The hall was silent. Noona stared at the man before her—the man her elders had betrothed her to since birth. His eyes shone with certainty… and possession.
"Noona…" He reached out to take her hand, but she stepped back, her eyes trembling.
"Why… are you still looking for me? That engagement ended long ago."
His gaze was unwavering.
"No matter how many lifetimes pass, a vow is still a vow. I have always searched for you. This necklace is proof… that we belong to each other."
Akin immediately stepped between them, his sharp gaze like a declaration of war.
"She doesn't 'belong' to anyone."
Ilda held Noona's arm tightly, feeling the tremor running through her beloved sister of a past life.
"Noona… you have the right to choose your own path."
Noona stood frozen, tears welling in her eyes. Part of her wavered at the undeniable bond, but another part ached from being bound by the word fiancée.
The man gave a sorrowful smile.
"I never wished to be anyone's enemy… but if someone tries to take you away from me, I will fight—even if it means standing against the world."
The room thickened with unbearable tension—
would this love be salvation, or a chain that shackled their souls once more?