𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒫𝓁𝒶𝓎𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉:
𝒞𝓇𝒾𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 - 𝐵𝓇𝒾𝓉𝓃𝑒𝓎 𝒮𝓅𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓈

𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 1 - 𝓢𝔂𝓵𝓾𝓼. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙧

𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦'𝘴 𝘚𝘺𝘭𝘶𝘴. 𝘒𝘠𝘈𝘏𝘏𝘏𝘏.

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''Punyeta ka, Travis! Sa mga paa ko ang tingin, hindi sa puday!''

Hinihingal kong singhal habang pilit na nilulusot ang kanan kong paa sa bakal para lang hindi mahulog sa bangin. Taimtim akong nagdadasal habang nagkakatitig kung gaano kataas ang huhulugan ko kung hindi magtitino si Travis.

''Sorry na, mhie. Ang kinis mo kasi.'' Pinandilatan ko ng mga mata si Travis at sinara ang mga hita ko. Ngunit kahit ano'ng gawin ko'y nililipad ng hangin ang palda ko. Pinandilatan ko ng mga mata si Travis hanggang sa humalakhak siya't hilain ang paa ko.

I shrieked the moment he pulled my foot. Minura ko siya dahil may kirot akong naramdaman sa paa't paglingon ko ay may sugat na ito. Pinisil ko ang braso ni Travis dahil hindi siya nag-iingat. Nagtatatalon naman siya sa gilid at hindi pa ako nakuntento't sinabunutan ko pa siya.

''Ayan ang sinasabi ko! Kita mo 'yan?! Ang lalim ng sugat ko!'' Naiirita kong sambit. Napakamot siya ng ulo't nagsisigaw ako nang buhatin ako ni Travis. He carried me bridal style, and it was too late when I realized that his foot was bleeding too. Tinikom ko ang mga labi ko dahil may sugat din siya pero hindi siya nagreklamo.

Hindi ako umimik at hinayaang buhatin niya ako hanggang sa makabalik kami sa hideout. Our hideout is a tent created by Travis' magic. When we got there, Arthur, Zander, and Val were cooking.

Makapal na rin ang usok mula sa pinanggatong na kahoy na ginawa nila ngunit hindi mataas. I know everyone is becoming careful because we are in the boundary of Kazva already. Ginala ko ang paningin ko habang nasa bisig ni Travis. Everywhere I turn my gaze, all I can see are huge trees and grasses. The humidity in the air is kind of hot too.

''Maybe Arthur said he wanted fish. Where did they find fishes in the desert?'' Nagtatakang sambit ni Travis. Pinisil ko na lang ang braso ni Travis para lang ibaba niya. Everyone is already looking at us. Hindi niya naman talaga ako kailangang buhatin. Ang dami niyang alam.

''Mukhang masarap.'' Ngumuso ako nang ibaba ako ni Travis. Pinagpag ko ang suot kong palda at tinitigan sila Zander na kumakain na.

They built a stone pit surrounded by sticks, with smoky fishes inside. Val was chewing as if there were no tomorrow. Nahuli kong kakagatin na sana ni Zander ang isda niya nang makita niya ako't kumaway. Arthur was the only one sitting on a cloth. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Travis dahil iisang isda na lang ang natitira.

''You can have mine!'' Zander offered.

Nalukot naman ang noo ni Travis at dali-dali niyang kinuha ang isda niya at tinapat sa mukha ko. Napangiwi na lang ako sa kanilang dalawa na kulang na lang ay isubsob nila sa mukha ko ang isda.

''Hindi naman ako humihingi. Adik ba kayo?'' Naiinis kong sambit pero kumalam ng konti ang sikmura ko nang maamoy ko kung gaano kasarap. Napanguso na lang ako at umupo na kaming dalawa ni Travis sa tabi ni Zander.

''What happened there? Why the woman is bleeding?'' Arthur stopped chewing. Napatitig na lang ako dahil sa lahat ng nandito sa amin ay siya ang may pinakamadaming isda. Isang tipid na ngiti ang ginanti ko sa kaniya.

''Ayos lang baka balatan mo ng buhay si Travis kapag sinabi kong kasalanan niya.'' I joked around. Napanguso na lang si Travis at pilit na inaabot sa akin ang hawak niyang isda. Kinuha ko na lang ay kinain.

We've been traveling for hours and days. We need to find an antidote for Anthonus. Uno and the others are currently on the way. Ang sabi nila ay susunod sila sa amin. Hindi ko ba alam kung bakit hindi na lang siya mamatay. Talagang ipapasubo niya pa ang buhay namin para lang sa sakit niya sa lalamunan. Kala mo naman talaga.

