The air was heavy. The park was no longer their quiet place. The golden light from the sky burned against the dark trees, casting shadows that moved like fire.
He stood, holding her hand tightly. His heart pounded, but he didn't let go. His father's words echoed in his chest like a command, but he forced himself to speak.
"I will not go unless I take her with me. She is my love."
Her eyes widened. The words were simple, but they shook her. He had said them not in whispers, not in comfort, but loudly, in defiance of a godlike figure.
The Emperor's gaze bore down on them. "You speak of love, but you do not know what awaits you. This girl is not part of our bloodline. She cannot walk the path of the Sun."
She gripped his hand tighter. Her voice trembled. "What is he saying? Who is he? What does he mean by son?"
He turned to her. His throat was dry. The truth weighed too much, but he couldn't lie. "I… I don't know everything. But I feel it. He is my father."
Her heart skipped. Fear rushed through her veins, but more than fear, she saw the look in his eyes. Confusion. Pain. And behind it, a choice.
"You're not going with him," she said firmly, shaking her head. "Not if it means leaving me here."
He nodded slowly, almost whispering, "I told you… I won't go without you."
The Emperor's flames surged higher. His voice cracked the silence. "Do not speak as if you have power here. You are bound by destiny. The throne of the Sun waits for you."
The young man stepped back, pulling her closer. "Then destiny will have to wait. She is part of me now."
Tears welled in her eyes. She pressed her forehead against his shoulder, her voice shaking. "If you go… take me with you. Please don't leave me here."
He held her face gently, his thumb brushing her cheek. "I swear. No matter what happens, I won't leave you. Even if he takes me by force, I'll fight to return to you. I promise."
Her tears fell, but she smiled faintly through them. "Then I promise too. Even if the world changes… I'll find you."
For a moment, the storm above seemed far away. In that small space, under the trembling lamps and broken sky, it was only them. Two people who met by chance, laughing at bad jokes on a park bench, now holding onto each other as the world tried to tear them apart.
The Emperor's fiery steps drew closer. His voice was sharp, almost cold. "Love will not save you from duty."
But the boy's voice rose to meet it. "Then duty will not take me from love."