My deep soul

Chapter 38

The journey back to the capital blurred into a haze of panic for Jidiwi. He rode with Jinyoen lay against his chest, her breathing shallow, every bump of the road pulling another desperate prayer from his heart. His horse thundered ahead of the others, reckless, as though speed alone could force life back into her fading body.
When they finally entered the gates of the city, he spurred his horse faster, ignoring the startled cries of people moving out of the way. His destination was clear—her home.

By the time he reached the familiar gate of Cheng household his composure was already fraying. He dismounted in one fluid motion, still clutching Jinyoen as though she were porcelain. His knuckles were white where they gripped her, his jaw tight, eyes burning.

He kicked the door open with his foot.

“Dara! Yanwoo!” His voice thundered through the house, sharp and desperate.

Dara appeared from the inner hall, her face lighting up with recognition before her expression froze in shock. “Jinyoen—! Heavens!” She rushed forward, her hands trembling as she reached for her younger sister.

Behind her, Yanwoo, steady and calm as always, appeared at her side, though his eyes widened at the sight of Jinyoen’s pale face and bloodied clothes.

“What happened to her?” Dara cried, clutching her mouth, her eyes filling with tears.

Jidiwi’s voice cracked, a mix of command and pleading. “Fix her. Do something! Anything! Don’t just stand there—she’s bleeding, she’s weak, she’s—” His voice broke as he looked down at her fragile figure in his arms. “She’s slipping away from me.”

Yanwoo stepped forward carefully. “let me—”

“No!” Jidiwi snarled, jerking her back protectively, his tone wild. “Don’t you dare take her from me. I won’t let anyone—” He stopped himself, sucking in a ragged breath, his chest heaving. Then softer, trembling, his words collapsed into desperation. “Please… just save her. I don’t care how. I can’t lose her.”

Dara gently touched his arm, her voice steadier though tears glistened in her eyes. “Let me see her, Jidiwi. She’s my sister. Trust me. You love her—I love her too. We will save her.”

For a moment he stood frozen, torn between his  need to hold her and his desperate wish to see her well. Finally, his arms loosened slightly, enough for Dara and Yanwoo to lead him inside.

They laid Jinyoen gently upon her bed. Jidiwi refused to step back, crouching beside her, clutching her hand so tightly that his knuckles blanched. He brushed the hair from her face with trembling fingers, whispering her name over and over.

Yanwoo examined the wounds with a calm, clinical eye. “The cuts are deep but not fatal. The blood loss is the true danger. We must clean and close them immediately.”

“Then do it!” Jidiwi’s voice shook, both a command and a plea. “If she dies—if she dies—” His voice faltered into a hoarse whisper. “I won’t forgive this world. I’ll burn it to ashes.”

Dara brought water and cloths while Yanwoo prepared herbs for the wounds. Together, they began to work with steady hands.

Jidiwi never released Jinyoen’s hand. His thumb traced circles over her cold skin, his forehead pressed to hers. Tears slipped silently down his cheeks, falling onto her lips as he whispered.

“Stay with me, Jinu. You promised you’d never leave. You’re mine—do you hear me? Mine. You promised to stay.” His voice wavered, breaking into a half-sob. “If you leave me, I’ll have nothing. Please, just wake up.”

Jidiwi  kissed the back of Jinyoen’s hand, over and over, his lips trembling.

The room was filled with the sound of cloth dabbing wounds, whispered prayers, and Jidiwi’s desperate vows—a storm of  love, and fear surrounding Jinyoen’s fragile body as her family fought to save her.