Serena excused herself from the frantic search, stepping into the hallway to make a call. Her mind raced as she dialed Cheong's number. She couldn't help but feel that he was the one who had taken the flash drive.He had come to take her out earlier and had showed him around the house. Taking him to every part of the house, even as far as to Serpens's room.She knew she shouldn't have done that but she felt so comfortable around him like they've always known each other. It was the first time she'd be feeling something so special for a guy.All her life, she had been tagged weirdo by her classmates. It was one reason she had no friends. No guy had ever asked her out before and no one seems to be interested in her even if she was already eighteen.Cheong was the first guy who had shown interest in her and had told her that she was beautiful. He was also the first guy who had bought her a flower and had complimented her dress sense.She had grown to love him in the short while that they'

Serena opened her eyes slowly, her head pounding and her vision blurry. She blinked several times, trying to make sense of her surroundings. The room was dimly lit, with stone walls that gave off an eerie, cold feeling. She didn't recognize the place at all. Panic began to rise as she struggled to remember how she got there. The last thing she recalled was being with her boyfriend Cheong a couple of hours ago.Cheong had finally asked her out and she had accepted. Things have happened so fast that they'd kissed a couple of times, almost leading to something else. She had never felt what she felt towards Cheong for any guy before and she had really grown to love him.She had gone out with Cheong and they had had a good time together. Everything had been so perfect, sharing a couple of heartwarming kisses. She couldn't help but wonder if it was Cheong who had brought her there but it wasn't looking like it, as there was nothing romantic about the room.The walls were adorned with photo

Inspector Lui arrived at the scene, his heart racing as he saw Serena cradling Serpens. Without wasting a moment, he rushed to their side, his eyes widening in concern as he took in Serpens's injuries."Help me get him into the car," he instructed, his voice steady despite the urgency in his movements.Serena nodded, and together they carefully lifted Serpens and carried him to the police car. Inspector Lui eased Serpens into the back seat, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible before speeding off towards the hospital.He couldn't help but notice the panic and fear that was written all over Serena's face. "He'll be fine." He said, trying to ease her worries."I really hope so," Serena replied, turning back to see Serpens, barely conscious but his breath steady.She couldn't help but blame herself. She thought if she hadn't gotten herself involved with Cheong then Winter wouldn't have been able to lay his hands on the flash drive and Serpens wouldn't have had a reason to fight wit

Serpens lay in his hospital bed, staring at the ceiling in frustration. Two days had passed since his brutal encounter with Winter, and yet his wounds stubbornly remained unhealed. The once-familiar sensation of rapid recovery eluded him, leaving him feeling vulnerable and weakened. He found it difficult what was behind his wounds not healing as it had always been.His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. The door opened, and Dr. Sun walked in, accompanied by Xin, the stone bearer. Serpens sat up, wincing at the pain that shot through his body."Doctor," Serpens began, his voice tinged with anxiety, "why aren't my wounds healing? What’s happening to me?"Dr. Sun approached his bedside, her expression serious but compassionate. She didn't know how to break the news to him but she knew she had to tell him anyway. "Serpens, your DNA is changing. It appears that you are losing your dragonic powers at an alarming rate. If this continues, the consequences could be dire." D

Tiara, groggy and disoriented, slowly opened her eyes to a nightmarish sight. Her hands were tied to wooden poles, the rough rope digging into her wrists. The surroundings were dark and ominous, with flickering shadows cast by dim torches lining the stone walls. The last thing she remembered was being dragged and pulled by someone she couldn't see his or her face. She remembered having spoken with Cheong and how they've settled their differences.They were just about to leave when the strange figure appeared from nowhere. They had tried running but the strange creature got to her and pulled her away.She cried out for help, her voice echoing through the eerie silence, but no one responded."Help!" She cried again but there was still no response.Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching. Her heart pounded in her chest as the sound grew closer. Emerging from the shadows was a figure she thought she'd never see again—her mother, who had died and was buried long ago. Her eyes widened in