After the chaos of the battle, Dong-hyun grabbed Ha-rin and dragged her to a secluded corner where no one could see them. He pinned her against the wall, his eyes wide with a mixture of shock and anger.
"I killed you. How could you be alive?" he hissed, his voice trembling with disbelief.
Ha-rin glared at him, her heart pounding. "You underestimated me, Dong-hyun. You thought you could just leave me to die."
Dong-hyun's grip tightened, but Ha-rin didn't flinch. She stared into his eyes, her anger and determination unwavering.
"I don't know how you survived, but this changes nothing," Dong-hyun said, his voice low and dangerous. "You're still a threat, and I will not let you ruin everything."
Ha-rin smirked, a defiant glint in her eyes. "You're afraid, aren't you? Afraid that I'll expose your betrayal, that I'll show everyone the truth about you."
Before Dong-hyun could respond, they heard footsteps approaching. He released Ha-rin, stepping back as someone rounded the corner.
It was Joon-young, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene, he's glaring at them. "What's going on here?"
Dong-hyun quickly masked his emotions, forcing a smile. "Nothing. Just a misunderstanding."
Joon-young didn't look convinced, but he nodded slowly. "We should get back. The elders are waiting."
Ha-rin's mind raced. She knew she had to be careful.
Joon-young's eyes softened as he glanced at Ha-rin, his usual cold demeanor cracking. "Ha-rin, I got worried about you. I thought you really died from what my brother said."
Ha-rin's anger flared again, but she quickly tempered it, nodding at Joon-young. "I'm fine."
Joon-young looked back at Dong-hyun, who was trying to keep his composure. "Dong-hyun, why did you lie? I thought she got killed by a monster or something. What's going on?"
Dong-hyun scoffed, but there was a hint of nervousness in his eyes. "I didn't lie. I thought she was dead. It must have been a mistake."
Dong-hyun grabbed Joon-young by the arm, his grip firm. "Let's go, Joon-young!" he commanded, pulling his brother away.
Ha-rin stood still, watching them leave. She knew she had to be cautious. Revealing Dong-hyun's betrayal to the elders was too risky; she couldn't be sure who might want her dead. She needed to gather more information and plan her next move carefully.
As she returned to the Choi Clan's quarters, she replayed the confrontation in her mind. Dong-hyun's actions proved he was dangerous, and there could be others within the Lee Clan who shared his intent. Ha-rin had to stay under the radar while she figured out whom she could trust and how to expose the truth safely.
One night, she sought out Choi Min-seo, hoping to get advice from her. She found Min-seo in her study, surrounded by ancient scrolls and maps.
"Min-seo, I need your counsel," Ha-rin began, bowing respectfully.
Min-seo looked up, her eyes filled with concern. "What troubles you, Ha-rin?"
Ha-rin took a deep breath and explained her encounter with Dong-hyun, carefully omitting any names or direct accusations. "I fear there are those within the Lee Clan who wish me harm. I need to stay vigilant and find a way to protect myself and uncover the truth."
Min-seo nodded thoughtfully. "You are wise to be cautious. Trust is a precious and fragile thing in times of conflict. Focus on the tournament. Prove your worth, and allies will reveal themselves. Stay close to those who have shown kindness, but remain guarded."
"Thank you, Min-seo," Ha-rin replied, feeling a renewed sense of determination. Not only to show her strength but to seek out the true allies she desperately needed.
TO BE CONTINUE 😉
YOU ARE READING
HA-RIN'S ODYSSEY
Ficção Histórica--- When Park Ha-rin's father is accused of murdering the king and vanishes, leaving her in the care of her aunt Soo-jin, her life is torn apart. Growing up in isolation and scorned by society, Ha-rin becomes a skilled archer and swordswoman, driven...
