(Present Time)
Royal Palace – Night
Eyan grabbed Sia roughly by the wrist and dragged her down the long palace stairs. Her steps faltered as she struggled to keep up, the cold stone scraping against her shoes.
When they reached the grand entrance, he pushed her forward mercilessly.
Sia fell hard onto the ground, her palm sliding across the rough stone. A sharp sting spread through her hand as her skin tore slightly, leaving thin lines of blood.
Before she could even gather herself—
The massive palace doors slammed shut in front of her.
The loud echo rang through the silent courtyard like a final judgment.
Sia remained on the floor, her shoulders trembling as tears slipped down her cheeks.
The knights standing nearby watched everything… yet none dared to move, none dared to speak.
Slowly, she pushed herself up, wincing from the pain in her hand.
She looked at the palace one last time.
The place she once thought might accept her…Now felt more distant than ever.
With heavy steps, she turned away and walked into the night.
(Velmoria Street – Night)
The market streets of Velmoria were still lively.
Lanterns glowed warmly above the stalls while merchants called out to passing customers. The air smelled of spices, bread, and smoke from nearby food carts.
But Sia walked through the crowd like a ghost. She limped slightly, her steps uneven. Her injured hand trembled as she looked down at the dried blood on her palm.
Slowly… her fingers moved to her neck. The thin cut left by Eyan's sword still burned faintly.
Her fingers came away stained red.
"I was lucky Master Luca stopped His Majesty… or I would already be dead…"
Her voice trembled.
"I have to leave Velmoria… I won't be able to see Prince Leo ever again…"
Tears gathered in her eyes.
"I just… wanted to say goodbye to him…"
Her steps slowed… then stopped completely.
Suddenly—
A strange warmth spread through her chest. Her body felt light… yet heavy at the same time.
A faint glow began to surround her.
"What… is this feeling…?"
Her breathing became uneven. The glow grew brighter, wrapping gently around her like soft threads of light.
Her peach-colored hair slowly darkened…Changing into deep natural black. Her warm brown eyes shimmered…Turning into clear emerald green.
Her facial features subtly shifted, reshaping into a face buried deep within forgotten memories.
Sia blinked in confusion. Her fingers trembled as she touched her hair… then her face.
"Why… do I look… like—"
Suddenly—
A sharp ringing sound echoed inside her mind. Like glass breaking. Fragments of memories rushed back violently—
Her meeting with Goddess Liora…
Leo's voice…
Her punishment…
The three conditions…
Every sealed memory shattered its chains and returned all at once.
She gasped, clutching her chest as if trying to steady her racing heart.
"I… remember…"
Her breathing grew heavy. Her eyes widened in shock.
"I regained… my memories…"
Eva stood frozen in the middle of the crowded street.
At that very moment—
The sky above darkened unnaturally fast. Thick black clouds gathered, swallowing the moonlight. The wind began to blow fiercely through the market, shaking stalls and scattering loose cloth into the air.
People looked up in alarm.
"Run! A storm is coming!"
Merchants hurried to secure their goods as citizens rushed for shelter.
But Eva remained still.
The wind whipped through her black hair as the first distant thunder echoed across the sky.
Then rain began to pour slowly, turning heavier with each passing moment.
Eva's dress became completely drenched, clinging to her body as cold drops slid down her face like endless tears.
She looked up at the dark sky…
Then suddenly—
It hit her.
Her eyes widened in panic.
"Eyan…"
Without another thought, she began to run through the rain.
Her feet splashed through puddles as her heart pounded wildly in her chest.
(Royal Palace – Night)
Eyan suddenly grabbed his head as a sharp pain pierced through his skull.
"Aah—!"
Fragments of memories and emotions stirred violently inside him.
"Eva…"
His voice came out as a broken whisper.
Beside him, Luca looked at the dark sky, worry visible in his eyes.
"What am I supposed to do now…"
Then—
He heard it.
Fast footsteps approaching through the heavy rain.
Luca turned around.
And saw her.
Eva
Running toward them as if her life depended on reaching him. As if every second apart was killing her.
Luca's lips curved into a quiet smile. Without a word, he stepped aside.
