Thief of Twilight

Part Three: Chapter 93

Dozens of bodies lay on the ground bruised and bloodied. Gruff heavy breaths lingered in the air. A man ran his fingers through his hair before inhaling deeply.

"What a bore..." he groaned. "They didn't even put up a fight." he licked his lips before chuckling to himself. "It looks like I will have quite a bit of money coming my way if I kill this one..." a boisterous laugh erupted from his chest. "Zurine Abedayo...WHERE ARE YOU HIDING!"

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"You want to do what?" Elder Kang was taken aback by Sinopia's request. Are you serious?"

"I think it would be good for her to meet the others. But of course, I know that I need to ask the young pup for permission. I'm sure Zurine would be excited to meet the other moon children."

"How can you be so sure? She may not be interested but I don't know if she would be willing. Especially with her current situation."

"That is why I want to talk to her about it? She has already met Cerise. I am sure she would get along very well with the others."

"And where are you meeting the other moon children? You can't possibly travel north to the mountains."

"Of course not. We've found a new home for the others in the west. There is an abandoned fort that they have called home. They love it there."
"Where is this fort?"

"It's hidden in a gorge." Sinopia smiled. "Cerise found it actually. I would say that it is an oasis compared to the arid fields in that area."

Elder Kang took a breath. "Do you think you are moving too fast?" she asked. "I understand that you are excited about Zurine and her potential. But don't do anything that will make you come off negatively."

"Not you too." he groaned. "Cerise had the same concern. You can trust me. I am only here to help Zurine. You don't have to worry about a thing."

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"Do you really have to leave?"

"We want to stay a little bit longer!"

I didn't want to turn them away but Nam-kyu and Jimin were desperately clinging to my skirt.

"We want to stay with our aunt." Nam-kyu whined.

"Papa, we want to stay!" Jimin joined in.

Ji-hun narrowed his eyes.

"You two can come back any time." I smiled down at them. "I would love to have you back."

Yohan bent down to pat their heads. "You two are welcome to come back during the autumn festival. And please, make sure your mother comes with you."

"Okay." Nam-kyu sighed.

The young boys hugged us before taking their father's hand.

"I must say..." Ji-hun took a breath. "You are a very interesting young woman..."

"It was nice to meet you." I put on a smile and held out my hand.

Ji-hun took my hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Maybe next time, we can talk and get to know one another." I squeezed his hand a little harder, watching him curl into himself to hold back any discomfort he was feeling.

"Yohan." he looked at his younger brother.

Yohan bowed his head. "Bye."

I released Ji-hun's hand and waved. "Have a safe trip!" I watched them walk through the front gates of the palace.