Who Are You (ON HOLD)

Chapter twelve (Zade's perspective)

Walking away from Hezlin that night was one of the hardest things I had ever done. Her words echoed in my mind, intertwining with the painful memories of my past life, where I had been the very embodiment of evil.

The Guilt of a Past Life

In my previous life, I was not just a prince; I was an evil prince. I ruled with fear and malice, bringing despair to the people of the kingdom. The kingdom was ruled by a powerful king, and his daughter, Princess Rose, was renowned for her beauty and kindness. She was everything I was not: pure, compassionate, and loved by all.

When I first met Rose, it wasn't her beauty that captivated me-it was her spirit. But my heart was twisted, and my intentions were dark. I wanted to conquer her kingdom, and I saw her as the key to my victory. I made her fall in love with me, using deceit and charm, all the while plotting to betray her and her people.

But as time went on, something unexpected happened. Her love began to change me. I found myself genuinely caring for her, and the guilt of my deceit started to weigh heavily on my conscience. However, it was too late. My plans were already set in motion, and I couldn't turn back.

The Day Everything Changed

The day Rose discovered my true intentions was the day my world shattered. She confronted me, her eyes filled with tears and betrayal. "How could you, Zade? I trusted you, and you used me!"

I had no words to defend myself. The storm of emotions within me was a battle between the person I was and the person I was becoming because of her. In a desperate attempt to save her people, Rose rallied them to fight against my forces. Her courage and determination were unmatched.

In the end, she died protecting her kingdom from my tyranny. She sacrificed herself to save her people from the destruction I had wrought. Her death left an indelible scar on my soul, a wound that would never heal. The kingdom mourned her loss, and I was left with the crushing weight of guilt and regret.

Awakening to a New Life

When I awoke in this new life with the memories of my past, I was granted supernatural powers as a twisted reminder of the evil I once was. These powers were both a gift and a curse, a constant reminder of the darkness within me and the need for redemption.

Meeting Hezlin felt like a second chance, a chance to make things right. But the fear of my past repeating itself kept me at a distance. How could I tell her that I was once the villain who caused the death of the one person who believed in me?

Conflicted Emotions

As I walked away from Hezlin, I couldn't shake the feeling that history was repeating itself. Her trust, her kindness-they were eerily reminiscent of Rose. I didn't deserve her, but I couldn't bear the thought of losing her either.

The next few days were a blur. I immersed myself in studies, training, and anything that could distract me from the turmoil within. But the connection between Hezlin and me was undeniable, and avoiding her became impossible. Every time I saw her, my heart yearned to confess everything-to lay bare the truth that threatened to tear us apart.

But I couldn't. Not yet.

A Growing Resolve

Instead, I focused on being there for her in other ways. I supported her during late-night study sessions, cheered her on at college events, and silently cherished every moment we spent together. Each day, I wrestled with the guilt of my past and the fear of losing Hezlin if she ever discovered the truth.

Yet, despite my internal struggle, I found solace in her presence. She brought light into my life, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness that plagued my soul. I knew I had to protect her, not just from external threats but from the darkness within me.

Uncertain Future

As time passed, I began to wonder if I could ever truly escape my past. The memories of Princess Rose haunted me, a constant reminder of the pain I had caused. Would Hezlin ever understand? Could she look past my sins and see the person I was striving to become?

Deep down, I feared the answer.

But as I watched Hezlin laugh with her friends, her smile illuminating the room, I couldn't help but hope. Maybe, just maybe, love could conquer even the darkest of pasts.

And until the day I found the courage to reveal the truth, I would continue to protect Hezlin with everything I had. She was my second chance at redemption, and I couldn't afford to lose her.

As I wrestled with the memories of my past life and the guilt that consumed me, strange dreams began to haunt my nights. In these dreams, I found myself back in the grand halls of the kingdom, surrounded by echoes of my former self and the anguish I had caused. Princess Rose's voice echoed in the corridors, her words of betrayal and sorrow cutting through me like a sword.

Each night, I woke up in a cold sweat, gasping for air, unable to share these tormenting visions with anyone, not even Hezlin. The dreams were a cruel reminder of the darkness that still lurked within me, threatening to undo everything I had rebuilt in this new life.

Despite my resolve to protect Hezlin from my past, these dreams tested my strength. They whispered doubts into my mind, questioning whether I deserved happiness or redemption. But whenever I saw Hezlin smile or heard her laugh, a flicker of hope ignited within me—a belief that maybe, just maybe, I could overcome my past and find peace.

I buried myself deeper in my studies and training, seeking distraction from the haunting dreams. Yet, they persisted, as if my subconscious refused to let me forget the pain I had caused. Each morning, I woke with a heavy heart, carrying the weight of centuries-old sins that threatened to tear apart the fragile happiness I had found with Hezlin.

Despite the turmoil within, I remained steadfast in my determination to protect Hezlin from the truth. I couldn’t bear the thought of her looking at me with the same betrayal that Princess Rose had shown in my past life. So, I kept my dreams and fears hidden, locked away in the deepest recesses of my soul.