''Do you want to take a bath?'' Arthur asked. Napartigil ako sa pagnguya dahil lahat sila napatitig sa akin. Their eyes are on me and I can't help but think about the time they accidentally saw my naked body when I was taking a bath.

''Ayos lang.'' I told them. Tumango silang lahat at nagpatuloy kami sa pagkain. I looked ahead and saw wild winds. We are currently in the middle of a desert. I just blinked when I saw a poster flying towards me.Napamura ako't inalis ni Travis sa mukha ko ang papel.

''What are the posters for?'' Naiiritang sambit ni Travis at inayos ang poster na lukot-lukot.

''Who's that?'' Zander asked. Nalukot ang mga noo namin habang nakatitig sa poster. It was a drawing of a man's face.

𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟: 𝗦𝗬𝗟𝗨𝗦

''What's wrong with this guy's nose?'' Val pointed the poster's nose. Kinalbit naman ako ni Travis at nang makita ko ang mukha niya'y humalakhak na rin ako.

The poster is of a man with side-parted hair. He also has almond-shaped eyes, sharp eyebrows, and a sharp jawline. I would say he has perfect lips, but the only issue with the sketch is the man's nose. Hindi ko ba alam kung nagkamali ang nag-sketch o talagang sinadyang palakihin ang ilong niya. His nose looked disproportionate to his face.

''Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.'' Napakanta ako nang wala sa oras at humalakhak lalo.

''I heard that before!'' Travis exclaimed. Pinagpipisil ko siya habang nakaupo't lalo kaming natawa dahil. We pointed the guy's nose at the poster. Hindi ko alam kung sino siya at wala akong pake kung kriminal siya. Nakakatawa kasi ang ilong niya.

"Why are you laughing? Haven't you heard of that criminal before?" Naputol ang pagtatawanan namin ni Travis dahil naging seryoso ang boses ni Val. I looked at Zander. Nagkibit balikat na lang siya at mukhang walang ideya sa pinag-uusapan namin.

''Hindi.'' Naboboryo kong sambit.

''It's written that he's a criminal. What more about it?'' Arthur asked.

"Wait. Is it the same person who belongs to the group called Vondrak." Val commented. Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko dahil parang nabahala silang lahat.

''Vondrak? Ano 'yon?'' Nagtataka kong sabi sa kanila. Lahat sila'y tumingin sa akin na parang hindi alam kung paano nila ipapaliwanag sa akin ang sagot sa tanong ko. Ako

''Vondrak is a rebel group from a long time. Rumors said that they are cannibals.'' Val answered me. Napangiwi na lang ako't napakapit kay Travis dahil sa narinig ko.

''Kapag kumakain ka ba ng kapwa mo tao, lumalaki talaga ilong mo?'' Tinuro ko ang ilong sa poster at natawa uli si Travis sa tabi ko.

''We need to be careful. This poster is everywhere so it means that we are near the boundary of Vondrak.'' Arthur said.

Nagpatuloy kami sa pagkain habang nagpapahinga. We've been traveling for hours, but it still isn't enough. We were riding horses. Kaming dalawa ni Zander ang nakasakay sa iisang kabayo.

Travis is riding solo, as are Arthur and Val. Nagkatalo pa nga sila Travis at Zander kung kanino ako sasakay. Ang sabi ko pa nga sa kanila ay silang dalawa na lang magsama sa iisang kabayo para matapos na ang away nila.

''Are you sure you want at the back?'' Zander asked. Napalunok na lang ako't tumango.

''Oo. Sa likod na ako. 'Wag na sa harap.'' I offered my hand. Inabot ko ang kamay ko't umakyat sa kabayo. Kinausap ko si Zander na kung puwede ay sa likod niya na lang ako umupo.

How do I tell Zander that I can feel his hardness while my butt is grinding on him while we are riding the horse?

''Are you okay?'' Lumingon sa akin si Zander habang nakaupo ako sa likod niya.

Tumango ako at hinigpitan ang hawak sa kaniya. I wrapped my arms around Zander. Nagpatuloy ang indak ng kabayo. I placed my chin on Zander's shoulder. Sinilip ko ang kabayo ng iba at nakita kong pinaggitnaan nila si Arthur.

''Tiara! Tiara!'' Nawala ako sa wisyo dahil sa sigaw ni Travis kaya naman ay lumingon ako sa gilid kung saan siya nakatingin.

