Chapter 40

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“YOU’RE AWAKE.” I rubbed my head, feeling an unusual warmth tingling across my scalp. As I tried to stand, the world around me blurred, spinning in lazy circles.

“You should really be resting, Lady Intruder,” came a smooth, almost amused voice. I turned to see the man behind it, eyes narrowing in recognition.

Sebastian? What is he doing here? Then the memory rushed back—he had been the one to drag me back, preventing my escape to the City.

“If I had even a fraction of my strength right now, I would—” I started, only for the man who had seized me to silence me with a light touch, his hand over my mouth as he chuckled softly.

“Shh... I’m just having a bit of fun, my lady.” His voice was low and velvety, filled with a dark amusement that made me pause. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns across his face, highlighting the striking contrast of his dark blue hair and piercing emerald eyes. I blinked, stunned, when I recognized those features. Him?!

“Look there, on the wall,” he continued, gesturing with a smirk toward a weathered poster tacked onto a nearby tree. My stomach dropped as I recognized my own face glaring back, my features unmistakable on the wanted notice.

“Do you truly think it’s wise to wander around the City with that on display?” he murmured, his tone light but his gaze sharp. His smirk widened as he leaned in, almost close enough to feel his breath. “Now, my lady... it’s time to rest.”

The world darkened then, his presence the last thing I remembered. Somehow, he had put me to sleep. And although my body still throbbed with exhaustion, I had regained enough strength to continue.

I scoffed, my lips curling with disdain as the memory of my face plastered on those wanted posters surfaced in my mind. Huh. What in the world? The Emperor must have completely lost his mind.

“Do you want to eat?”

The voice made me tilt my head, catching sight of Sebastian by the fire, a thin wisp of smoke rising from the fish he was roasting over the flames. We were hidden in a cave, the shadows cast by the flickering light dancing over the jagged walls. His calm expression, the ease with which he cooked, made my glare harden as he dared to step closer.

After everything, he still has the nerve? I thought, fury simmering just below the surface. Didn’t he betray me? It was him who tipped off the Emperor, wasn’t it? Led him right to our cabin…

I stood abruptly, squaring my shoulders and narrowing my eyes. “What are you doing?” I sneered, keeping my voice as sharp as the tension filling the air. My hands were free now, and with each passing moment, I felt my strength returning—enough to show him exactly what I thought of his so-called ‘kindness.’

Sebastian stepped forward, holding out the cooked fish toward me as if in peace. Without a second thought, I slapped his hand away, sending the fish tumbling into the dirt. My gaze remained cold. I don’t trust him.

He froze, eyes lowering to the fish sprawled and mutilated on the ground. For a moment, silence stretched between us, taut with unspoken tension. Then he sighed, a resigned sound, as he knelt to pick it up, brushing off the dirt.

“Some people,” he muttered under his breath, barely loud enough for me to catch, “really don’t know how to recognize a simple act of kindness.”

My brows knitted together, irritation prickling under my skin. Kindness? His words felt like a mockery. “Kindness? I can’t even trust you, you traitorous bastard,” I shot back, venom dripping from every word.

A slow grin spread across his face, something dark and amused lurking in his eyes as he took a step toward me. Instinctively, I backed up, my foot scraping against the rough cave floor, and I stumbled slightly. I righted myself quickly, every nerve on edge as he loomed closer, ignoring the fish he’d cast aside in the dirt.

“Can’t you see, my lady?” he murmured, his voice a dangerous whisper, threading through the cool, damp air.

“Don’t you dare come any closer, Sebastian!” I shouted, pointing my finger at him, my voice echoing against the cave walls. But he ignored my warning, his steps slow and deliberate as he closed the distance between us. My back hit the rough stone, the cold, jagged surface pressing against me, reminding me that there was nowhere left to go. My heart pounded as he drew near, but I steeled myself, gathering every ounce of strength and determination.

Just as he reached me, I lunged forward, using the force of my body to shove him back, pinning him against the rock with all my might.

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The ability [Evoke] has been activated.

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A cold weight settled into my hand, and I realized the dagger had appeared, its blade gleaming wickedly in the dim light. I spun it in my fingers, feeling its deadly balance before pressing the point directly to his chest.

“I said, don’t come near me,” I hissed, my voice laced with fury. “I’ll rip your heart out of your chest.” I pressed the dagger harder against him, feeling his heartbeat pulse under the blade. His reaction? A smirk—cool, infuriating, and unafraid.

