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
Jack Brynner stepped out of the sleek black limousine, straightening his tailored suit as he gazed at the grand entrance of the conference center. The annual business conference was in full swing, with men in sharp suits milling around, exchanging firm handshakes and business cards.Since Yul's death, he had not not attended any of the business summits in Draketown. Highly priced fishes were becoming a rare commodity and a lot of investors were ready to throw in their money for an upscale.The Brynner's holdings were facing more competition than ever before as more businessmen were investing in the business. Two of his prominent competitors were the Qingyues's corporation and the Chang's Group of companies.Walking towards the registration desk, Jack scanned the crowd, taking in the familiar faces of competitors, partners, and old acquaintances. Suddenly, his eyes locked onto a woman he hadn't seen in years—it was Kim Qingyue, Director Lan's mother. His heart skipped a beat. Kim had
Kim arrived at the upscale restaurant, a sophisticated blend of modern and classic decor. The ambient lighting and soft music set the stage for an intimate evening. She couldn't remember the last time she ate out with a man after Sam died. Sam had died when Lan was just ten years old. Since then, she had lived her life as a single mother who wasn't ready to open her heart ever again no matter how many men came her way.She spotted Jack at a corner table by the window, his silhouette familiar and comforting. She couldn't help but admire him. Even with the passing years, Jack was still looking as handsome as ever.As she approached, Jack stood up, a warm smile spreading across his face. They greeted each other with friendly kisses on the cheek, a gesture that felt both nostalgic and natural."It's so good to see you again, Kim," Jack said, pulling out her chair."You too, Jack," she replied, settling in.A waiter appeared, offering menus and taking their drink orders. Kim opted for a g
Serpens had to go back home after spending the entire evening at the hospital. His wounds were healing naturally and he was getting stronger. He only wished he still had his dragonic powers with him but that was no longer the case."Hope you're feeling much better?" Dr. Sun asked, just as he was about to take his leave.He managed a smile, "Yes, I am."With Rose's condition still the way it was and him not losing his powers, it was obvious he wasn't fine.Stepping out of the hospital, his phone buzzed and it was a call from Lan. They've not spoken to each other for a while now and she was already missing him."Hello, Serpens," she greeted."Hey, Lan," Serpens replied. "How have you been?" "Fine, just missing you."Serpens heaved a sigh, not knowing what to say. He thought he already told her that things were complicated and that his heart was with someone else."If you're not busy this weekend, let's meet." Lan suggested.Serpens couldn't refuse, "Alright, just text me the time and t
Serpens and Serena, reeling from the shock, quickly called for an ambulance. Serpens wished he still had his dragonic powers to at least stabilize him before the ambulance arrived but sadly, he didn't.He tried to see if he could connect to his source of powers but he couldn't. Every attempt he made proved futile and it wore him out in frustration."Why aren't you working?" He cried in frustration.He stood up in anger and kicked his Harley bike which was parked by the side."How long will I have to feel so helpless? Why can't I just connect to my powers? Why does it feel like I'm losing my mind?" He asked himself, all in one breath.He turned towards Serena who was still crying and pulled her up. "It's enough. None of this was your fault." He said, placing his hand on her shoulder."Cheong, please don't die.. help is coming," Serena cried, as she stood up. "Help is on its way."Cheong wasn't saying a word, his breath had faded away. His eyes shut to the darkness of death but Serena s
Serena stayed in her room all night after the funeral and refused to come out. All attempts by Serpens to make her come out proved futile. He could understand what she was quite going through but he wished she could accept the fact that Cheong was gone and wasn't ever going to come back.Returning to his room, he decided to go through a couple of things from school even if he wasn't able to fully concentrate. Xin had called him earlier and they had already decided to visit the Buhai sea the following day. With Winter now being chased by the police and the CIA, he felt it would afford them enough time to get the draconic gem before he did.His phone buzzed and it was Lan. He had almost forgotten that he had promised to go out with her during the weekend and the following day was the beginning of the weekend, the supposed day of their outing."Hello," Lan began, her excitement palpable from the tone of her voice."Hey, Lan, what's up?" He greeted me."Fine, just called to remind you of
Serpens woke up feeling so scared. He couldn't believe he would have to sacrifice Rose in order to defeat Bahamut. There was only one way to stop the prophecy from coming to pass and that was to prevent Winter from releasing Bahamut.He decided to go to the bathroom to wash up and to steel himself for the day's task. It was the day he will be visiting the Buhai sea with Xin. It would be the beginning of his quest to prevent Bahamut from being set free.After washing up, he walked up to Serena's room. She found her sleeping. It was obvious she was still grieving Cheong. He could understand her pains. He had felt the same way when Tiara left him for Yul. It had torn him apart.He picked up his phone and put a call through to Xin. He waited patiently as the phone rang waiting for Xin to pick up."Hello Serpens," Xin said from her own end."Xin, how're you doing?" Serpens asked."Nervous, but I'm fine. I don't know what to expect as we begin this journey today but I believe we'll succeed.
Serpens and Serena arrived at the cemetery quite early. The place was eerily quiet and it brought with a feeling of nolstiaga. It's been over six months since they last visited Grandma Suki's grave stone and it was already seeming like it's been years.Grandma's death had come as a big blow to Serpens and Serena. After the death of Grandma Suki, it felt like life had ended for the two of them until Serpens had encountered the dragonic power that had changed their lives."Grandma, sorry we've not visited you for some time now. We're really sorry," Serpens began."Yes grandma, we're sorry," Serena added. The two of them dropped their flowers and then proceeded to their parents' gravestones."Tsung Ryu and Sonia Ryu," were the inscriptions on the gravestones. Serena placed her hands on the gravestones running her fingers on each letter of the names."I don't really know much about you mom and dad but I know you guys were good people when you were alive," she began to say, her voice fill