IGNITE | Sukuna

Chapter 12: The Disgraced One

Subuhi buried herself in her tasks over the next few days, throwing her energy into anything that could distract her. But no matter how diligently she worked, the memory lingered. It felt unreal, like a terrible dream she couldn’t wake up from. Yet, it was far too vivid to dismiss. What she had seen was personal, an exchange she wasn’t meant to witness—a side of Sukuna she thought only she knew.

And that was what made it hurt the most.
She didn’t understand why her anger simmered so violently whenever her thoughts returned to him. It wasn’t logical. But the image of that embrace burned in her mind. His touch, so gentle, shattered something fragile within her.

Because Sukuna wasn’t supposed to be gentle. At least, not with anyone else. It was a kindness she believed he reserved only for her. A silent understanding, an unspoken bond that set her apart from the rest of the world he so often scorned.
But she had been wrong. So, so wrong.

The realization left a bitter taste in her mouth, one that she couldn’t swallow no matter how hard she tried. She leaned heavily against the low chair, her body sinking into its worn frame as though the weight of her thoughts were too much to bear.

Closing her eyes, she tried desperately to banish the memory—to focus on anything else. But the harder she fought, the clearer it became.

Her chest tightened with frustration as she opened her eyes, the faint rustle of movement drawing her attention. Across the room, Angel sat cross-legged on the floor, humming softly as she carefully folded vibrant sheets of paper. She was making lanterns.

Tonight marked the ceremonial Lantern Floating Festival, and the capital was alive with joy. From the balcony, Subuhi could hear faint laughter and music drifting in on the breeze. The streets outside were packed with vendors, the fair having begun the day before. It was a spectacle of light and sound, but it felt so far removed from her current mood.

Still, she couldn’t help but pause and watch Angel. The child’s happiness was contagious, her excitement lighting up the room like a small sun. Subuhi studied her for a moment, noting the way her face lit up when she finished a particularly elaborate lantern.

Such innocence. Such simplicity.

How do children find joy in the simplest things? she wondered. She envied that kind of happiness, the way it required no effort, no complicated layers of meaning.

Subuhi sighed, her gaze lingering on the lanterns scattered across the floor. Perhaps tonight, when the lights floated on the river and the festival reached its peak, she could let herself forget—if only for a little while.

“What is it?” She asked.

A guard stood at her door, his posture respectful. He bowed deeply, keeping his gaze averted as he delivered his message.

“Tengen-sama is summoning you to the library, Your Highness. She requires your signature for your official sorcery registration.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly. So, she sent a guard. Of course, Tengen-sama would find a perfect excuse to force her hand. For days, Subuhi had managed to avoid any direct interaction, but it seemed her reprieve was over.

Very well, she thought grimly. It looks like I can’t avoid this any longer.

She turned back toward Angel, who was still happily engrossed in decorating her lanterns. “I’ll be back soon,” she said, her voice softening as she bid the child goodbye. Angel glanced up with a bright smile and waved a paint-smeared hand.

Subuhi followed the guard into the winding halls of the palace, her mind racing with thoughts she wasn’t ready to confront. As they walked, the faint hum of life from the festival outside gradually faded, replaced by the quieter palace interior.