Ashes

Chapter 9: A Mother's Sacrifice

Phuwin's training continued to intensify, and with each passing day, the line between control and chaos blurred further. Pond remained a constant presence, a shadow that loomed over every decision Phuwin made. But as Pond focused on molding Phuwin into his perfect weapon, something stirred within the depths of the compound—something that Pond had underestimated: the unbreakable bond between mother and son.

In a separate wing of the compound, far removed from the luxury of Phuwin's chambers, Mix was being held in a cold, sterile cell. The walls were bare, the light harsh and artificial. It was a stark contrast to the opulence that surrounded her son. For days, Mix had been subjected to interrogations, Pond's men trying to extract any information they could from her. But Mix was strong, her resolve unyielding. She had faced worse than this, and she would endure whatever it took to protect Phuwin.

However, Mix knew that time was running out. She had heard whispers of Pond's plan to corrupt Phuwin, to twist his powers into something unrecognizable. The thought of her son falling under Pond's control filled her with dread. She had to act, and soon.

One night, as the guards changed shifts, Mix saw her opportunity. She had been carefully observing their routines, waiting for the moment when security would be at its weakest. Using the skills she had honed over years of living on the run, she managed to slip out of her cell. It wasn't easy—the corridors were monitored by cameras, and guards patrolled regularly—but Mix was resourceful. She used the knowledge she had gained from overhearing the guards' conversations to navigate the maze of the compound, avoiding detection as she moved closer to Phuwin.

Her heart raced as she approached the section of the compound where Phuwin was being held. She knew that this might be her only chance to save him, but she also knew the risks. Pond was not a man to be trifled with, and his forces were formidable. But Mix had something Pond didn't—a mother's love, a force more powerful than any weapon.

As she reached the door to Phuwin's chamber, Mix took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She had to be strong, for both of them.

Phuwin was in the middle of a training session when the door to his chamber burst open. He turned, expecting to see Pond or one of his guards, but instead, he saw his mother standing in the doorway. For a moment, disbelief washed over him. He had feared the worst, worried that Pond had done something terrible to her. But here she was, alive and determined.

"Mom!" Phuwin exclaimed, rushing toward her.

Mix enveloped him in a tight embrace, relief flooding through her as she held her son. "Phuwin, I'm so sorry I didn't get to you sooner," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Phuwin pulled back slightly, searching her face. "How did you escape? What are you doing here?"

"I had to find you," Mix replied, her expression serious. "We don't have much time. We need to get out of here before it's too late."

But before they could take another step, the door behind them slammed shut. The sound echoed through the chamber, and when they turned, Pond stood there, flanked by Joong and several guards. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in the room was palpable.

"You've made quite the mess, Mix," Pond said calmly, though there was a sharp edge to his voice. "I didn't expect you to be so resourceful."

Mix stepped protectively in front of Phuwin, her eyes locked on Pond. "I won't let you have him, Pond. I won't let you turn him into something he's not."

Pond's smile was cold, calculated. "And what do you think you can do to stop me? You've seen what he's capable of. You've seen the power he holds. The question is, can he control it without my guidance?"