The Ghost of You

Chapter 8: The Ultimate Sacrifice

Lingling's heart skipped a beat as she slipped her exorcism gear into her bag. Her movements were steady, but her mind was racing. She was about to face the darkness head-on, and this time, the stakes were higher than ever. Just as she secured her last item, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Young lady, where do you think you are going?" Nadech's deep voice resonated through the room, his presence commanding attention as he stepped closer.

Lingling froze, taking a moment to compose herself before turning to face him. "P'Nadech, I'm heading out to exorcise the mansion. The evil spirit there is too strong," she lied smoothly, avoiding his gaze as she adjusted her bag over her shoulder.

Nadech's eyes narrowed, studying her closely. He could see past the mask of calm she wore, sensing the turmoil beneath. He knew her too well. "Ling..." he said softly, but with an edge of authority, "I want you to be honest with me."

"Huh?" Lingling blinked, her pulse quickening. His words caught her off guard, making her feel as though her carefully constructed facade was crumbling.

Nadech stepped closer, his expression unwavering. "Did you perform any forbidden ritual?"

The question hung in the air between them, heavy with implication. Lingling's throat tightened, and for a brief moment, she was tempted to deny it, to weave another lie to protect herself. But the weight of her actions—of everything that had unfolded—pressed down on her like a suffocating blanket.

She met Nadech's gaze, seeing both concern and suspicion in his eyes. "P'Nadech..." her voice faltered, the truth fighting to break free. She sighed, dropping her head for a moment before straightening up, her eyes now filled with determination. "I had to. It was the only way to save Orm."

Nadech's face darkened, his brow furrowing as realization dawned on him. His heart sank. "You did more than just bind souls, didn't you?" His voice was laced with worry, knowing how dangerous tampering with forbidden rituals could be.

Lingling's heart raced as confusion washed over her. She thought she had been discreet, careful to keep her feelings hidden, but Nadech's sudden hand signal shattered her illusion of secrecy. As the chains binding her and Orm were revealed, she felt a wave of dread crash over her. The truth she had tried so hard to guard was now laid bare before him.

"P'Nadech...I..." Lingling's voice faltered, guilt creeping into her chest like a shadow. How could she explain the depths of her feelings, the tumult of emotions that had driven her to this point?

"Do you still love her, Ling?" Nadech asked, his gaze unwavering, searching her eyes for honesty.

"Huh?" Lingling stammered, caught off guard. The directness of the question left her momentarily speechless.

"Ormie...do you still love her?" he pressed, his voice gentle but firm.

Lingling's breath caught in her throat. "How did you...?"

"I know everything, Ling. I know that you were Tawan, I know who Orm is, and I know what is going on with that mansion. That is why I sent you there...even when Yaya disagreed with me."

A heavy silence enveloped them as Lingling's heart sank. Nadech closed his eyes briefly, clearly wrestling with a mix of frustration and sorrow. Lingling could see the conflict within him, the fatherly instinct to protect her clashing with the understanding of her desperate love.

"Lingling..." he began, pausing as if weighing his words carefully. He wanted to scold her, to tell her how reckless her actions had been, but the understanding of her pain pulled at his heart. "I know you love her," he said quietly, stepping closer, his voice softening. "But playing with forces like that... It doesn't come without consequences. The balance has already started to crack. You're putting not just yourself, but the world at risk."