Dik lay in the quiet shadow of the Flower Realm, his body battered and broken. His true form still pulsed within him—a form that had been hidden for centuries. The battle had left him drained, his breaths ragged.
As he drifted between pain and unconsciousness, the world around him dissolved. A soft light appeared, pale yet warm, and he found himself standing at the edge of the Soul Bridge—the eternal link between realms. The bridge shimmered with memories of a thousand lifetimes, and there, by its edge, stood a figure draped in flowing light.
She was crying.
Dik stepped closer, heart tightening. His voice broke as he whispered, "Mother… who are you?"
When she turned, the sight stole his breath. It was her—the Queen of the Flower Realm, his late mother. Her eyes glistened with tears, her hands trembling. Dik's chest ached in a way that no wound could heal. Without hesitation, he fell forward, wrapping his arms around her.
"I missed you so much," he said, his voice breaking. Tears spilled freely, warm and endless, though he knew this was but a dream.
She pressed her forehead to his and spoke softly, her voice carrying both sorrow and warning. "Dik… you mustn't think of revenge against the Emperor. Millions of years ago, it is true—the Demon King went mad and took countless lives. But he was manipulated by an evil spirit beyond reckoning. The Emperor had no choice but to kill him. Please… stay out of this mess, my dear. Protect yourself, and protect the realms."
Dik clutched her hand tighter, desperate to hold her a moment longer. "Mother… I don't know if I can."
Her tears fell upon his hand, a gentle warmth seeping into him. "Then at least live, my son. Live for what is right."
Her figure began to fade, dissolving into the light of the Soul Bridge. Dik felt himself being pulled away, his mind clouding with the weight of her words.
When he awoke, his breath was heavy, the pain in his body sharper than before. But in his heart lay something else—a strange mixture of grief and resolve.
Dik's crimson eyes opened, reflecting a silent promise.
The pale light of dawn seeped softly into Dik's chamber. His breathing was shallow, his body still weak from the battle. For hours he lay unconscious, drifting between dreams and fragments of memories.
When he slowly stirred, he had no idea of what was happening. The world felt heavy, blurred. Through the haze, he saw Dijun enter quietly. She moved with her usual grace, though her eyes were shadowed with worry.
Dijun: "Dik… I know you are acting. Wake up quickly."
Dik did not stir. His chest rose and fell gently as if deep in sleep.
Dijun's lips pressed into a thin line. "Alright… I had something important to discuss with you. Seems like this is not the right time." She turned to leave.
At that moment, Dik's eyes slowly fluttered open.
Dik: "What is the something important?" His voice was hoarse, but edged with curiosity.
Dijun hesitated, glancing back briefly. "I thought you were sleeping. I will come again. You should go back to rest."
Dik's eyes sharpened. "I realized my mistake. Sorry… no, please—tell me. What is the important thing?"
Dijun sighed softly, her tone heavy with both resolve and regret. "After five days, the coming full moon—Father has selected that day for your marriage."
Dik blinked, confused and incredulous. "What nonsense. How can I marry before you? And I don't want to get married so soon. By the way… who is the lucky person to marry me?"
Dijun's gaze faltered, her voice quiet. "Dikun."
Dik's eyes widened, his voice sharp with disbelief. "Are you joking? He is my brother!"
Dijun stepped closer, her voice firm yet heavy. "Dik, listen. You are not my brother, nor Dikun's brother. You are the son of the Demon King. From now on, you are no longer the son of the Emperor."
Dik's breath hitched, anger and disbelief flashing in his crimson eyes. "No way… how can that happen? Tell me you are lying. Please."
Dijun's lips curled slightly, as though hiding something deeper. "Thank God you are not my brother. I never wanted to be called your sister. What a relief."
Dik's voice broke, hurt and bitterness flooding him. "Why do you hate me so much? And have you ever cared for me? Never."
Her words struck him like a blade. The wound was not physical, but far deeper. In that moment, Dik felt the sharp sting of rejection, and the bitter truth settled in—perhaps she never truly saw him as family.
For a long moment, silence filled the room, heavy with unspoken thoughts and hidden sorrow.
The unwanted visitor
The news of Dik's impending marriage spread through the realms like wildfire. Among those who heard it, none was more unsettled than Sen Ruyon—the Crown Prince of the Ghost Realm.
Though his own realm was suffering under a grave crisis, Sen Ruyon could not set aside the matter of Dik's marriage. His heart was restless, his thoughts consumed by one truth he could not deny he did not want Dik to be bound to another.
That night, under the pale glow of the moon, Sen Ruyon crossed the boundaries of Heaven Realm. His footsteps were silent, yet his purpose was clear. He came to Dik's quarters without hesitation.
Dik looked up from where he was resting, startled by the unexpected arrival. "Sen Ruyon… why are you here?"
Sen Ruyon's crimson eyes met his. His voice was quiet but firm. "Dik… please. Don't marry anyone."
Dik's expression hardened, his tone sharp. "And who are you to tell me what to do or not to do? Now leave. Or else I'll call the guards to throw you out."
Sen Ruyon stepped closer, his voice lowering to a near whisper but carrying weight. "Tell me one thing… Dik. Do you like Dikun? If you say yes, I will leave—on my own."
Dik stayed silent, his breath still but his heart uneasy.
Sen Ruyon's gaze darkened, a small, certain smirk crossing his face. "I will take your silence as no."
Unknown to both, Dikun had been listening outside the door. His jaw clenched, anger flickering in his eyes. He had always cared for Dik, protected him through countless trials, and borne the burdens of their shared past. And yet, here was Sen Ruyon staking his claim, crossing boundaries without regard.
Sen Ruyon's voice softened, but his words carried possessiveness like steel. "If you don't want to stay here, Dik… you can come with me."
The weight of his words settled in the air between them. Dik's crimson eyes flickered with uncertainty. He had no choice. Deep down, a part of him wanted to resist—but another part, inexplicably, wanted to follow.
Dik's voice was barely audible, tinged with surrender. "…I'll go with you."
Sen Ruyon's smirk deepened, a dangerous glint in his crimson gaze. "Good… you won't regret this, Dik."
Outside, Dikun's fist tightened. Quiet as ever, his heart burned with a storm of fury and silent resolve.
The threads of fate were pulling taut, and the realm was about to be forever changed.
The night was heavy with mist when Sen Ruyon led Dik away from the Flower Realm. No words were spoken between them as they moved only the sound of soft footsteps and the faint rustle of the prince's cloak.
The corridors of Heaven were silent, unaware of what was unfolding. Sen Ruyon's mind was sharp with resolve, a possessiveness that burned hotter than any war flame. Dik, though weary and wounded, followed without protest. His crimson eyes glimmered with confusion, yet there was something unspoken between them something deeper than duty.
Behind them, hidden in the shadows, Dikun had been watching. His heart burned with anger, not just at Sen Ruyon's boldness, but at the fact that Dik had agreed to follow him. The Dragon God clenched his fists so tightly that his nails cut into his palms.
Inside his chambers, Dikun's voice was low, almost a growl.
"Dik… what are you doing? Do you even understand what you're stepping into?"