𝒀/𝑵'𝒔 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚: 𝒀𝒖𝒋𝒊, 𝑴𝒚 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏

Episode XVIII: The Book of the Damned

•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•

I teleported back to my room, the familiar surroundings a stark contrast to the dark, ancient power coursing through my veins. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the elegant furnishings, casting a warm glow over the space. But my mind remained shrouded in shadows, my thoughts consumed by the Darkhold's secrets.

Just as I began to process Elara's teachings, a knock on my door broke the silence. I recognized Satoru's gentle rap, his concern for me evident even in the subtle sound.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself into the role of the pathetic Y/N I once was. A single tear rolled down my cheek as I opened the door, my eyes welling up with fabricated sorrow.

Satoru's expression softened, his eyes filling with compassion. "Y/N, I was worried about you," he said, his voice low and gentle. "You didn't come to dinner last night, and I hadn't seen you all morning."

I forced a trembling smile, my lips quivering. "I-I'm sorry, Oniisan. I just needed some time alone." My voice cracked, the sound painful to my own ears.

Satoru's gaze searched mine, his concern genuine. "Is everything okay? You know you can talk to me, Y/N."

I nodded, fighting to maintain the facade. "Y-yes, everything's fine. Just...thinking about Yuji." This wasn't lie but really a truth.

Satoru's expression turned somber. "We'll get through this together, Y/N. We'll find a way to save him."

My heart twisted, the darkness within me screaming to reveal the truth. But I remained silent, trapped in this charade.

For now, I had to keep up the act, no matter how much it tore me apart.

•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•

As I stepped through the school gates, a bright smile spread across my face, radiating an aura of confidence. The warm sunlight danced across my features, illuminating the subtle changes that had taken place within me. My eyes, once clouded by self-doubt, now shone with an unwavering determination.

The Dark Hold's influence had seeped deep into my soul, extinguishing the fragile flame of humanity that once flickered within. Yet, as I navigated the bustling corridors, I felt an unexpected pang in my chest. Yuji's laughter echoed through the hallway, his bright smile illuminating Megumi's face. The sight stirred something primal within me, a possessive instinct that refused to be silenced.

I recalled the reason I had surrendered to the darkness: to protect Yuji, to shield him from the cruel fate that awaited him. That unyielding resolve remained, even as my humanity slumbered. My feelings for Yuji persisted, a constant heartbeat that pulsed through my veins.

Unbeknownst to me, a genuine smile had escaped my lips, a natural, unforced expression that betrayed the darkness within. It was as if my soul, though shrouded in shadows, still recognized the beauty of our connection.