He leaned closer, unfazed by the danger, his eyes gleaming with something dark and reckless. His hand closed around mine, pressing the dagger’s edge deeper into his chest until a thin line of blood seeped through the white fabric of his shirt, staining it red.

“Go on, Lady Intruder,” he murmured, his voice a low whisper by my ear. “It’s yours anyway…”

The words sent a jolt through me, silencing whatever retort had been on my tongue. What the heck? The deadly intimacy in his tone left me breathless, unsteady.

I tensed, preparing to pull back, but he moved faster, his arm snaking around my waist and drawing me against him. The hard plane of his chest pressed into me, unyielding, and I could feel his warmth, his strength, as my pulse raced uncontrollably.

What the hell is wrong with this guy?! I tried to stand up, but his grip tightened, pulling me back with force.

“Stay like this. Just listen to me,” he whispered, his voice softer, almost pleading, as he looked down at me. His eyes, usually so guarded, held an unexpected warmth that only deepened my confusion and anger. I glared at him, my brows knitting together, searching his expression for answers I wasn’t sure I wanted.

“I’m… sorry,” he murmured.

I arched a brow, a bitter laugh bubbling up despite myself. Sorry? Sorry for what? For standing by while I suffered? For bringing all of this upon me? If he hadn’t tipped off the Emperor, I wouldn’t be trapped in this nightmare, fighting through these endless struggles.

“It’s far too late for that,” I hissed, my jaw clenched tight. How dare he say such a thing? I could practically feel the blade in my hand itching to swipe across that infuriatingly handsome face of his, to strip away whatever mask he was hiding behind.

He let out a shaky breath, his tone barely above a whisper. “I know… But, Lady Intruder, what did Themie say to you? I overheard your conversation with Darious—you met her. What did she tell you?”

His eyes were filled with a desperation I hadn’t seen before, a vulnerability that seemed so out of place on him. I scoffed, feeling a flicker of satisfaction seeing him like this.

“I already told you what she said. Don’t you remember?” I gritted my teeth, grabbing his hand and trying to wrench it off my waist, but his hold remained firm.

“I remember… but did she mention me?” he pressed, his gaze locking onto mine, searching.

“No. She only wanted revenge,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to let go of me.”

But instead of releasing me, his arms only tightened around my waist, pulling me closer. His head lowered until his forehead rested against my shoulder, his breath warm against my skin. I froze, my heart pounding wildly. What the hell is he doing?!

“I see…” he murmured, his voice muffled against my shoulder. “Just… let me hold you like this. Just for a few moments, Intruder.”

A heavy sigh escaped me, caught between exhaustion and frustration. He has no idea, does he? No idea that I’m the one who needs this comfort, this reprieve. I’m the one barely holding on under the weight of this impossible burden.

The real Arthemice had promised me that if I fulfilled her revenge, I’d be free to live this body in peace. But why is this path so difficult, so agonizing? I’d only wanted a second chance, a life far from the struggles of my old world. Yet here I am, struggling all over again. What have I done to deserve this endless cycle of hardship?

Has God really forgotten me?

“I’m afraid, Sebastian…” I whispered, my voice breaking as my lips trembled. “I was so afraid… facing all those people on my own… I’m so afraid…” My voice faded as I bit down on my lip, feeling the sting of tears building, blurring my vision until they slipped down my cheeks. “Why did you betray me?” My fist landed on his chest, weak but desperate. “You promised you’d protect me… that you’d keep me safe…” I sobbed, the weight of it finally crushing down on me as I buried my face in his chest, my cries echoing in the hollow of the cave. “Why does everyone abandon me? What did I do wrong?”

His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer, and I could feel the steady beat of his heart against my cheek. “I was out of my mind… I didn’t see things clearly,” he murmured, his voice thick with regret. He held me tightly, as though he could shield me from every pain he’d ever caused.

“Realize, my ass…” I retorted, my words muffled by my tears.

I felt a soft chuckle rumble in his chest, a sad echo that cut deeper than his apology. “I know,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “The truth is, I realized that something changed when you entered her body. This time… this life—it’s different because of you. I thought it was your fault, that you were the reason the real Arthemice died, and that anger blinded me.”

As he spoke, his hand gently brushed over my hair, each stroke soothing but heavy with the weight of his guilt. “But you… you cured me,” he continued, his words breaking slightly. “The illness I thought would end me… I don’t feel it anymore. Because of you, I don’t have to kill myself and go back to that torment, reliving it all over again.”

