in his skin.
"I'm almost there," he murmured, voice strained.
Turning into a narrow alley, he finally collapsed against a rough stone wall, sliding down until he sat on the cold ground.
His breathing came in short gasps. The faint glow of his broken body shimmered beneath torn clothes—fissures of dull crimson light tracing along his veins like fractured glass.
"It hurts," he whispered, a pained smile tugging at his lips, "but it was worth it."
He tilted his head back, staring blankly at the sky hidden between rooftops. "I need to come back soon… because I'm certain the one who cursed Mother is the same person who came back in time… and is trying to hurt her."
With great effort, he pushed himself to his feet. "I need to find that person—before they tries something again."
Leo took a few steps forward, wincing as another spasm struck through his chest.
Then he stopped. His crimson eyes flickered faintly."
Let's go back."A red light began to form around him, swirling in a sharp spiral as he activated the Gate—the passage between worlds.
The air trembled as magic converged, bending reality itself. But just as he was about to cross through, he froze.
The air prickled with a familiar presence.It was him."That presence…" he muttered, turning sharply.
A sudden pulse of agony flared through his chest again, forcing him to one knee.
"Ahh… not now…" He coughed, struggling to maintain his focus.
"I'll deal with this when I return. Right now… I'm not in any condition to fight."
He turned back toward the Gate—then a voice echoed from behind.
"Going somewhere?"Leo stopped cold. His eyes widened.
"You… it's you," Leo breathed, fury rising beneath the exhaustion.
Out from the shadows stepped Prince Velco, his expression calm, cold, and far too knowing.
"Were you looking for me all this time, Leo?" Velco asked, his tone eerily amused. "Or should I call you… Zeradros?"
Leo's fury ignited like fire in dry grass. "So it was you. You're the one who came back in time… you're the one hurting my mother!"
Velco's smirk deepened. "Yes. It's me."
Leo's crimson eyes flared again. "I'll kill you."
Magic surged around him—red lightning sparking through the air—but before he could release it, the pain in his chest exploded.
His power dissolved in a flash, and he dropped to one knee, gripping his heart.
"You shouldn't use your magic," Velco said softly, watching him struggle. "It will only make it worse."
Leo glared up at him, trembling, his teeth clenched.
"I know you want to kill me," said Velco, stepping closer, his boots echoing against the stones. "But you're in no condition to try."
"Why did you come back in time?" Leo hissed. "If it's for the Dragon King, you're already too late. He can't be released now."
"I know," Velco replied smoothly. "I didn't come for the dragon."
Leo frowned. "Then what—?"
Velco's smile turned razor-sharp. "I came for revenge."
"Reveng—"
Before Leo could finish, a shadow darted from behind. A blunt strike cracked against the base of his neck, and the world spun into darkness. He hit the ground, unconscious.
The man behind him landed lightly, bowing at Velco's side."Take him," Velco ordered.
"Bind his hands. Make sure he can't run."
"Yes, Your Highness."
As the man carried Leo's limp body away through the shadows, Velco turned toward the fading Gate.
his eyes glowing with quiet delight."The son is down," he murmured.
"Now… let's hunt down the mother."
---
(Royal Palace, Velmoria — Late Night)
The room was dim, lit only by the flicker of a single candle. Eyan sat by Eva's bedside, his hand resting gently over hers. Her face was pale, her breathing soft but steady.
Luca entered quietly, closing the door behind him.
"Eyan… it's about Leo."
Eyan looked up, exhaustion shadowing his eyes. "What about him?"
Luca hesitated before speaking. "Can you not tell Sister-in-law about Leo's condition? She'll only worry. And she needs peace right now."
Eyan nodded slowly. "Alright."
Luca stepped closer, lowering his voice. "There's one more thing. Can you take her somewhere else until she gives birth?"
Eyan's brows furrowed. "Why?"
"It's not safe here," Luca said firmly.
"You saw what happened today. I don't want anything like that happening again."
Eyan leaned back, thinking for a moment. Then he sighed. "Fine. I'll take her somewhere safe.
If she stays here, she'll find out what happened…. I don't want her to hear those things."
Luca nodded, relieved. "You're right. At a time like this, she needs to stay happy."
"Hm," Eyan murmured.
Luca's tone softened. "Also, Eyan… take off your and Sister-in-law's wedding rings."
Eyan blinked, surprised. "Why?"
"The curse," Luca explained. "It was placed on both your rings. Even if it's been broken, there might still be traces left. It could cause problems… it's better not to take any risks."
Eyan's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue. He carefully lifted Eva's delicate hand and slipped the ring off her finger, setting it in his palm. Then he removed his own.
"Here," he said, handing both to Luca.
Luca accepted them carefully. "I'll examine them."
Eyan nodded again. "Alright."
Luca glanced at him one last time. "You should rest too, Eyan. You've been through enough today."
Eyan's gaze lingered on Eva's face. "I'll rest… once I'm sure she's safe."
Luca sighed but didn't argue. He left the room quietly, closing the door behind him.
For a long time, Eyan didn't move. He simply sat there, holding Eva's hand, as the candle burned lower and the shadows deepened around them.
---
(Next Morning — Unknown Residence)
Soft light filtered through thin linen curtains, painting gentle stripes across the bed. Eva stirred, her lashes fluttering as her eyes slowly opened to an unfamiliar ceiling. The scent of pinewood and faint smoke lingered in the air—this wasn't the palace.
She blinked, her mind hazy. Where am I…? This isn't my chamber.
Before she could rise, a sudden warmth pressed against her back. She froze. There was an arm draped protectively around her waist, a steady breath brushing against her neck. Slowly, she turned her head—
And her heart skipped.
"Kyel…" she whispered, eyes widening.
He was asleep beside her, his face calm, strands of dark hair falling across his forehead. His hand rested over her stomach, his body curled around hers as though guarding something precious.
Eva's thoughts raced. Why is Eyan… lying next to me as Kyel? And what is this place? How did I get here?
Her pulse quickened. Before she could move, Kyel stirred. Instinctively, she shut her eyes, feigning sleep.
There was a brief silence, followed by the sound of his soft inhale. Then, his lips brushed near her ear, his voice a low murmur that made her heart tremble.
"Good morning, Princess."
Eva's breath hitched, but she stayed still.
A faint smile curved on his lips. "Princess," he whispered again, teasingly gentle, "I know you're awake. You don't have to pretend."
Her lashes lifted hesitantly. She turned to face him. Their eyes met—his dark brown ones still touched with morning warmth, hers wide with confusion.
"Good morning princess," Kyel said softly, the corner of his mouth lifting into a smile that looked both mischievous and tender.
Eva only stared, searching his face as if hoping the truth would reveal itself there.
He tilted his head. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
She pushed herself slightly back, frowning. "Kyel… what are you doing here? And where is this place? How did I get here?"
He propped himself up on one elbow, the sheets rustling softly. "I brought you here," he said simply.
Her eyes widened. "You… brought me here?"
His smile deepened, playful yet unreadable. "Yes," he murmured. "I kidnapped you from the palace last night."
Eva's breath caught in her throat—half disbelief, half shock.
---