Because this moment…Belonged only to them.
Eva reached Eyan… and immediately fell to her knees in front of him.
Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him tightly, as if afraid he might disappear again.
Her body trembled as tears mixed with the rain.
She leaned closer, her lips near his ear. Her voice shook, fragile and broken—
"honey…"
Her fingers tightened on his neck as more tears fell.
"I'm… home…"
Eyan's eyes opened sharply.
The piercing ringing inside his head slowly disappeared… replaced by something warmer…Something he had been craving for years.
He slowly pulled back just enough to see her face. His trembling gaze searched every inch of her features as if afraid to blink. Afraid she might vanish like an illusion.
That face…That warmth…Those eyes…
The eyes that once looked at him as if he was her entire world.
His hand slowly lifted… trembling so much he could barely control it.
He wanted to touch her. Needed to touch her. To confirm she was real.
But fear stopped him. Fear that this happiness was only another cruel dream.
Eva saw the hesitation in his eyes.
Gently… lovingly… She held his shaking hand. And placed it against her cheek.
Proving… She was real.
The moment Eyan felt the warmth of her skin—His eyes filled instantly with tears.
A broken cry tore from his chest.
"Ahh… ngh…!"
His shoulders trembled violently as he pulled her into a desperate embrace. Holding her tightly… as if afraid the world might steal her away again.
Through broken sobs, his voice cracked deeply—
"W–wel… welcome… h-home…"
His grip tightened as more tears streamed down his face.
"E–Eva… I… I missed you…"
His voice broke completely, words barely forming between sobs.
"I m-missed you… s-so much…"
Eva hugged him just as tightly, burying her face into his shoulder as her own tears fell endlessly.
"I missed you too…"
Eyan's face pressed against her shoulder, his body shaking as years of pain finally broke free.
"Forgive me…!"
"I couldn't… recognize you…!"
His breathing hitched painfully.
"Forgive me… I hurt you…!"
"Forgive me… for everything…!"
Eva shook her head, her arms tightening around him.
"Don't apologise… I'm not hurt…"
Eyan's fingers gripped her clothes tightly as if grounding himself in reality.
"T-thank you… f-for coming b-back to me…!"
His voice shattered again as tears continued to fall.
"It was so h-hard… f-for me…"
He struggled to breathe between sobs.
"It was so hard to live…without you…!"
His grip trembled.
"I tried… I tried… to stay alive…for Leo…"
Eva's eyes softened painfully as she held him closer.
"You did well…"
Her fingers gently stroked his back, comforting him.
"Thank you… for staying alive…"
The rain continued to fall around them… As if the heavens themselves wept for their suffering.
After five and a half years of pain…
Five and a half years of longing…When both believed they had lost each other forever—
They finally reunited. In each other's arms… Where they had always belonged.
--------------------------------------------------------
After crying for what felt like forever, their sobs slowly quieted.
Their breathing was still uneven… but neither wanted to let go.
Eva was the first to move.
Reluctantly… slowly… she pulled back from the embrace.
Her fingers gently rose to his face, brushing away the tears mixed with rain.
Her eyes softened as she looked at him… really looked at him.
As if trying to memorize every detail again.
As if afraid she might lose him if she blinked too long.
"Eyan…"
Her thumb lightly traced his cheek.
"Can you remove your armour…?"
Her voice turned softer.
"I want to hug you properly…"
A small smile appeared on Eyan's lips, still trembling from crying.
He nodded obediently.
Anything she wanted…
He would give without hesitation.
He stood up, his fingers still shaking slightly as he began removing his armour piece by piece.
Metal plates fell to the ground one after another with dull sounds.
clink… clank… thud…
His hands were still trembling, but his eyes never left her.
Finally, the last piece fell.
He looked at her…Then smiled gently…And opened his arms wide.
"Come here…"
Eva smiled.
Then rushed towards him eagerly.
She reached him quickly, grabbed his face with both hands—
And—
BAM!
Her forehead slammed straight into his.
"AGH—!"
Eyan stumbled back, completely unprepared for the attack.
Before he could even react—
BAM!
Her knee drove straight into his ribs.
