In the gripping tale of "Bonds of Fate," the paths of two worlds collide. On one side, there are Phuwin and Dunk, orphaned brothers, guided by their loving aunt in the warm embrace of a small-town restaurant. On the other, there are Pond and Joong...
Time was moving forward, but for those left behind… it felt painfully slow.
Each morning was a harsh reminder that Aunt Roma was no longer with them. The house, though full of people, felt emptier than ever.
Phuwin and Dunkwere trying to carry on — not because they were over the pain, but because Fourth was still in a coma. And he was the last piece of Roma left with them. Her light. Her heart. Her everything.
They knew grief would stay, but they also knew… they had to stay strong.
Mark was a storm waiting to erupt. He knew the truth: Black Lion wasn’t done yet. Roma’s death wasn’t just loss — it was a message.
Now, he was reconnecting old alliances, reaching out to trusted warriors, arms dealers, and informants. The Black Lion wanted blood, and if they wanted his family, they'd have to walk through hell to touch them.
Meanwhile, Maya and Susan, the two matriarchs, were doing everything they could to keep the household grounded.
Cooking home meals. Playing soft music. Lighting candles in Roma’s memory. They knew Dunk and Phuwin were barely holding on — and if they collapsed, Fourth would have no one left when he woke up.
Joong returned home late. Again.
The moment he stepped into the bedroom, he found Dunk curled on the bed, back turned, staring blankly at the wall.
No music. No humming. No silly jokes. Just silence.
Joong slipped out of his suit jacket, heart aching. He walked over and sat at the edge of the bed, brushing his hand gently over Dunk’s shoulder.
Dunk didn't flinch. He just whispered, voice dry and soft:
“He still hasn’t woken up, Joong… it’s been weeks.”
Joong slid under the blanket beside him, hugging him from behind.
Joong: "He will, baby. Fourth’s a fighter. Just like you."
Dunk’s breath trembled as he turned to face him — eyes red, a tear slipping down.
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“But what if… he doesn’t?”
Joong had no words. Only his arms, wrapping tighter.
Pond watched Phuwinquietly place a plate of food in front of him.
No smile. No teasing.
Just a soft: “Please eat.”
Pond reached out, catching his wrist gently. Phuwin paused but didn’t look at him.
“Come here,” Pond said, voice cracking.
Phuwin sat beside him, silently. Pond cupped his face, brushing away the tear that slipped down as Phuwin stared at the wall.