My eyes widened when I saw a flying shuriken heading towards me. Natatarantang lumingon sa akin si Zander. I can sense the panic in Zander's eyes. And he immediately let go of holding the horse just to wrap his arms around me and pull me closer.

Everything happened so fast. Napahiyaw na lang ako nang bumagsak kaming dalawa ni Zander sa lupa. Damang-dama ko ang kirot ng kanan kong paa nang masugatan ito dahil sa isang matalim na bato. I tried to open my eyes but when I did, my sight just turned 360 degrees.

My eyes widened while still looking into their reactions as a group of men, around 12 of them, riding black horses and starting to circle around us. Mahahaba ang kanilang mga suot at may manggas. A thick cloth is wrapped around their heads and faces, and the only thing visible are their eyes.

''Travis! Travis! We need your barrier!'' Val was shouting. I looked at all of them intently. When I looked up, Val threw a teleportation stone, and just like that, Uno and the others are here with their horses, looking confused.

Travis immediately stare at me. ''Barrier para saan?! Sila Tiara—''

"Just do it! The Crown Prince needs the barrier!" Uno exclaimed.

I watched as they circled around Arthur next. Unti-unting tumayo si Zander habang ang kanan niyang kamay ay nakahawak sa ulo ko. Travis shouted more as a man riding a black horse started sprinting towards our direction.

I instantly grabbed the shurikens they had thrown me and threw them, but they flew back in my direction. Muli akong niyakap ni Zander kaya naman ay bumaon sa braso niya ang shuriken. I shrieked when the man in a black horse grabbed my hair.

''Tiara! No!'' Zander reached out his hands. Sinubukan kong abutin ang kamay niya ngunit mabilis ang takbo ng kabayo ng lalaki.

Mangiyak-ngiyak na ako nang kaladkarin niya ako habang patuloy ang pag-ander ng kabayo niya. Binaon ko ang mga kuko ko sa kamay niya hanggang sa dumugo ngunit parang wala siyang nararamdaman.

The moment I saw the horror in Zander and Travis' eyes, I had a hunch about who these guys were.

''Bitawan mo ako! Animal ka!'' Nanginig ang boses ko kaya nama'y humalakhak ang lalaki na parang demonyo.

Pinagkukurot ko ang kamay niya ngunit kahit mabalatan siya ay parang wala siyang nararamdaman ng sakit. My heart started racing when Travis' spells were useless and their horses started sprinting away from Uno's group.

When I looked ahead, another man was sprinting towards us. All I could see were very familiar almond-shaped, maroon eyes.

I tried to resist when another man lifted me up and carried me in a bridal style while his other hand was on the horse. Magkasalubong lang ang mga kilay ko at nakipagtigasan ng tingin sa kaniya. He turned his gaze on the man who grabbed my hair a minute ago.

"This is the proper way to hold a lady, Lincoln," the man in front of me said, as the cloth covering his face and lower part of his body started to be blown by the wind.

My eyes widened when I saw the same silver side-parted hair, almond-shaped maroon eyes, thick eyebrows, sharp jaw, and lips as on the poster.

But what most got my attention was his high-bridge nose that looked nothing like the one on the poster. Nakipagtigasan ako ng tingin sa kaniya dahil alam kong siya ang lalaking nasa poster kanina.

Maybe the poster was wrong after all... this guy looked different.

''Nice catch, Sylus! We will eat her for dinner tonight!'' The guy named Lincoln said.

Nangilabot ako nang humalakhak silang lahat habang nakatitig sa akin. Alam ko kasing literal nila akong kakainin. Nagpumiglas ako ngunit lalo akong hinigit palapit ni Sylus sa bisig niya.

"You look so good enough to eat," Sylus breathed in my right ear. I gritted my teeth and pushed him. Nakipagtigasan ako ng tingin sa kaniya. Ramdam ko ang paghigpit ng kapit niya sa bewang ko na para bang ayaw niya na akong bitawan.

"Don't put your dirty paws on me." Kamuntik ko siyang duraan ngunit imbes na mainis siya'y lalo siyang ngumisi na para bang gustong-gusto niya ang reaksyon ko.

Nagpupumiglas ako't habang papalayo ang mga kabayo namin ay lalong bumibilis ang tibok ng dibdib ko dahil sa kaba. I tried to resist and I almost jumped to Sylus' horse, yet he was quick to grab my hand. Ayaw niya akong tigilan kaya naman ay kinagat ko na ang braso niya ngunit parang wala pa rin siyang nararamdaman.

"We will use the teleportation stone!" Lincoln giggled. "That weird floating spellbook is still following us!"