"Ugh—!"
Eyan doubled over, clutching his side in pain.
"E-Eva…?!"
He looked up at her, shocked and confused.
"What was that for?!"
Eva's eyes burned with fury.
She grabbed his collar and pulled him closer.
"How dare you…!"
Her voice shook with anger.
"How dare you tell our son… that you wished he was never born?!"
Eyan froze. His soul almost left his body.
"…H-How do you know about that…?"
Eva's eye narrowed dangerously.
"It doesn't matter how I know…"
She cracked her knuckles slowly.
"What matters..." Her smile was terrifyingly sweet. "…is how you plan to survive me."
Eyan's eyes widened in pure fear.
BAM!
Another forehead attack.
"Ow! Eva— stop hitting me!"
Eva glared at him.
"Why?" She crossed her arms. "Are you in pain?"
Eyan straightened slightly despite the abuse.
"No…" He shook his head seriously. "You might hurt yourself."
Eva blinked.
Then laughed in disbelief.
"You think I'm fragile?"
Eyan immediately shook his head.
"No." His voice was sincere. "I know you're strong."
Eva nodded proudly. "Good."
Then punched his face again.
"Then take responsibility for your words!"
Smack!
.
Punch!
.
Thud!
.
"I leave you alone for a few years and you start emotionally traumatizing our child?!"
Punch!
Meanwhile—
Luca stood to the side, watching the entire exchange like it was premium entertainment.
He crossed his arms casually and chuckled.
"Very good, sister-in-law.".He nodded approvingly. "Beat his ass more."
"He clearly needs character development."
Just as Eva raised her hand again—
A trembling voice called out—
"Eva…"
Eva froze mid-attack.
She turned.
And saw Aranel standing there… tears streaming down her face.
"Aranel…"
Eva immediately forgot about Eyan's existence.
She rushed toward her.
Aranel ran toward Eva as well— And they collided into a tight embrace.
Both began crying again instantly.
"Eva…!"
Aranel clung to her tightly.
"Eva i missed you...Don't you ever leave without telling me again!" Her grip tightened. "If you do… I'll break our friendship!"
Eva hugged her back just as tightly.
"I won't do it again…" She smiled through tears. "I promise…"
From a distance…
Luca and Eyan watched the emotional reunion quietly. Soft expressions replaced their earlier amusement.
Luca casually sat beside Eyan, who was currently recovering from 'love' injuries.
"So…"
Luca glanced at his battered friend.
"Are you happy now?"
Eyan, with messy hair, swollen lip, and visible signs of 'wife's love,' smiled peacefully.
"Yes…"
He let out a small laugh.
"I am the happiest man alive right now."
Luca nodded thoughtfully, then examined Eyan's current condition.
Bruised cheek.
Red forehead.
Slight bleeding lip.
Wet clothes.
Dirt everywhere.
He smirked.
"You know…" He tilted his head. "You look good like this.. Sister-in-law didn't hold back...."
Eyan chuckled weakly.
"Yes…"
He wiped a bit of blood from his lip.
"My wife just returned…" He sighed happily. "I would accept even more beating."
Luca raised an eyebrow.
"Careful what you wish for."
Both men looked at Eva.
Who was still hugging Aranel…
But occasionally glancing back at Eyan…As if calculating Round 2.
Eyan swallowed nervously.
"…Do you think she's still angry?"
Luca smiled. "Oh definitely."
Eyan smiled softly. "…Good."
Luca blinked.
Eyan looked at Eva with warm eyes. "It means....She still loves me."
Luca laughed. "You really are hopeless."
Eyan nodded proudly.
"Yes...But I am her hopeless."
Just then, a small cheerful voice rang through the rain—
"Mother!"
Eva froze. Her heart skipped.
She turned quickly— And saw him.
Leo.
Running toward her through the rain, his small figure splashing through puddles, his face glowing with happiness.
"Mother!"
His voice was bright… full of relief… full of love.
Eva's eyes widened, filling instantly with tears again.
"Leo…!"
He ran straight into her arms, and she immediately lifted him from the ground, hugging him tightly as if she would never let him go again.
