Devil's Bride

chapter 1.

*Chapter 1: Haunting Dreams and Ghostly Encounters*

Kim Duri's eyes fluttered shut, her exhausted body surrendering to the allure of sleep. Her mind, however, refused to rest.

The familiar sensation of being pulled into a dream world enveloped her, and she found herself standing in a dark, eerie landscape.

The air thickened, heavy with an unsettling presence. Duri's heart quickened as she scanned her surroundings, her gaze drawn to a pair of glowing red eyes. Those eyes, which had haunted her since childhood, seemed to pierce through her very soul.

Suddenly, the scene shifted. Duri's mother, somi, appeared, her eyes black as coal. With a haunting smile, somi raised a hand, and a dark energy enveloped her own body.

Duri watched in horror as her mother's form began to disintegrate.
A blood-curdling scream tore from Duri's lips as she jolted awake.

Her racing heart threatened to burst free from her chest. Gasping for air, she threw off the covers and rushed to the nearby water bottle.

The cool liquid soothed her parched throat, calming her frazzled nerves.
As she turned back to bed, a ghostly figure materialized in her bedroom doorway.

Bora, a gentle spirit with a warm smile, stood watching over Duri.
"Unnie, please don't look at me like that," Duri begged, her voice trembling. "You're scaring me."

Bora's expression softened. "My Duri, your mother asked me to protect you. I won't leave you alone, especially after that terrible dream. I wanted to wake you, but I couldn't touch you."
Duri's fear gave way to gratitude.

"It's okay, Unnie. I'm fine."
Bora hovered, reluctant to leave.
"Please, Unnie, don't sit there," Duri pleaded, her eyelids drooping. "It's scary."

With a gentle nod, Bora vanished.
Duri snuggled back into bed, her exhaustion finally claiming her.
The next morning, Duri prepared for college, shaking off the lingering unease.

As she styled her hair, her phone buzzed with a message from Auntie Kang:

"Hey, Duri! Let's meet after 7. -Auntie Kang"

Duri's thumbs danced across the screen: "Okay!"

Auntie Kang's message sparked curiosity, but Duri's thoughts remained with the haunting dream and those unsettling red eyes.

After college duri walked into Café Luna, scanning the cozy atmosphere for Auntie Kang.

Spotting her in the corner, Duri's heart swelled with affection. She hastened her pace, eager for their reunion.
Auntie Kang rose from her seat, arms open wide. "Duri, my dear!" She enveloped Duri in a warm hug, holding her tightly.

"Auntie, it's so great to see you!" Duri exclaimed, hugging back.

Auntie Kang guided Duri to her seat. "Sit, dear. I have something important to discuss."

Duri's curiosity piqued, she settled into her chair.

"Did you see that dream again?" Auntie Kang asked, her eyes filled with concern.

Duri nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Auntie. After Mom's death, I keep seeing it. It's been 14 years now. Those red eyes haunt me."
Auntie Kang's expression turned grave. "Duri, I know it's hard to believe, but your mother sold her soul to the devil."

Duri's smile faltered. "Auntie, what are you saying?"

Tears welled up in Auntie Kang's eyes. "You were born with a life-threatening disease, Duri. Your mother, desperate to save you, made a pact with the devil. The demon gave you life, but at a terrible cost."

Duri's mind reeled. "On my sixth birthday...the demon came to take Mom's life, didn't he?"

Auntie Kang nodded. "Yes, dear. Your mother begged for six years of life for you. The devil granted her wish, but took her soul in return."

Duri's eyes overflowed with tears. "Why, Mom? Why did you do it for me?

Auntie Kang's voice cracked. "She loved you more than life itself, Duri. Now, you must be careful. Ignore the ghosts, good or bad. They'll only bring harm."

Duri's tears streamed down her face. "What do you mean?"

Auntie Kang leaned in, her voice barely audible. "There's another secret, Duri. A dangerous one. Let's discuss it later."

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