Let the world burn

14

The night was still, the mansion bathed in moonlight, but Yeji's room was filled with shadows of her past. In her sleep, she twisted and turned, caught in the grip of a vivid nightmare. She was back at the auction, the suffocating fear pressing down on her chest like a weight she couldn't lift. Voices echoed around her, cruel and leering, as faceless figures closed in.

Her breath hitched as the memories sharpened—rough hands grabbing her, her cries drowned out by mocking laughter. The humiliation and helplessness burned anew, a wound that refused to heal. She tried to scream, but her voice was trapped, swallowed by the darkness.

Yeji jolted awake, her body trembling and drenched in sweat. Her hands clutched the sheets as she struggled to steady her breathing. The silence of the mansion felt oppressive, the darkness around her closing in like the nightmare hadn't ended.

A soft knock broke through her panic. "Angel?" Little Flower's voice was quiet but filled with concern. "Are you okay?"

Yeji wiped at her tears, trying to compose herself. "Y-yeah, I'm fine."

The door creaked open, and Little Flower peeked in, her eyes wide with worry. "You were crying in your sleep. Can I come in?"

Before Yeji could answer, Little Flower was already by her side, climbing onto the bed and wrapping her arms around her. "It's okay, Angel. I'm here."

Yeji's tears fell freely now, but the warmth of Little Flower's embrace grounded her. She clung to the child, her heart aching yet comforted by the innocent gesture.

Moments later, Ryujin appeared in the doorway, her sharp eyes softening as she took in the scene. "Yeji?" she called gently.

Yeji looked up, her face streaked with tears. "I... I had a nightmare."

Ryujin crossed the room in a few strides, sitting on the edge of the bed. "You're safe now," she said, her voice steady and reassuring. "No one can hurt you here."

Hong Cha Young arrived shortly after, carrying a tray with a steaming mug of herbal tea. "This will help," she said, placing it on the nightstand. Her gaze was filled with quiet understanding. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Yeji shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "Not yet."

Cha Young nodded, brushing a stray strand of hair from Yeji's face. "That's okay. Just know we're here for you, whenever you're ready."

The family stayed with her until she calmed down, their presence a shield against the lingering shadows of her past.

As dawn broke, Yeji sat by the window, the warm mug of tea cradled in her hands. The nightmare still lingered, but so did the memory of the family's support. They had shown her kindness and protection she hadn't thought possible.

Her thoughts turned to Ryujin's words: No one can hurt you here. For the first time in a long while, she believed it. But the vulnerability she felt in her nightmare ignited a spark of determination. She didn't want to be a victim anymore.

She took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. She would embrace the training—not just for herself, but for the family that had given her a safe haven.

The gym buzzed with quiet activity as Solar and Moonbyul prepared for the session. Yeji entered hesitantly, her steps faltering until she saw Little Flower waving enthusiastically.

"Angel! You're here!" Little Flower grinned, bouncing on her toes. "We're gonna be so strong!"

Solar greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Yeji. Ready to start?"

Yeji nodded, her nerves easing. "Yes. I... I want to try."

"Good," Moonbyul said, her tone encouraging. "We'll take it slow. This is about building your confidence and strength."