Her fingers trembled as she held the back of his head, pressing him close to her heart.
"Leo…" Her voice broke softly. "Mother is back…"
Leo pulled back slightly, looking at her seriously despite the joy in his eyes. "Mother… the conditions were fulfilled, right?"
Eva blinked in surprise. "Leo… how do you know about the conditions?"
Leo frowned slightly, trying to explain.
"I saw a dream…" His small hand touched his chest.
"It wasn't my memory…" His eyes looked strangely mature for a moment. "…but it was still me… from somewhere else."
Eva's expression softened deeply.
She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Do you… also remember the goddess… Liora?"
Leo tilted his head slightly.
"So… she was the goddess…I couldn't hear her name clearly…but I saw her."
Eva smiled gently and kissed his forehead.
"It's alright…You don't need to remember anything else."
Then she turned slightly and pointed behind her.
At Eyan. Still on the ground. Soaked. Bruised. Slightly bloody.
Eva cleared her throat.
"Look carefully at your father's face....you don't remember but..I promised you…If I regained my memories…I would beat him to a pulp."
Leo looked at Eyan seriously.
Eva leaned closer to Leo slightly.
"You were hurt by what he said, right?" Her eyes sharpened slightly. "Do you want mother to beat him more?"
Eyan quickly spoke from a distance, trying to save himself.
"I know what you will say, my son…"
He smiled weakly.
"You will say… 'let's forgive father, mother.'"
Leo blinked once.
Then answered calmly—
"Beat him more, mother."
Eyan's jaw dropped.
Eva smiled proudly and kissed Leo's cheek. "Good boy."
She gently placed him down on the ground. "Wait here."
She cracked her knuckles. "Mother will be back soon."
Luca slowly leaned toward Eyan and whispered:
"You should run now."
Eyan didn't even question it. He immediately began crawling backward. Then stood up.
Then turned and ran.
Fast....Very fast.
Eva's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Where do you think you are going?!"
She lifted her dress slightly to run faster.
"Get back here!"
And just like that—
The King of Velmoria ran for his life through the palace courtyard. While his wife chased him with terrifying speed.
Eva ran after him through the rain, her wet dress brushing against the marble floor as Eyan desperately tried to escape.
"Eva— wait—!"
He turned the corner of the palace corridor—
And suddenly stopped.
Because Eva was already there. Blocking his path.
Her breathing slightly uneven… her eyes locked onto him with dangerous determination.
Eyan raised both hands slowly in surrender.
"Princess…" He smile impressed. "Why do you run so fast…?"
Eva crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly.
"I learned, of course." Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "How else would I survive as a thief…?"
Eyan let out a soft, helpless laugh.
"Yes… that makes sense…"
Eva stepped closer. Very close.
She slowly raised her hand again.
Eyan shut his eyes immediately, bracing himself for impact.
"Just don't hit the same place aga—"
But the strike never came.
Instead—
He felt something
soft. Warm. Gentle. Against his lips.
His eyes opened slowly.
Eva was kissing him.
Her fingers lightly holding the front of his shirt.
Eyan completely forgot how to breathe.
Then his hand moved instinctively to her waist, pulling her closer until there was no distance left between them.
The kiss deepened.
His other hand slid up to cradle the back of her neck, fingers threading gently into her damp hair, keeping her close… needing her closer.
Eva's hand moved from his collar to his shoulder, gripping tightly as she pressed herself against him, as if proving she was truly there. Truly back.
Years of longing melted between them.
The rain continued to fall softly around their unmoving figures.
Eyan tilted his head slightly, kissing her deeper, more firmly, as if making up for every moment he had lost her.
Neither wanted to stop. Neither wanted to breathe....Because letting go… even for a moment… felt unbearable.
When they finally paused, their foreheads rested together, breaths warm against each other's lips.
Eyan whispered softly—
"I love you…"
Eva smiled faintly against his lips.
"I love you too..."
He smiled before capturing her lips once more.
This time slower… Deeper… Certain.
As if sealing a promise neither intended to ever break again.
The rain fell gently around them…
As husband and wife finally found their way back into each other's arms.
.
.
To be continued—