Epic 118Timi's name flashed on the screen of Kyrian's phone, but it was Jasmine who answered. "Timi, thank God you called," she said, relief flooding through her. "Kyrian's not doing well. He collapsed earlier tonight, and we're at the hospital now."Timi's voice was frantic. "What? Is he okay? What happened?"Jasmine sighed. "The doctor thinks it's stress-related. Kyrian's been pushing himself too hard, and his body just couldn't take it anymore."Timi's voice softened. Timi wasted no time. "I'm coming over right now," he said, his voice resolute. "Kyrian needs me there."Jasmine nodded, despite knowing that Timi couldn't hear her. "Thank you," she said, her voice warm with gratitude. "He'll appreciate that.When Timi arrived at the hospital, he rushed into Kyrian's room, his face filled with concern."Oh, man," he said, his voice soft as he took in Kyrian's pale, tired face.Kyrian gave a weak smile, his voice hoarse. "Hey, Timi," Kyrian said, his voice weak but genuine. "Thanks f
Epic 119Jasmine laughed, the sound soft and intimate in the quiet of the kitchen. "You look like you haven't eaten in months," she teased, a playful smirk on her lips.Kyrian shrugged, smiling sheepishly as he loaded his fork with another mouthful of pasta. "I guess I've just been a little preoccupied," he said, his voice a mix of embarrassment and delight.Jasmine nodded, a warm affection shining in her eyes. "I know," she said. "But tonight, we're just going to enjoy the food and each other's company. As they ate, the atmosphere in the kitchen softened, the conversation flowing easily between them. Jasmine told stories from her childhood, sharing memories that made Kyrian laugh. Kyrian, in turn, shared some of the more ridiculous cases he and Inspector Ken had worked on.They ate until they were full, their bellies content and their hearts lightened. And as they sat back in their chairs, sated and happy, Jasmine reached across the table and placed her hand over Kyrian's."Thank you
Epic 120Kyrian and Jasmine studied the letter in silence, a sense of dread creeping into their thoughts. They both knew what "come alone" implied. But they also knew that this was their best chance of finding John."We can't risk it," Jasmine said, her voice firm. "We need backup."Kyrian shook his head, his eyes filled with determination. "No," he said, his voice low and resolute. "This is the only way. If we bring backup, John will know. And if he knows, he'll disappear again." Jasmine bit her lip, her mind racing. "Kyrian, we can't let you go alone," she said, her voice edged with worry. "It's too dangerous."Kyrian reached out, placing a hand on Jasmine's arm. "I know," he said, his voice soft but sure. "But I can't ask you to come with me. If something happens, someone needs to be there to pick up the pieces."Jasmine swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking into her heart. She knew that he was right. "Promise me something," Jasmine said, her eyes searching Kyrian's face.
Epic 121As the trapdoor opened beneath John, he dropped through the air, the rope snapping taut with a sickening crack. For a moment, his body jerked and convulsed, his limbs flailing in a desperate bid for life.But then, slowly, the struggles subsided, his limbs falling still. And as the last few gasps of air escaped his lungs, a twisted, almost gleeful smile spread across his face. It was a smile that spoke of dark secrets and hidden knowledge, of a sinister satisfaction in the face of death.In those final moments, John's true nature was revealed. With John's execution complete, Kyrian and Jasmine's attention turned once again to the figure who had been at the centre of their investigation all along Ken, Kyrian's foster father.Despite the dangers and uncertainties that lay ahead, they were determined to pursue the truth, no matter how elusive or dangerous it might be.As they began to retrace Ken's steps and delve deeper into his connections to the corporate world, they were hau
Epic 122Kyrian stood before Ken, his entire body rigid with anger, every muscle and tendon coiled tightly like a spring. His eyes flashed with fury, his breathing quick and shallow as he struggled to contain his rage.The revelation of Ken's betrayal had cut deep, tearing open old wounds and unleashing a torrent of pain and anger that he had long suppressed. He felt as if he were standing on a precipice, teetering on the edge of a bottomless abyss of emotion.And yet, despite his anger, he could not bring himself to strike out at Ken. Kyrian's voice was hard and unrelenting, his words cutting through the air like blades. "Tell me about Inspector John," he demanded, his eyes fixed on Ken. "Why did you and he hate each other so much?"Ken flinched, his expression darkening as he recalled the long-standing conflict between himself and the late Inspector John. "John and I were adversaries from the beginning," he said, his voice filled with bitterness."He was always one step behind me, a
Epic 123Kyrian's brow furrowed, his mind racing as he considered Ken's words. "You're trying to shift the blame away from yourself," he said, his voice low and intense. "You want me to believe that someone else is responsible for all of this chaos and destruction."Ken's expression remained unreadable, his eyes fixed on Kyrian. "I am only telling you what I know," he said, his voice calm and even. "I am not the only person in this world who is capable of causing harm."Kyrian's expression hardened, his voice filled with determination. Kyrian's words dripped with bitterness and sarcasm as he glared at Ken. "As it stands now, you're the only one who seems capable of causing harm in this world," he spat. "You've done nothing but bring pain and destruction to the people around you."Ken's expression grew colder, his eyes dark and unfeeling. "And what would you have me do?" he demanded. "What would you have me say to make you believe that I am not the monster you think I am?"Kyrian shook
Epic 124Kyrian nodded, his expression solemn and resolved. "Thank you," he said, his voice heavy with gratitude. "I know this isn't easy for either of you, but I appreciate your understanding."I just need a few more days. If Ken doesn't surrender himself by then, you have my word that I won't stop you from bringing him in."Timi nodded, his expression grim. "Just promise us one thing," he said, his voice filled with concern. "Don't take any unnecessary risks. You've been through enough already."Kyrian nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I promise," he said, his voice filled with a newfound sense of resolve."Now, if you don't mind, I need to get some fresh air," he said, his eyes flicking towards the door. "I think I could use a walk to clear my head."Timi and Jasmine exchanged a look, a smile passing between them."We'll be here when you get back," Timi said, his voice filled with warmth. Kyrian stepped out into the warm sunshine, the breeze blowing gently
Epic 125For a moment, the three of them sat there in silence, allowing the words to sink in.Outside, the city was asleep, the streets quiet and still, but inside the bar, their world felt alive with possibility and peace.Timi took a sip of his drink, the silence comfortable and warm between them. "I think you're right," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.Jasmine reached for Kyrian's hand, her expression filled with warmth and compassion. The night stretched on, the three of them lingering in the bar as the hours passed.As they sat there, talking and laughing, a sense of gratitude filled the air. They were grateful for each other, for the friendship and support they had found in one another.They were grateful for the moments of joy and laughter, for the tiny miracles of everyday life.And they were grateful for the strength they had found within themselves, for the courage and resilience that had carried them through the darkness and into the light. As the sun began to rise