Dali-dali akong lumingon sa likod at nagwala nang makita si Travis. "Travis! Travis!" I shouted.

I tried to reach for his hand yet Lincoln grabbed it. I gritted my teeth. Halos mahubaran na ako kakapiglas. Tipong bumababa na rin ang strap ng suot kong long dress. Humigpit naman ang hawak sa akin ni Sylus habang bumibilis ang pagtakbo ng kanilang kabayo.

''Use the teleportation stone! Give us the invisible bomb next!'' Lincoln shouted.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Sylus habang bibit ako. Pinandilatan ko siya ng mga mata't binaon ko ang kuko sa kamay niya para lang bitawan niya ako pero kahit ano'ng pananakit ang gawin ko ay parang wala lang sa kaniya.

''Ba't ba puro ka utos? Wala ka bang magawa sa buhay mo?'' Sylus shouted. Nanlaki na lang ang mga mata naming lahat nang may itapon si Sylus sa era.

It was like a golden crystal ball that was left floating in the air. I couldn't help but grab Sylus' hair for support. After that, there was a loud explosion. Isang nakakasilaw na gintong liwanag ang sumakop sa amin kaya naman ay napapikit ako. When I opened my eyes, I found myself inside Sylus' arms. Mariin ko siyang tinulak at ilang segundo pa ang lumipas bago mawala ang panlalabo ng aking mga mata.

''Hush now—'' I cut him off by grabbing the sharp glass beside me. Walang pag-aalinlangan ko itong tinutok sa kaniya. Sylus just smirked and my heart pounded fast when I saw that we were alone in an unfamiliar room. All I could see were red lights and concrete walls.

''Don't touch me!'' I held the sharp glass tightly and sliced his left cheek. Napasinghap na lang ako dahil hindi ko akalain na sobrang lalim pala ng sugat na nagawa ko sa balat niya. He didn't blink, and I didn't even hear him hiss. He had no reaction at all.

''Is this how you greet a new friend?'' Sylus whispers.

''Huwag na huwag mo akong hahawakan. Hindi lang 'yan ang makukuha mo sa akin.'' Nanggigigil kong bulong kahit na ramdam ko ang panginginig ng buong katawan ko sa takot.

''Nice lines, did you practice? Sinasabi mo ba ang mga 'yan sa harap ng salamin?'' Sylus scoffed. The blood dripped from the fresh wound on his cheek, and my forehead knotted when the blood started floating in the air and his wound instantly healed right in front of my eyes.

''Baliw ka. Pakawalan niyoko.'' Siniksik ko ang sarili ko sa pader. Nanliit ang mga mata ko nang unti-unting ilapit ni Sylus ang kaniyang mukha sa akin habang siya'y nakangisi sa akin. He was literally towering over me.

𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘣 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.

𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘣 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.

𝘏𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘣 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵.

I gasped when I heard different voices, each with low pitches, telling me to hurt Sylus more. Nanlalaki ang mga mata kong tinitigan si Sylus dahil nakatitig lang siya sa akin. He was looking at me intently. His maroon eyes scanned my body from head to toe.

''What is this? Ano'ng ginawa mo sa akin? Bakit may mga naririnig ako?!'' Nangangatal kong singhal at imbes na sagutin ako'y hinablot niya ang kamay ko. He leaned closer and didn't even dare to look away. Hindi ako nagpatalo't nakipagtigasan ng tingin sa kaniya.

''You can hear the voices. I wonder why?'' Tila na-iintriga niyang sambit.

''Sylus.'' He let go of me when Lincoln called for us. Sunod na sumandal si Lincoln sa pader habang nakakrus ang kaniyang mga braso.

This was also the moment that I was able to see Lincoln up close. I don't understand the reason why they wear a thin cloth, covering the lower part of their mouths. Lincoln was tall, with slanted eyes and ocean blue eyes. He had a tanned skin and a muscular body. Napangiwi na lang ako't pakiramdam ko ay babaliktad ang sikmura ko dahil na-alala ko ang kuwento nila Arthur na kumakain daw ang mga lalaking ito ng karne ng tao.

"Can't wait for today's special menu? I was trying to comfort the kitten because it seemed like she was affected by the void. 'Wag kang masyadong excited. Magpagwapo ka muna." Sylus smirked. Pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay at sumandal sa pader. Kulang na lang ay magpalamon ako sa pader para lang hindi pa nila ako malapitan.

My gaze suddenly shifted to Sylus' neck. At that moment, I didn't know why I wondered if they were affected by this world's curse. They don't derserved a woman's mark anyways...

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯'𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥.

