Tong's memories came flooding back in agonizing waves, like shards of glass piercing his mind. Visions of Aeon's life, battles fought against demons, and the love he had for Mark overwhelmed him, leaving him trembling.
He clutched his head, struggling to separate himself from the angel whose essence now burned within him.
Mark knelt before him, gripping his shoulders with a mix of fear and urgency. "Tong, look at me! What's happening?"
Tong's eyes, glowing faintly with an otherworldly light, met Mark's. In that moment, it wasn't just Tong looking back—it was Aeon, the angel who had once stood against darkness to protect humanity and the Ventore family.
"Mark," Tong whispered, his voice layered with Aeon's calm but firm tone. "I remember everything. I remember you."
Lyra watched the exchange silently, her hand gripping the hilt of her weapon. She had seen Tong's transformation begin, but now she stood in the presence of something greater than she could comprehend.
Tong turned to her, his expression resolute. "Lyra, I need your help. We can't let Mark become a vessel for the demon's power. If Kael gets what he wants..." He hesitated, his voice breaking with emotion. "It will destroy Mark. I won't let that happen."
Lyra frowned, unsure. "And what exactly are you planning, Tong? You're not the same person anymore. I don't even know if you're Tong or Aeon."
Tong stood, steadying himself against the weight of the memories. "I'm both. But what matters is that I love Mark. I always have. And I know how to save him."
Mark's expression darkened, suspicion clouding his eyes. "Tong, what are you talking about? What do you mean, 'save me'?"
Tong placed a hand on Mark's chest, his gaze filled with determination. "You've carried this curse long enough, Mark. It's time to end it. I know how to seal the demon's power within you, so Kael can never use you again."
Mark recoiled slightly. "Seal it? What are you saying? That would destroy me, Tong. I'd lose everything—my strength, my freedom—everything that makes me who I am."
"And if we don't," Tong countered, his voice trembling, "you'll lose yourself completely. I won't let that happen. Not to you."
Tong turned to Lyra, his hands shaking but his resolve unbroken. "We need a casket—a vessel marked with the angelic sigil. It will act as the seal. The ritual... it's dangerous, but it will work. You have to help me."
Lyra hesitated. "You're asking me to trap Mark, to seal his power away forever. Do you know what that means?"
"I do," Tong said softly. "But this isn't just about power. It's about saving Mark's soul. Kael wants him to become a weapon. If we don't act now, he'll succeed."
Mark's voice cut through the air, sharp and angry. "No. I won't let you do this. Not without my consent."
Tong faced him, his eyes filled with an unwavering intensity. "You don't have to agree, Mark. I'll do whatever it takes to protect you, even if you hate me for it."
Lyra finally nodded, her voice grim. "I know a place where we can find what you need. An ancient vault under the city—the last remnants of angelic artifacts. But it's not safe. Kael's spies are everywhere."
Tong's heart sank. "Then we move quickly. Every second we waste, Kael gets closer to finding us."
Mark grabbed Tong's arm, his grip firm but desperate. "Tong, listen to me. I don't want you risking yourself for this. You're not Aeon anymore. You don't have to carry his burdens."
Tong smiled faintly, tears glistening in his eyes. "But I do, Mark. Because Aeon loved you. And so do I."
The room fell into an uneasy silence, the weight of Tong's words pressing down on them all.
Mark looked away, his fists clenched.
Lyra began gathering supplies, her movements hurried but deliberate.
Tong approached Mark, his voice soft but resolute. "You once told me you'd do anything to protect me. Let me do the same for you. Please."
Mark finally met Tong's gaze, his eyes filled with a mix of anger, fear, and something deeper—an emotion he couldn't quite name. After a long pause, he whispered, "If you do this... there's no going back."
Tong nodded. "I know."
Mark exhaled shakily.
As they prepared to leave, a faint, ominous sound echoed from the distance—the steady rhythm of footsteps, closing in.
Kael's forces were already on their trail.
Lyra cursed under her breath. "We're out of time. Let's move."
Tong grasped Mark's hand, squeezing it tightly.
Mark's grip tightened in return, his crimson eyes glinting with resolve.
As they disappeared into the shadows, Kael's laughter echoed faintly in the distance, chilling them to the bone. Time was running out, and the battle for Mark's soul was about to reach its climax.
YOU ARE READING
MY GOLDEN BLOOD - JossGawin FanFiction
FanfictionI wrote this story as a bit of a vent for when I was feeling a bit down about My Golden Blood. I thought there might not be another novel I could read. Moreover, even if there is, it will be very disappointing because it must be written in Thai, so...
