Crimson Moonlight

XXXII. The Last Artifact

The first light of dawn cast a golden hue across the horizon, but my heart was heavy with the gravity of what lay ahead. Today was the day Seo-jin—no, Sunghoon—and I would face our greatest challenge yet. The final artifact, the key to bringing peace between vampires and humans, waited for us in an ancient, dangerous temple. Our last hope to end the centuries-old conflict rested on this mission.

I woke before the sun, my mind swirling with worry and determination. Beside me, I felt Sunghoon stir. His soft smile greeted me as I turned to him. "Good morning," he whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair away from my face.

"Good morning," I replied, feeling warmth flood my chest. Even in moments like these, he had a way of grounding me. "Are you ready for today?"

His smile faded into something more serious as he nodded. "We have to be. This is our last chance to get the artifact. If we fail..." He didn't finish the thought. He didn't need to.

I took a deep breath, reaching for the strength I knew I had within me. "We'll make it through. Together."

As we dressed and gathered our supplies, I couldn't shake the feeling of excitement and anxiety coiling within me. Sunghoon seemed to sense it and pulled me into a firm embrace. His warmth seeped into me, easing the tension I hadn't realized I'd been carrying.

"We'll be okay," he murmured, his lips brushing the top of my head. "We've come this far, and we're not alone."

I looked up at him, my heart swelling at the sight of his calm strength. "I know," I whispered, my voice tinged with a bit of uncertainty. "But I can't help worrying. What if—"

He cut me off with a soft kiss, his lips warm and reassuring against mine. "That's what makes you strong, Eunchae. Your courage, your heart—it's why I love you so much."

My heart fluttered at his words, and I kissed him back with everything I had, trying to pour my love into that one moment. "Then let's do this," I said, pulling back with renewed resolve.

We left my apartment and headed to the bookshop where we'd meet with the librarian, one of our most trusted allies. Sunghoon kept an arm around my waist as we walked, his presence a comforting anchor. Despite the looming danger, I couldn't help but feel safe as long as he was by my side.

When we arrived, the librarian greeted us with worry etched across her face. "I've gathered everything I could find," she said, handing us a map and several old texts. "The last artifact is in an ancient temple, guarded by vampires who still cling to the old ways."

Sunghoon studied the map intently. "I've contacted some vampire factions. A few have agreed to help us."

A surge of hope rushed through me. "That's great. The more allies we have, the better."

The librarian nodded. "Be careful. The temple is full of traps and dangers. But I believe in you both." Her voice was soft but resolute, and it gave me strength.

She handed me a small, intricately carved charm. "For protection. Keep it close."

I clutched the charm, feeling its cool surface in my palm. "Thank you. We'll need it."

With that, we set off toward the temple. The journey was long and fraught with tension, but Sunghoon and I kept moving, driven by the weight of what was at stake. Along the way, we met vampire factions who, after some hesitation, decided to join our cause. Every step we took, we grew closer to the future we were fighting for.

As we neared the temple, Sunghoon and I found a secluded spot to rest and strategize. We sat down, leaning against each other for support, the silence between us filled with the unspoken bond we shared.

"How are you holding up?" Sunghoon asked, gently stroking my hair.

"I'm okay," I said, though my nerves hummed beneath the surface. "Just trying to stay focused."

He kissed my forehead, and I felt the warmth of his lips calm me. "You're incredible, you know that? I couldn't do this without you."

I looked up at him, my heart swelling with affection. "I couldn't do it without you either."

For a moment, we simply existed in the comfort of each other's presence. Then, with renewed determination, we rose and continued on toward the temple.

The ancient structure loomed ahead of us, its dark, foreboding silhouette rising out of the forest like a warning. A shiver ran down my spine, but I stood tall beside Sunghoon, ready to face whatever awaited us.

At the entrance, a group of vampires guarded the temple. Sunghoon stepped forward, his eyes blazing with determination. "We seek the artifact," he declared, his voice steady. "Stand aside, or face the consequences."

The vampires snarled, their eyes flashing red. "You have no right to be here," one of them hissed. "Leave, or be destroyed."

Without hesitation, I stepped forward, feeling a strange, familiar energy welling up inside me. "We're not leaving without the artifact," I said firmly. "It's the key to peace."

The vampires hesitated, uncertain, but one of them finally spoke. "Very well. But know this—the artifact is heavily guarded. You will face many trials."

"We're ready," Sunghoon said, his voice strong and sure.

Inside the temple, the air was thick with danger. Each step forward brought new traps and puzzles, but Sunghoon and I moved as one, our teamwork seamless. Together, we navigated the treacherous path, growing stronger with every challenge.

At last, we reached the inner sanctum. There, glowing on a pedestal, was the artifact. But guarding it was an ancient vampire, his eyes blazing with malice.

"You will not take the artifact," he growled. "Its power is ours."

Sunghoon moved to face him, his stance one of pure determination. "We're not leaving without it."

The ancient vampire lunged at Sunghoon with terrifying speed. My heart raced as I watched them clash, Sunghoon's strength and agility barely holding off the vampire's power. I knew I had to act.

A surge of energy welled up inside me, stronger than before. I realized it was connected to Sunghoon, a manifestation of his power that I could feel deep within me. Closing my eyes, I focused, letting the energy guide me.

When I opened them, I knew what to do.

"Sunghoon!" I called out, my voice ringing with certainty. "Trust me!"

He looked at me, understanding flashing in his eyes. "Do it!" he shouted.

I focused all my energy on Sunghoon, our powers intertwining. His eyes widened as he felt the surge, and together, we turned our combined strength on the ancient vampire. Our united force was unstoppable. With one final blow, we reduced him to dust.

Breathing heavily, we turned to the glowing artifact, feeling its power reach out to us. Together, we stepped forward, our hands entwined as we touched the artifact. A wave of energy surged through us, binding us together in a way that went beyond words.

As we left the temple, the artifact safely in our possession, I looked up at Sunghoon. My heart was full—of love, of hope, of possibility. "We did it," I whispered, a smile slowly widening on my face.

"We did," he replied, pulling me into his arms. "Together."

In that moment, I knew that whatever came next, we would face it side by side. Our love was our greatest strength, a force that nothing in this world—or the next—could ever break.

꧁ ____________★____________ ꧂

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 500+ VIEWSSSS!! 

I wanna cry. You guys are so precious to meeeeeee

I saw how the smut episode (the previous one) got a lot of views. Should i make more of those? Did y'all even like it?