He gently lifted my face, cupping it between his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears staining my cheeks. His gaze held mine, raw and unwavering. “I apologize for realizing it too late. For dragging you into this nightmare. For failing to trust you when I should have… and for causing you so much suffering.” His voice dropped to a whisper, and a dry, almost broken smile touched his lips. “I’m so sorry, my lady.”

I stared up at him, speechless, my heart aching under the weight of his apology. The words I wanted to say caught in my throat, tangled up in everything I’d held back, and for a moment, all I could do was look at him—too hurt to forgive, too exhausted to turn away.

We remained in that position, locked in a heavy silence, each of us waiting for something—anything—to break the tension. No one dared to speak as we quietly stared at each other, the weight of unsaid words pressing down on us like the dark walls of the cave. Then, faint footsteps echoed, breaking the stillness and sending a chill through the air.

“Is she awake?” a familiar voice echoed through the dim cave, rough with exhaustion. My pulse quickened as I recognized it, my heart lurching as I looked toward the shadowed figure at the entrance.

Crown Prince Lumine stood at the entrance, his face shadowed with weariness, silver hair tousled and faintly dusted with the traces of travel. His cloak bore lines of dust, and exhaustion weighed on his features, giving him a raw, almost haunted look. But despite his fatigue, his dark eyes sharpened the instant they took in the scene—Sebastian’s hands resting gently on my face, our closeness, and the tear stains that still lingered on my cheeks.

Lumine’s gaze darkened, anger sparking as he took in the scene. He approached in rigid, purposeful steps, his fists clenched at his sides, voice low and biting. “Sir Kyle,” he said, each word cutting through the air. “What exactly do you think you’re doing?”

Sebastian’s grip on me loosened, but he remained steady beside me, meeting Lumine’s glare with a calm, steady gaze. “She was overwhelmed, Your Highness,” he replied firmly. “I was simply giving her comfort.”

Lumine scoffed, his gaze flickering over me before returning to Sebastian, fury building. “Comfort?” His tone was laced with contempt. “You think she needs your comfort after everything you’ve done?”

Sebastian held his ground, unflinching. “And where were you, Your Highness?” he shot back quietly. “I was here, beside her, while you were off somewhere else.”

Lumine’s voice sharpened, his fury masking a glint of hurt. “I was on a mission given to me by the Emperor,” he retorted. “I didn’t know it was a setup to keep me away from the Capital—away from her.” He took a shaky breath, his voice rough. “If I’d known, I would’ve never left her.”

So this is why I haven’t seen him, not even his shadow, for a week.

Sebastian’s expression softened, though he met Lumine’s eyes with quiet defiance. “Convenient to blame a mission, isn’t it?” he replied. “But maybe if you’d been watching closely, you would’ve seen the Emperor’s scheme long before now, Your Highness.”

Lumine’s face tightened, a muscle in his jaw twitching as his anger flared anew. “And you? I heard you betrayed her.” His voice was icy, each word sharp and unforgiving.

Sebastian’s face fell slightly, a look of pain crossing his features as he steadied himself. “I lost my way. I made mistakes,” he admitted, his voice rough with regret. “But I’m here now. I would never harm her again.”

“No?” Lumine’s hand drifted dangerously close to the hilt of his sword, his gaze unyielding. “Then explain why I found her in this state—with you at her side.”

“Because I was the one who realized my wrongs and stayed,” Sebastian replied, his calm voice underlined with quiet conviction. “Can you say the same?”

“Lumi, please,” Cecelia interjected, stepping between them as she placed a gentle hand on Lumine’s arm. “Lady Arthemice doesn’t need us fighting over her right now. She needs peace.”

Lumine’s gaze flickered to Cecelia, and though his anger simmered, her words softened the harsh lines of his face. He stepped back, glancing toward me, his voice strained. “No one takes advantage of her pain, not while I’m here.”

Sebastian’s eyes remained steady as he held Lumine’s gaze. “I would never take advantage of her. Not again,” he said quietly, remorse evident in his tone.

Gathering my composure, I took a step forward, my voice low but resolute. “Enough.” My gaze swept over them both, sharp and unyielding. “I didn’t ask for either of you to bicker over me,” I continued, my tone cutting through the tension. “All I want is a moment’s peace—without either of you standing in my way.”

Lumine’s posture softened, though a trace of anger remained in his eyes. “Then rest, Arthemice,” he murmured, regret in his tone. “But know this—I’m here, whenever you need me.”

