𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Chapter 16

As Fourth and the Queen clashed in a whirlwind of swords and fury, Gemini felt the world around him begin to shift. The energy of their combined love surged, filling the air with light. Just as Fourth lunged at the Queen with renewed strength, Gemini felt a sudden tugging sensation, as if he were being pulled away from the battle.

“No! Fourth!” Gemini shouted, panic surging through him. But before he could reach for the prince, everything around him blurred, colors swirling into a vortex of light.

With a gasp, Gemini woke up abruptly, disoriented and gasping for air. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled his nostrils, and bright fluorescent lights overhead blinded him momentarily. He blinked, trying to focus, and realized he was lying in a hospital bed, tubes and monitors beeping around him.

“Where am I?” he croaked, his throat dry and sore. Panic coursed through him as he tried to sit up, but pain shot through his chest, forcing him back down.

“Easy there, you’re in the hospital,” a nurse said softly, coming into view. “You were found unconscious in a pool. You’ve been out for a while.”

The words felt like a punch to the gut. “The pool?” he muttered, memories flooding back—the lake, the fight, Fourth’s face, and the overwhelming love that had consumed him. “Fourth! What happened to Fourth?”

The nurse’s expression softened, but there was a hint of confusion. “You need to rest. You were in the water for too long. Just relax. You’re safe now.”

But Gemini couldn’t relax. He struggled to recall every moment leading up to his drowning, the fight against the Queen, and the fierce love he shared with Fourth. “I have to go back!” he gasped, desperation flooding his voice. “I need to find him!”

“Back where?” the nurse asked gently, her brow furrowed in concern.

“Back to the past!” he cried, feeling the urgency of the situation weigh down on him. “I can’t leave him there. I need to save him!”

With a shake of her head, the nurse tried to calm him. “You need to focus on getting better. You were unconscious for a long time. Let the doctors help you first.”

But Gemini’s heart raced with fear and determination. He remembered the legend of Fourth Nattawat, the ruthless king who would fall into darkness if he lost his true love. He couldn't let that happen. With every fiber of his being, he needed to get back to Fourth.

As the nurse stepped out to fetch the doctor, Gemini closed his eyes, trying to summon the strength of their bond. He thought about the moments they shared, the kisses, the promises, and the fierce love that ignited between them.

Suddenly, he felt a familiar warmth enveloping him, as if Fourth was reaching out to him from the depths of time. The connection they shared felt like a lifeline, and he focused on it, willing himself to return.

“Fourth, I’m coming back,” he whispered, picturing the prince’s face, his cold exterior melting away as love transformed him. “I won’t let you face the darkness alone.”

But as he concentrated, nothing happened. The hospital room remained unchanged, the monitors continued their rhythmic beeping, and the nurse returned with the doctor, who began checking on him.

“Mr. Norawit, you’re awake,” the doctor said, his tone professional yet kind. “You’ve been through quite an ordeal. We need to keep you here for observation.”

“No! I can’t stay!” Gemini shouted, panic rising within him. “I have to go back! Please!”

The doctor frowned, concern etched on his face. “I understand you’re feeling distressed, but you need to allow us to care for you. You could be in danger if you try to leave without being fully recovered.”