𝘌𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘌𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴.

My eyes automatically landed on Sylus, and I was alarmed when I saw that he was already staring at me. As if, he already knew that I was hearing voices. Saglit niya akong tinapunan ng tingin at binalik ang atensyon niya kay Lincoln.

''What now, Master Sylus?'' Ramdam ko ang pagiging sarkastiko ni Lincoln dahil sa tono niya. Isang ngisi na lamang ang sinagot ni Sylus at magkasalubong ang mga kilay kong tinitigan silang dalawa.

''I heard that my cases kept piling up. Even the posters of me are sketched wrong. Look what they did to my nose. Wala ka ring kuwenta, ano? Abogado ka ba o abogago?'' sunod na sikmat ni Sylus.

The gothic-looking cabinet opened, and a pile of posters started floating towards Sylus' direction. Humalakhak naman si Lincoln habang pasulyap-sulyap sa akin. Matalim ko siyang tinitigan at sunod siyang pumito nang makita ang hawak kong matulis na salamin.

While they were busy chitchatting, I instantly held the ring on my pinky finger. It had been given to me by Travis. Ang sabi niya sa aki'y haplusin ko raw ang singsing na ito tuwing kailangan ko siya. So I did. I even felt that my fingers are already shivering. I tried to feel Travis' energy but he was too far. Pakiramdam ko rin ay sobrang layo rin nila sa akin ngayon.

''Chill. Tsk. It looked like you were hurt. Do you want me to put the sauce all over her body instead—''

''Subukan mo akong hawakan, isasaksak ko 'to sa bayag mo. Kingina mo!'' Nanggigigil kong saad kay Lincoln. His eyes widened for a second and chuckled.

''Damn that mouth...'' he whispers.

''Leave.'' Sylus commanded. Isang ngisi naman ang sinagot sa amin ni Lincoln bago siya umalis sa harap naming dalawa. Naiwan akong nakasiksik at nakaupo sa malamig na sahig habang nakatitig kay Sylus habang siya'y naglakad papalapit sa akin at umupo sa malaki't kulay itim na upuan sa aking harap.

𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘣 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘣 𝘩𝘪𝘮.

𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘣 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘣 𝘩𝘪𝘮.

𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘣 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘒𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘏𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦.

Napapikit ako dahil muli kong narinig ang mga iba't-ibang boses sa loob ng ulo ko. Pagdilat ko'y binuhat ako ni Sylus. He carried me in bridal style and before I can even curse him, he let me sit on the black sofa.

''Don't you dare touch me—''

''You hear the voices. Those are from the bad energy around you. Your men, perhaps?'' Sylus opened his palm, and my eyes widened when I saw a black smoke that enveloped around my hand.

''Stop mumbling nonsense!'' Sinubukan kong bawiin ang kamay ko.

My forehead knotted more when he let our fingers intertwine. Napasinghap na lang ako dahil hindi ko alam kung saan kumukuha ng kapal ng mukha ang lalaking ito. Ito ba ang nakukuha nila sa pagkain ng karne ng tao? Nakakadiri silang lahat!

''I'm not talking nonsense, little kitten. I can manipulate and feel every form of energy, even elemental energy or life energy.'' Sylus leaned closer. ''And those men around you a while ago... are you sure that they are willing to offer their lives for you?''

''Manahimik ka! Wala kang alam!'' Nagpipigil akong tinuskin ang mga mata niya dahil sa sobrang inis.

I saw something in his eyes, an emotion that I couldn't describe. He didn't let go of my hand, but I dispersed the smoke from his hand again. Lumakbay ang usok pataas sa dibdib ko at bago pa ako makapagsalita ay tinakpan ni Sylus ang mga tenga ko gamit ang mga palad niya.

''Breathe in. Breathe out. It's all because of your ring. Not all of your men have good energy. Focus on yourself.'' Sylus was mumbling things, but I couldn't hear them. I was stuck staring back at his maroon eyes while he was calming me.

''That's it. . . Breath. Good girl...'' Sylus whispered something again.

Sinubukan kong basahin ang galaw ng labi niya't nakuha ko ang ibig niyang sabihin. He was telling me to breath. Nagtaas-baba ang dibdib ko habang nakatitig sa mga mata niyang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa akin.

''Hindi umuubra. I need to... but that ring is...'' Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko at gusto ko siyang alisin ang mga kamay niya sa akin. I don't want him touching me. Ayaw ko sanang magpahawak sa kaniya ngunit nawawala lang ang mga boses na naririnig ko kapag hinahawakan niya ako.

