The thread between us

Dawn was only a hint on the horizon—an indigo sky fading into pale gold—yet the world remained wrapped in night.

Ryu Hwan stood on the balcony, arms resting against the railing, eyes fixed on the distant glow.

Behind him, Ji Ah lay unconscious. Though he'd bandaged the wound, the residue of those five corrupted cores continued to drain her strength.

Why must I keep holding back?

Why do I watch her suffer because of a promise I once made?

A delicate butterfly drifted into view, hovering near his shoulder.

The moment he noticed it, the insect shot upward—a flash of silver-blue wings vanishing into the sky.

Anger flickered across his face.

In one swift motion, he vaulted over the rail. His wings erupted in a rush of crimson scales, and he soared upward—chasing the butterfly to the rooftop.

"Enough games," he growled into the breeze. "I know you're here. Show yourself."

A woman stepped from shadow into starlight—serene, ethereal, eyes like twilight pearls.

Seira. Commander of the covert hunter division… and something far older than human.

Ryu Hwan whirled on her, fury and fear warring in his voice.

"Tell me—how much longer am I supposed to stand aside? How long must I watch Ji Ah bleed while I'm forbidden to use my full power?"

Seira's voice was calm, almost sorrowful.

"Until she remembers everything, Dragon. You signed the Eternal Pact. You may guide her, shield her—but you cannot shatter fate for her."

"I don't care about fate." His fists trembled. "I care about her."

Seira's gaze softened. "And I care about you both. But if you violate that oath, the cost isn't just pain—it's oblivion. For you... and possibly for her."

Ryu Hwan's voice cracked. "Do you not love her? You call her your child."

"I love you both," she whispered. "Which is exactly why I must protect the balance."

He turned away in rage. "Then punish me. Chain me. I'll pay any price—just don't let her die."

Seira stepped closer, her palm glowing with pale light.

"Trust me, Dragon. I will not allow harm to come to Ji Ah."

And then, she vanished—dissolving into a stream of butterflies that drifted back toward the bedroom.

Ryu Hwan followed.

Seira knelt beside Ji Ah, placing her hand gently over the wound. A soft white radiance glowed, drawing the remnants of corrupted energy into her palm.

When the light faded, the butterflies melted into the night.

"She'll wake soon," Seira murmured. "The wound will still need time... but the poison is gone."

Ryu Hwan nodded, unable to find words.

Seira turned, casting one last glance over her shoulder.

"Remember, Dragon—one reckless step could doom you both."

Then she dissolved into mist, leaving behind a flutter of wings... and silence.

Ryu Hwan exhaled shakily, mind echoing with her title:

Keeper of Passage.

How many souls had she guided—through life, death, and rebirth—while bound by the vow he forced upon her?

 I will never drag her—or Ji Ah—into deeper peril.

Exhausted, he returned to Ji Ah's side.

He clasped her hand, resting his forehead gently agai

nst it.

A single tear slid free before sleep finally claimed the dragon.