[Flashback]
The forest was silent beneath the darkness of night.
A young Jordan leaned against a large tree, waiting anxiously.
His dark hair fell slightly over his blue eyes as he scanned the empty pathway ahead of him.
After several moments, footsteps finally echoed through the forest.
A young Chyna hurried toward him, slightly out of breath.
The moment Jordan saw her, relief washed over his face.
"Yna… you're here."
He immediately pulled her into a tight hug.
Chyna hugged him back before pulling away with a small frown.
"What is this about, Jan?" she complained softly. "It took forever to get Dana out of my room. You gave me barely any time to prepare."
Jordan's expression darkened slightly.
"You shouldn't have come."
Chyna blinked.
"Then why did you call me here?"
Jordan hesitated briefly before speaking.
"There's something important I need to tell you."
The uneasy tone in his voice instantly made her nervous.
"What happened?"
Jordan looked away from her for a moment, struggling to find the right words.
"First…" he began quietly, "I need you to know something."
Chyna watched him carefully.
"No matter what happens in the future… I will always protect you."
A worried frown formed on her face immediately.
"Jan… why are you saying things like that?"
Jordan clenched his fists tightly.
"We can't see each other anymore."
Silence.
Chyna stared at him in disbelief.
"What?"
"We have to stay away from each other," he repeated painfully.
"No." She shook her head quickly. "No, what are you talking about? Why? Did someone threaten you?" Panic filled her voice. "You can't leave me, Jan!"
Jordan closed his eyes briefly as if the sound of her voice alone was hurting him.
"I'm sorry, Yna," he whispered. "This isn't easy for me either… but I have to do this."
"For me?" she cried. "How is leaving me supposed to help me?!"
Jordan's chest tightened painfully at the tears filling her eyes.
But despite everything, he forced himself to turn away.
"No!" Chyna immediately grabbed onto him desperately. "Please don't leave me!"
Jordan froze for a moment before gently pulling her arms away from him.
"You have to live for me, Yna," he said softly, his voice breaking. "Otherwise my sacrifice will mean nothing."
Then he walked away.
Chyna collapsed onto the ground sobbing uncontrollably.
"Please don't go…" she cried helplessly. "Jan, listen to me… I'm in love with you…"
Farther ahead, Jordan finally stopped walking.
The moment he was far enough away from her, he broke down completely.
Meanwhile, back in the clearing, Chyna remained curled on the ground crying.
"Don't worry, Princess. I'm here for you."
Startled, Chyna looked up immediately.
A young man with silver-grey hair and matching eyes stood nearby watching her with concern.
"Who are you?" she asked warily.
The stranger offered her a gentle smile.
"My name is Gavreal."
Before Chyna could respond, movement suddenly appeared deeper within the forest.
Several figures dressed in white emerged from the shadows.
Fear instantly crossed Gavreal's face.
"Run, Princess," he ordered urgently. "Find your lover and tell him the Cyanans are after you."
Chyna's eyes widened.
"What about you?"
"I'll hold them off."
The men in white rushed toward them.
Without hesitation, Gavreal stepped forward and attacked them before they could reach her.
"Go!" he shouted.
Chyna nodded quickly, tears still filling her eyes.
"Thank you! I owe you!"
Then she turned and ran toward the path Jordan had disappeared through moments earlier.
Behind her, the sounds of battle echoed through the forest as Gavreal fought fiercely to stop the Cyanans from chasing after her.
"Thank you…" Chyna whispered breathlessly as she continued running.
Not far away, Jordan suddenly froze.
He had heard her scream.
Fear gripped him instantly.
Without another thought, he bolted through the forest toward her voice.
Because despite everything…
The thought of losing Chyna terrified him far more than losing himself.