''The ring of Paradise. . . I'll give the ring of Paradise to you.'' Sylus instantly held my hand. Binawi ko kaliwa kong kamay ngunit hinawakan niya ang daliri ko. He never let go of my ring finger until I saw a black smoke with glints of gold lights start to form a ring-like shape on my finger.

''Sylus! Did you take the ring of Paradise. You traitor!—''

Before Lincoln could finish his sentence, I shrieked when Sylus grabbed the glass blade from my hand and cut his palm. Lincoln was alarmed when Sylus' blood started spreading around the room, it turned into huge spikes that flew towards Lincoln's direction.

Tumayo ako at tumakbo palayo ngunit mabilis na hinablot ni Sylus ang kamay ko at hinila ako palapit sa kaniya. Lincoln kept shouting that Sylus had something they call the Ring of Paradise. Na-alarma ang lahat dahil sa sigaw ni Lincoln at para silang nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig nang makita ang singsing sa kamay ko.

''How could you do this to us! Kill him! Take the woman!—''

''Tiara! Tiara!'' My eyes widened when Arthur barged through the door, together with the others. They had broken down the door as well while they were mounted on their horses. Lincoln's group was also attacking Sylus.

Sylus carried me in a bridal style, and when I looked in front, there were flying shurikens. Sylus dodged them all. Humiyaw ako habang hindi matigil ang sigaw ng dalawang kampo. The two group were after Sylus. Kaliwa't-kanan ang atake na ginagawa ni Sylus ngunit kahit ano'ng iwas ang gawin niya'y hindi siya umaatake pabalik.

When I stared at Sylus, he was looking at me while effortlessly dodging all their attacks, all while carrying me in a bridal style.

He didn't hurt Lincoln's group his companions, or Arthur's group. He was just dodging.

He jumped and floated in the air. Everything happened so fast that when I blinked, we were on top of his horse. Balak ko sanang tumalon ngunit muli niyang hinablot ang kamay ko pabalik sa kaniyang kabayo.

''Tiara!'' I felt Travis' rage when I saw huge fireball from his hand. Pati na rin ang kampo ni Lincoln ay halos mapaos na kakamura kay Sylus. Nang titigan ko si Sylus ay hindi niya na pinatapos pa ang sasabihin ng kaniyang mga kasama't pinatakbo ang kabayo.

''Baliw ka! Ano ba 'tong pinasuot mong singsing sa akin!'' Halos mamaos na ang lalamunan ko kakasinghal sa kaniya. Imbes na magsalita'y isang ngisi ang sinagot niya sa akin.

''You'll see later, kitten. You can try some tricks on me.'' Tila nanghahamon niyang sambit.

Lumiko ang kabayo kung saan kami nakasakay at sa isang kuweba niya ako dinala. Hindi ko alam kung paano kami napunta't saan kami napadpad. There was this cave beside a cliff. Napahinto ako dahil tila naririnig ko ang alon mula sa malayo. Pagtingin ko sa baba'y doon ko napagtanto na siguro'y dagat ang nasa bangin.

''The ring of Paradise makes you god.'' Napataas ang kilay ko dahil sa sinabi ni Sylus.

''Adik ka ba? Ano'ng gagawin ko rito? Galit na galit mga kasama mo kanina.'' Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit ako nakikipag-usap sa kaniya. Sylus scoffed as we entered the cave.

''Test it.''

''Huh?'' Natigilan ako habang nakatitig sa kaniya.

''Think of something. Anything you want. It will go to life instantly—'' Sylus scoffed when a chain instantly appeared on his neck. Nanlalaki ang mga mata kong nakatitig dahil hawak ko ang dulo ng chain na ito.

''You want to walk me like a dog, huh? What a bold kitten.'' Tila nanunukso niyang sambit. Hinila ko ang chain dahilan para mapaluhod siya. Nanlalaki ang mga mata kong nakatitig sa kung ano'ng nangyari kanina.

So this is the power of the Ring of Paradise, huh? Whatever you think will instantly appear and happen.

''Why do you have a ring like this? Saan niyo balik gamitin?'' Naniningkit ang mga mata kong sambit. Imbes na sumagot ay nakatitig lang siya sa akin. Walang ekspresyon ang mga mata niyang nakatitig habang nakaluhod.

''Hindi ka makasagot?'' I scoffed. ''Alam ko naman ang sagot. Men like you will just use a powerful ring like this for your own selfishness. Will you use this to rule the world? To become a god?''

''I betrayed them and stole that ring you were wearing in order to bring back a dead person to life.'' I was caught off guard because of Sylus' answer.

