Finale to Lovers in the Night.
"The realms are inching toward destruction, and the only way we can prevent that is to change the past."
In which Yoojung, the only half-Vampire, half-Human alive, is prompted by the six Vampire princes to turn back ti...
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As days turned into nights, Yoojung struggled to find solace in sleep. Memories of her father consumed her, and she cried endlessly for the man who had been her protector. Despite her tears, the pain lingered, an ache deep in her soul.
Ni-ki watched helplessly, wishing he could ease her grief. Though a skilled warrior, he felt powerless in matters of the heart. Each night, he saw Yoojung cry herself to sleep, unable to comfort her as a human would. He remained by her side, a silent witness to her suffering, knowing he loved Jungwon too.
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Ni-ki stood awkwardly in Yoojung's doorway, his confidence wavering. "Yoojung, you haven't eaten in days. You should—"
"I'm not hungry," she snapped, frustrated with his attempts to pull her from isolation.
He sighed, stepping closer. "I know you're hurting, but you need to eat."
Yoojung turned away, retreating further into her grief. Her room was dark, illuminated only by moonlight. Hollow and bloodshot, her eyes reflected sleepless nights and overwhelming sorrow. Memories of her father tormented her, making sleep a distant dream.
Her tears flowed, and in a choked voice, she uttered, "It hurts."
Ni-ki's heart ached at her plea. "Please take my pain away. Like you did with my heart cancer."
"I'm sorry, but I can't," he said, feeling the weight of her suffering.
"Why not?" she cried, desperation in her eyes.
"This is different. Taking away emotions is dangerous," he explained.
"I don't care!" she shouted. "My life is worthless! Please, take everything away."
Ni-ki hesitated. "Your emotions make you Human. I can't take them away."
But then, he moved closer, resting his hand on her forehead. He cast a soothing spell, and as Yoojung's breathing slowed, she finally succumbed to sleep.
Ni-ki felt guilt gnawing at him. Though he'd given her temporary relief, he knew it was just a momentary escape.
His gaze fell on a family portrait on her bedside table—Yoojung with her father, brother, and sister, all smiling. The contrast to her current sorrow was stark.
As he contemplated the photograph, Ni-ki realized he was experiencing loss too. Jungwon's death had pierced his indifference, revealing his own vulnerability.
In that quiet moment, he understood that he wasn't immune to grief. Emotions surged within him, showing him the depth of his own humanity and his shared sorrow with Yoojung.