Sebastian’s hand slipped from my shoulder, his voice low as he locked eyes with me. “And so am I,” he promised, his words layered with quiet sincerity.

I glanced at Lady Cecelia as she stepped toward me, her smile so bright it was as if she carried a piece of sunlight into the dim cave. “Sit down, my lady…” she said, her voice warm and inviting, her eyes crinkling at the corners with a genuine, almost sisterly kindness.

“Thank you, Lady Cecelia,” I replied, a soft smile finding its way onto my lips. It felt good to be in her presence, to feel her warmth.

“Sir Kyle!” Cecelia called out, glancing over her shoulder. “Help Lumi gather all the food we brought!” Her voice carried a hint of teasing authority, the tone of someone used to giving orders but without a trace of arrogance. Sebastian, who’d been observing her with an unreadable expression, hesitated, then gave a small nod, heading off to help with the supplies.

As I watched them lay out a blanket at the edge of the cave, Cecelia’s gaze drifted back to me, her face softening with a tinge of sorrow. She drew a shaky breath, hesitating before speaking, as if summoning the courage to say something that had long been on her heart. “I’m so sorry, my lady,” she murmured, and her words hung in the air, so delicate and raw they seemed to tremble. I turned to her, surprised, seeing the guilt pooling in her gentle eyes.

“I… I watched you struggle through it all,” she continued, voice barely a whisper. “I was afraid… too afraid to interfere, terrified that if I did, I might end up suffering in your place.” She ran a hand through her hair, as though trying to brush away the shame. “I wanted to help, but… I didn’t have your courage.”

My heart clenched. She saw it all… I realized, reaching out to grasp her trembling hand. Her tears started to spill, running down her cheeks, her sorrow unveiled, unhidden. “When Lumi came home,” she whispered, “I told him about you as soon as I could. I thought… maybe if I told him, there’d be a way to save you.”

She looked down, a soft sob escaping her lips, and my heart ached at her vulnerability. “And Lady Athena… I tried so many times to stop her, to reason with her, but she wouldn’t listen to me. But today, I saved you, didn’t I?” She looked up, a flicker of pride mixing with her sorrow. “Did I do my part?” she asked, her tone hopeful, almost like a child seeking reassurance.

I stared at her, realization settling in. She was the one who stepped in, the one who protected me when Lady Athena almost… Overcome, I pulled Cecelia into a tight hug, feeling her arms wrap around me in return. For so long, I’d thought she hated me, resented me for Lumine. But here she was, trembling with relief as if afraid I might vanish if she let go.

“You did well, Lady Cecelia,” I murmured, my hand moving to stroke her hair. She broke down, her sobs muffled against my shoulder, clinging to me like a child. It felt surreal, the kindness, the care, and all I could feel was a weight lifting from my heart.

She pulled back, wiping her face with a small laugh. “I was so busy with academy duties that I forgot to invite you to a proper tea party. All I ever wanted was for us to sit together and have tea like true friends.”

“Well,” I replied with a gentle smile, wiping a stray tear from her cheek, “I think you’ve more than made up for it.”

A familiar voice interrupted us, and I turned to see Lumine approaching with a warm smile. “Luckily, I brought tea,” he announced, eyes glinting with a mischievous spark. “Shall we start our tea party here, of all places?” He gestured around the dim, rugged cave, a wry grin spreading on his face.

Sebastian, who’d been setting up the makeshift picnic, joined us, a rare, sheepish expression on his face. “I… practiced some noble etiquette, you know,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “I might just manage to pull off this tea party.”

Cecelia let out a surprised laugh, her face brightening. “Oh, really, Sir Kyle?” she teased, crossing her arms. “I never thought I’d see the day!”

We all exchanged glances, stifling laughter as we tried to hold back grins. The tension melted away, replaced by a warm, shared amusement that made the cold cave feel almost cozy.

I rose, extending my hand to Cecelia with a playful smile. “Then, shall we begin our tea party?”

“We should,” she replied, a new light in her eyes as she took my hand, laughter spilling from her lips. For the first time, I felt a sense of peace, a joy that filled the air, as though we were simply friends sharing a moment in the most unlikely of places.

And for that brief moment, the weight of my struggles slipped away—escaping the Emperor, the sleepless nights, the constant fear—all of it faded into the background.

Here we were, just four people laughing together in a cave, turning an ordinary moment into something precious, something safe. The warmth of their smiles and the sound of their laughter felt like a treasure I hadn’t dared hope for, filling the empty spaces left by my fears.

fin.