''Liar.'' I lifted my forehead. Sinadya ko 'yon para naman maramdaman niyang wala siyang laban ngayon.

He was looking up at me without breaking his gaze. Napalukot na lang ang noo ko dahil nagsimulang magtubig ang kaniyang mga mata't umiwas ng tingin sa akin. Ayaw kong maniwala ngunit paglaan ng ilang minuto ay nanahimik siya. Hinila ko ang chain na nakakabit sa leeg niya pero wala siyang reaksyon.

''I wanted to bring back a professor who adopted me and died when he was 25. Lincoln's plan was to make half of the population of this world female in order to satisfy their thirst for flesh and reproduction. I disagreed with their plan...''

''Manahimik ka. Do you think I'll believe you? After abducting me and locking me in this cave,'' matigas kong sambit. Huwag niya ako subukang utuin dahil mabilis lang gumawa ng kuwento.

''You chose to be with me inside this cave, kitten. You can feel it too, can't you? Your men around you aren't genuine. Did you notice how they chose to protect the crown prince instead of you when we attacked?'' Natigilan ako dahil sa sinabi ni Sylus. Hindi ko alam kung nangmaninipula lang siya.

''Manahimik ka!'' asik ko't tinikom niya ang kaniyang mga labi. Hila-hila ko siya habang siya'y naglalakad gamit ang kaniyang mga tuhod. I noticed the cave's spikes, yet Sylus was walking with his knees while I was dragging him.

Saglit akong lumingon sa kaniya at huminto sa paglalakad habang siya'y blanko ang mga matang nakatitig sa akin. I scoffed. Alam kong nagpapaawa lang siya sa akin kaya naman ay mas lalo ko siyang hinila't binilisan ang lakad.

I dragged him to the cave and I just stopped when I saw blood all over the spikes. My eyes widened, and when I stared at Sylus, his knees were already bleeding. Sa taranta ko'y binitawan ko ang chain at umiwas ng tingin.

''Pagod na ako maglakad.'' That's the thing that I said. Umupo ako sa hugis trono na spikes ng kuweba habang si Sylus ay naiwang nakaluhod sa harap ko.

''How long have you been with them? The rumors about the woman who can heal men with the curse are true, aren't they?'' Hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi niya dahil hindi ako pumunta rito para makipag-tsismisan sa kaniya.

''Why do you need my healing? Akala ko ba kaya nang gawin ng ring of Paradise kuno niyo ang lahat?'' I lifted my hand and started waving at him. Salubong lang ang mga kilay ko dahil puwede naman siyang tumayo't tumakas ngunit naiwan siyang nakaluhod sa harap ko habang walang tigil sa pagdugo ang kaniyang mga tuhod.

''They're not genuine. . . I can see their energies. . . Live with me instead.'' Sylus offered.

''What?'' sikmat ko sa kaniya. Naiwan akong nakatitig sa kaniya dahil hindi ko alam kung tama ba ako ng narinig. Hindi niya rin naman inulit kung ano'ng sinabi niya kanina. Nakaluhod lang siya habang nakatingala sa akin.

''I want to hunt a fish.'' Tumayo ako't naglakad palayo. Nakataas ang noo kong nakatitig sa kamay ko.

''That's dangerous—'' Hindi ko pinakinggan ang susunod niyang sasabihin at tumakbo palabas ng kuweba. I took a deep breath before jumping into the cliff. Umalingawngaw ang sigaw ni Sylus bago ko siya makitang tumalon upang sundan ako.

I gasped when I fell into deep water, and before I knew it, I didn't know why I was running out of breath. I stared at my ring finger and saw the ring glittering with a black light. I didn't know why. Tumingala ako at nakita si Sylus na papalangoy papunta sa akin.

His eyes panicked when he saw that the ring was blinking with a black color. My vision started to blur, and Sylus grabbed my nape and slammed his lips to mine. My eyes widened, and I tried to push him away, yet he opened his mouth over mine and started transferring air.

Unti-unting gumaan ang pakiramdam ko. Napansin ko rin ang pagbabago ng kulay ng singsing. When I blinked, we teleported back to the cave. But my eyes widened when I saw Anthonus and Lincoln's group. Alam ko na ang susunod na mangyayari at dali-dali kong hinawakan si Sylus ngunit tila wala siya sa wisyo.

''Sylus! Sylus!'' I don't even know why I was calling for him. His eyes were closed while he was lying on the ground. My hands shivered when I touched his face. That's when reality hit me that maybe Sylus had transferred all his energy to mine.

