Releasing the Hand
As the swirling portal devoured Sang Jaey, his arm stretched desperately toward the real world—toward Sylin, who held his hand with trembling fingers, refusing to let go.
But then, the familiar voice of Rohdan cut through the air, softened with guilt and apology.
Rohdan regretful,
"I'm sorry, Sylin… I spoke too far. It was my fault. I'm sorry."
The moment she heard his voice, Sylin froze. Her grip weakened… and she let Sang's hand slip away.
The portal swallowed the glowing outline of Sang's arm—gone.
Rohdan, lifting his head, caught Sylin standing in a strange posture.
Rohdan confused,
"What were you doing?"
Sylin nervous,
"Nothing…"
Rohdan nodded slowly, still confused.
Rohdan awkward,
"Hmm… so… do you forgive me?"
Sylin soft,
"Only if you forgive me first."
Rohdan,
"Me? Why would I forgive you?"
She tilted her head, reminding him softly.
Sylin,
"Because I slapped you… right?"
Rohdan sighs,
"Yeah… but only because I said things I shouldn't have. Whatever… let's forgive each other. Okay?"
Sylin nodded, relieved. Rohdan extended his hand.
Rohdan weak smile,
"Let's be friends again."
Sylin gentle,
"Yeah."
Moonlit Restlessness
Night draped itself over Valkerio Academy. A soft moonlight spilled through the long corridor windows as students settled into their assigned rooms.
Earlier, during dinner, the group spoke animatedly—still surprised by the events of the day.
Lohirian tired, joking,
"That meal was too heavy… I feel like I can't walk."
Arkhar laughing,
"Speak for yourself. I still have room for dessert tomorrow."
Bane teasing,
" There is the fat - warrior lohirian."
Lohirian with bluffy face,
" Shut up!"
Azira ,
" Hey , here we were listening to the story of sang jaey. But what he is doing also what about them too?"
Kaizer,
" Do you mean eldrin gramps?"
Azira eating nods , meanwhile in middle kaein,
" Who knows?"
Sylin quiet, distracted,
"…Yeah."
Everyone eventually retired for the night.
Walking alone toward her room, Sylin's mind churned restlessly.
Did she really see Sang Jaey… or was it just another hallucination born out of longing?
Just as her thoughts spiraled, a hand pulled her sharply into a corner. A palm quickly covered her mouth.
Boy urgent, whispering,
"Shhh! Keep quiet."
She stiffened—then calmed when she recognized the boy.
Sylin whisper,
"What?"
Boy,
"Nothing dangerous. I just want to show you something."
Sylin uncertain,
"Show me… what?"
Boy,
"Follow me."
The Terraced Moon
They climbed to the academy terrace.
Sylin stepped out—and froze.
Above them hung a half red–orange moon, glowing like a bleeding ember across the sky.
Sylin shocked, breathless,
"How… how is the moon changing color?"
The boy smiled, lifting his hand. The moon shifted again—deep violet, then sapphire blue, then bright gold. At the same time, the trees below shimmered to life, branches dancing, leaves laughing softly like wind chimes.
Magic pulsed everywhere.
Sylin's heavy heart felt suddenly weightless.
The boy watched her reaction closely.
Boy hopeful,
"Are you happy?"
Sylin nodded gently.
He stepped closer—closer than before, almost brushing her shoulder.
But Sylin stepped back instinctively. She gave a small smile, waved her hand.
Sylin soft,
"Goodnight."
And she hurried downstairs, leaving the boy staring at the glowing sky.
Echoes in the Charcoal Abyss
Sang Jaey collapsed onto the dark floor the moment the portal snapped shut in front of him. Keyokthai, sitting calmly with crossed legs, tilted his head.
Keyokthai teasing,
"Seems like you met your main one."
Sang betrayed expression,
"See? The great lord of demon lords is such a betrayal guy… just minutes ago."
Keyokthai,
"If I told you beforehand, you would've rushed there."
Sang quick,
"Of course not."
Keyokthai smirking,
"That's exactly why."
Sang groaned, rubbing his face.
Sang,
"Tell me… how did you know I was thinking about her?"
Keyokthai stared at him as if the question was absurd.
Keyokthai,
"Are you fool or mad? I am inside you."
Sang,
"Oh… right. But wait—another question. We're here as spirits, right? Then how did she see me? Hear me?"
Keyokthai,
"Because she has that power."
A proud smile crept onto Sang's face.
Sang bright,
"Whatever, man! It felt good… even if it's irrelevant to what's happening now. But something still feels off."
Keyokthai smirked knowingly.
Sang,
"Open the portal again."
Keyokthai firm,
"No. You're getting too distracted."
Sang pleading,
"Please—"
Keyokthai gazed, sharp and commanding, shutting him down immediately.
The Woman at the Den
Inside the Den of Querion, the heavy doors creaked open.
A woman stepped in. Her steps echoed like thunder across the stone hall.
Ferin, Querion, and Eldrin remained calm—unmoved by her presence.
But Rakhad and Zoick broke into a sweat. Both swallowed hard, standing up instinctively.
Together, their voices trembled.
Rakhad & Zoick shocked,
"Hey, you're—?"
The hall fell silent.