As they waited, old man Xue observed Serpens with a curious, yet understanding expression. "You know, my granddaughter told me about how you helped her. She's spoken very highly of you."Serpens nodded, feeling a mix of humility and urgency. "I had a vision last night. She came to me and told me she's the stone bearer. It's crucial that I speak with her. There's something important we need to do before the solstice."Old man Xue's expression grew serious, a hint of concern crossing his features. "I see. The prophecy... I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but it seems fate has other plans."Before Serpens could respond, they heard footsteps descending the stairs. Xin appeared, her face lighting up with surprise and relief when she saw Serpens."Hey, it's you," she said, hurrying over to him. "I didn't expect to see you here.""I had to find you," Serpens said, standing up to meet her. "We have a lot to talk about. Your grandfather was just telling me about the prophecy."She glanced
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'
Serpens had spent the evening on Rose's side. He kept running his fingers through her face silently wishing for the day he'd see her beautiful eyes again.The fact that there was no one to come and always watch over her in the hospital, made him feel sad. Rose was an orphan and had no knowledge or whatsoever of who her parents were.She had struggled alone till she crossed paths with Serpens. He kissed her cheek, her slow and steady breath brushing past his face."I love you," he whispered, even if he knew Rose wasn't hearing. It would be the first time he'd say those words to her."You miss her, don't you?" Dr. Sun said, startling him. He had no idea she had walked into the ward."Yes, I do. So much," Serpens replied with all sincerity."How's it going? Have you found her? The stone bearer." Dr. Sun asked."Yes I have. But I don't know what to do now that I've found her. I am so helpless right now." Serpens confessed.Dr. Sun placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You are not alo
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
Serpens arrived at the old, decrepit building where Serena was being held. He had tracked her here through sheer determination and a stroke of luck. Heart pounding, he burst through the door, adrenaline driving him forward. He found Serena tied to a chair in the dimly lit room."Serena!" he shouted, rushing to her side. He untied her quickly, and as soon as she was free, they embraced tightly."Serpens," Serena whispered, tears streaming down her face. "It's my new boyfriend. He drugged me. That's how the evil Winter was able to capture me."Serpens pulled back, shock evident on his face. "Boyfriend? I had no idea.""I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it. We've been seeing each other for a while now. I thought you were too busy, so I didn't tell you about him."Serpens couldn't believe his ears that Serena now has a boyfriend. His only regret was that she got involved with a guy who doesn't love her."What's his name?" He asked."It's Cheong. Cheong Wei." Serena replied, taking Serpen
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
Cheong sat alone in his room, staring right straight at the ceiling. He couldn't shake off the guilt that gnawed at him as he replayed the events with Winter and Serena in his mind, realizing the gravity of his betrayal. He knew he had made a terrible mistake by drugging Serena, driven by desperation and fear. Now, the weight of his actions pressed down on him, and he found himself longing for her forgiveness, realizing too late how much he truly loved her.He scanned through some of the beautiful pictures they had taken together in the few weeks they've been together and it was such a beautiful sight to behold.Indeed, Serena was damn beautiful. She was everything he ever wanted in a girl, beautiful, intelligent, smart, loving and kind. Those qualities were rare to find in just one person and Serena had all of them.While he was still in deep thoughts, looking at the beautiful pictures, his phone buzzed right there in his hands, breaking his reverie. It was a call from Tiara.The tw
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