Eclipsed

Chapter 50

Kaizen stood before Aiko, his fingers still gripping her chin tightly. His gaze was cold, calculating, as he toyed with the girl who refused to break before him. With every word he spoke, his intentions were clear—he wasn't just imprisoning her physically; he was tormenting her mentally, seeking to crush her spirit.

He leaned in closer, his breath cold against her skin. "You could have been so useful, Aiko. But your defiance will only make this harder for you."

Aiko's eyes were locked on the ground, but Ren could see the subtle tremor in her shoulders. Kaizen let go of her chin with a sharp, dismissive flick, and walked away, his footsteps echoing through the stone chamber. As he disappeared from sight, Ren remained hidden in the shadows, waiting for the right moment.

The moment Kaizen was gone, Ren couldn't hold back any longer. He rushed forward, appearing before Aiko, who was still chained to the wall, her spirit as defiant as ever. "Aiko!" he called urgently, kneeling by her side.

Aiko's eyes shot up, filled with a mixture of surprise and pain. "Ren, stop! It's no use... Don't try to save me," she said, her voice weak, as if she had already resigned herself to her fate.

Ren shook his head, his resolve hardening. "Why not? What did you even do wrong?"

Aiko's expression hardened. "It's none of your concern, Ren..."

Ren's eyes softened with determination. "It is my concern. You helped me, and now I'll help you."

Aiko looked away, the pain of her words evident. "Ren..." Her voice faltered, and she closed her eyes tightly as if trying to shut him out.

He wouldn't let her. He clenched his fists. "I'm going to have to break these chains by force then."

Ren pulled out his sword, the steel gleaming in the dim light, and swung it toward the chains binding Aiko's wrists. The blade clanged against the metal, but the chains held firm, unmoving. He tried again, and again, but the chains barely scratched.

"These chains are really tough," Ren muttered, frustration creeping into his voice. "It seems unbreakable..."

But then, an idea hit him. With a determined focus, Ren channeled his power, fusing his sword with the strength of Hiraigen. His sword glowed with an ethereal energy, and he struck the chains once more.

This time, the chain snapped cleanly in two.

Aiko's right wrist was free. Ren's breath caught in his chest as he reached for the other chain, but before he could cut through it, Aiko kicked him sharply in the stomach. The force of the blow sent him stumbling backward, and he gasped, trying to regain his footing.

"Aiko..." Ren said, his voice full of confusion and hurt.

"Ren," Aiko's voice was cold, emotionless. "Don't you dare try and free me. I don't want anything to do with you."

Ren's eyes widened, his heart aching at her words. "Aiko... hey, I saw what that bastard was doing to you. If you think I'm just going to sit here and let him—"

"HELP... INTRUDER!" Aiko shouted suddenly, her voice filled with desperation as she called for the guards.

Ren stopped, stunned. His confusion deepened, and his heart sank. "Why...?" he whispered, looking at her, his voice cracking with hurt.

Before Aiko could respond, a voice echoed from behind Ren. "I see, so this one managed to break in after all," Kaizen's voice was low, full of amusement.

Ren's eyes snapped to the emperor, his fury reigniting. Kaizen stepped forward, his presence commanding, his dark eyes fixed on Ren with a cold amusement. "Listen here, Ren. I know who you are. I suggest you leave and stop meddling in this family's affairs."