''Just for a woman, eh? You betrayed us just for a woman? I thought you would have learned when we killed the professor.'' I had a gut feeling that what I heard wasn't good when I saw Sylus' reaction. Hindi makapaniwala kong tinitigan si Lincoln habang nakasakay siya sa kaniyang kabayo.

''You killed the professor?'' Unti-unting bumangon si Sylus habang ako'y hindi makapaniwalang tinitigan sila Lincoln. Hindi ko man alam ang buong istorya ngunit pakiramdam ko ay pati ako ay pinagtaksilan.

''Oh, ano? Akala mo ba na ikaw lang ang taksil. You're aware of the professor's brilliant intelligence, aren't you? We ate his flesh to acquire his knowledge... we confused everything, and look at us now.''

''Sylus—'' My sentence was cut when Sylus opened his palm and his blood started floating and turned into a huge spike.

Lincoln chuckled. ''Are you aware of what will happen when Sylus overuses his blood manipulation, woman?'' he asked, looking down at me. Sylus released the spike, and when I looked back, huge balls of energy were coming from Travis' palms towards Sylus' direction.

''No!'' I shouted. It was too late when I stare at Sylus. When I stared at him, I saw how his left eye had changed color to silver.

Imbes na umatake pabalik at muli niya akong binuhat at tumalon. We floated in the air I looked down to see everyone. Zander threw floating bombs to our direction. I stare at Sylus panickly. Naramdaman ko ang panginginig ng kaniyang mga kamay habang buhat niya ako. Sa tingin ko'y hindi pa rin siya naka-recover tungkol sa nalaman niya.

Lincoln had betrayed Sylus first... Even without the ring of Paradise, they still would have betrayed him...

''Live with me. I'm not like them, Tiara Laveign...'' My heart pounded when Sylus said my second name.

''I can see the future. I can see your future... Live with me.''

Hindi ko na narinig ang sunod niyang sinabi nang suminghap siya sa ere nang tumama ang isang shuriken sa kaniyang braso. I opened my palm to Lincoln's direction, hoping to do something useful. And I did threw ice spikes. Arthur and the others were shocked because of how big.

Sylus stepped on a tree's branch and the others followed him with their horses. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang dapat kong sabihin kila Arthur para lang hindi na nila atakihin si Sylus. I peaked at them and saw that Arthur was still in the middle.

''They don't care about you. Look at their formation, their goal is to protect the crown Prince not to take you back.'' Sylus whispered. Nalilito ko siyang tinitigan dahil hindi ko alam kung saan niya nakuha ang mga paratang niya.

''Don't attack him, Arthur! Sylus isn't the enemy here!'' I shouted at the top of my lungs

''He manipulated the woman!'' Arthur shouted at everyone. Napasapo na lang ako ng noo dahil mukhang lose in translation kaming dalawa ni Arthur. Sylus scoffed while still carrying me in bridal style. And when he stepped upwards, I shrieked when an arrow flew into his direction.

''No! No!'' I mumbled when I saw how the arrow pierced into his chest. Bago kami mahulog ay niyakap niya pa ako't bumagsak kami sa damuhan. He was hugging me and when I looked upwards, I saw a huge spikes of blood coming out from him.

Kumurap ako dahil tila unti-unti na siyang nawawala sa paningin ko. It looked like he was becoming invisible. I opened my palm in Lincoln's direction, yet Sylus grabbed my hand and placed it on his cheek.

When I stared at Sylus' left silver eye, images of us dating, marrying each other, having kids, and growing old together started to flash like memories...

''Please, no. Sylus! No!'' Umiling ako habang nakayakap siya sa akin at nakatitig siya sa akin. There was a gentle smile on his face. His black cape started to move on its own and covered our bodies together for protection.

I looked up and I knew then that he was running out of blood because of using too much of his blood manipulation. And I had a gut feeling that I'd lose him. Lincoln had said that something would happen when Sylus used too much of his blood manipulation. Tama nga ang kutob ko dahil nang bumagsak ako'y nawala siya na parang bula.

''Sylus!'' I shouted on top my lungs. I closed my eyes and the images of us growing old together flashed again on my eyes again. It felt real. Arthur and the others rushed to my directions. But I was still busy looking for Sylus.

And when I stared at my left hand, the ring of Paradise on my ring finger had been replaced by a new ring. A shiny red ring that resembled blood. And when I stared at it, I saw an initial.

SYLS. . . Sylus.

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𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍
𝙀𝙉𝘿 𝙊𝙁 𝙎𝙋𝙀𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙇 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 1

𝘐'𝘮 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦! 𝘈𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴!