The night wind blew, creating the soft rustling of leaves just like on any other day. The darkness above seemed less dense compared to the thick canopy of trees surrounding the area. Kala tilted her head up, gazing at the sky filled with stars. Perhaps it was because this place was so closely connected to nature that such beauty revealed itself effortlessly. Back when Kala still lived in the capital, let alone a sky full of stars, even the moon often refused to show itself. Maybe the city was simply too polluted.
Snort, snort.
The sound of snoring stole Kala's attention. A chubby pink animal rolled around lazily in front of her. A metal cage—she had no idea where it came from—confined the creature inside.
After the incident at the dining table, Hein had returned with a pig in her arms. Yes, it was the same pig Kala had seen behind the villa. Kala had the urge to shove the pig's head right in front of Raken's face. How dare he doubt her vision?
Kala snorted in annoyance, just as someone's hand touched her shoulder. Still startled, her eyes widened when she realized who it was.
"May I sit?"
Kala glanced at the empty seat beside her. She wanted to refuse, but it would be awkward since Hein would definitely notice. She might think Kala was arrogant or stingy.
After receiving a nod, Hein sat gracefully beside her.
From any angle, Hein's beauty was unnatural for someone her age. Kala wouldn't be surprised if Hein wasn't human at all, but rather an angel in disguise. Even so, Kala didn't like her. In Kala's eyes, Hein was a rival—someone she needed to watch carefully so she wouldn't steal Raken away.
"How did you meet Raken?" Hein's voice flowed gently through the silence that had filled the air.
"I don't know. He was already there even before I was born," Kala rubbed her arms to fight off the creeping cold before adding, "By the way, you don't have to be so formal."
Kala was taken aback when she saw a faint smile form on Hein's lips. How many men had fallen for a woman like her? In this era of "beauty is privilege," Kala was sure Hein would never struggle to find work—if anything, work would come looking for her. Kala knew God loved beauty, but she never imagined something like this would exist on earth.
"Alright. I didn't expect Raken to live like this."
Hearing Raken's name, Kala sharpened her senses, eager to absorb every bit of information. Nothing about Raken could be missed.
"I was quite surprised to find out there's someone he would protect with his life. You're lucky, Miss." At the end of her sentence, Hein's gaze met Kala's.
"That's because it's his job to protect me." The corner of Kala's lips lifted slightly.
"As far as I know, Raken isn't someone who follows orders obediently."
"You seem really close to him. Were you his ex or something?"
Laughter filled the air. Kala looked at Hein, who laughed freely at her question.
"I'd be happy if that were true." A trace of laughter lingered, and Kala noticed a hint of moisture in Hein's eyes.
Was it really that funny?
"He's not the kind of man I can easily tempt. His faith is too strong. But yes, we're fairly close. There are many things I have to do with him."
"Ken is too mysterious for me."
"The less you know, the better."
"You know what? I don't have anyone left except Ken. The less I know, the more it feels like I could lose him at any moment."
Kala stared straight ahead, at a group of crows blending into the darkness on the tree branches.
"Believe it or not, this is the first time I've seen him care this much about someone. He doesn't even care that much about his own mother."
"You must be really close to him if you know about his family."
Kala saw Hein chuckle softly.
"No, Miss. I'm not what you think. You could say… a friend? And also a servant."
"You?"
Kala was so shocked she covered her mouth with both hands. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. How could someone like Hein be Raken's servant? What kind of spell had he cast on her?
"My family has served his family since I was young. We're about the same age, so we often met because of our families' work, and eventually we became friends. As time went on, I had to continue what my family started—serving Raken's family."
Kala still found it hard to believe, but she nodded anyway.
"That man has a terrible temper, Miss. Truly terrible. Don't make him angry, or this world will fall apart."
Kala laughed, easing the tension. Hein had no idea how many times Kala had annoyed Raken, yet he had never once lost his patience. Kala would even give him the title of the calmest man in the universe.
"By the way, how did you catch that pig?"
"With a flute."
"What is it, a snake?"
Hein smiled, then turned her gaze back to Kala.
"I can't guarantee you a happy life, because you're constantly surrounded by danger. But, Miss, because you are so precious to Raken, I will make sure you'll be alright."
A gentle touch enveloped Kala's hand. The cold grip felt familiar—just like when Raken touched her. Kala didn't fully understand what Hein meant, but she chose to believe it. Somehow, being told she would be alright felt more comforting than happiness that came at the cost of pain.
"Even if you say that, I'll still keep an eye on you. Just you wait if you try to flirt with Ken."
Kala pointed two fingers from her eyes to Hein's, back and forth. Hein only laughed at Kala's possessive attitude.
"What are you two laughing about?"
Kala felt a warm cloth wrap around her body, followed by Raken's voice suddenly filling the air.
"You, Ken."
"Me?"
"Hein said you're ugly." Kala stuck out her tongue teasingly.
"Ugly as I am, she once liked me." Raken flicked Kala's forehead with his finger.
Now it was Kala's turn to feel mocked. The woman beside her truly needed to be watched.
The air grew colder, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures became louder, composing nature's melody in the silence. Kala returned to her room. The spacious cube she occupied held no trace of life. Nor did Kala ever truly feel comfortable or claim it as her own. Even after staying here for so long, forcing herself to accept everything, living under a roof that should have been home, deep down it was nothing more than a temporary stop. She longed for her old home, where everything had once been whole and safe.
No one knew that after the lights went out, there was sorrow and quiet sobbing she tried to suppress. Memories passed through her mind, along with anger she could only bury. It wasn't that Kala had no resentment, nor that she had no desires—she was simply aware of her own limits. Kala knew she was weak, even weaker than most people. Strength? Hadn't she always relied on Raken and her parents' power? That was all she had. Her strength came from having a family that could support her and give her everything she needed. So when everything disappeared, Kala crumbled along with it.
Then how could she fight back? She still wanted to live. At the very least, she wanted more time with Raken. If not forever, then one more day, two more days—until the days themselves grew tired of being counted.
An itch spread across her thigh. Without realizing it, Kala scratched it forcefully. Strangely, the more she scratched, the worse it became. Her skin was already covered in marks from her nails. The wounds from yesterday hadn't even healed, yet new ones kept appearing. Ever since the peace she once felt disappeared, the itch had begun. The once smooth skin of her thigh was now covered in scratches. Blood often seeped out. When she grew too exhausted from fighting the urge to scratch, she would end it with quiet sobs.
This time, Kala tried to distract herself. Her thigh was already bleeding, though the itch hadn't fully faded. She stepped out of her room toward the kitchen. In this cold air, cooking instant noodles with three half-boiled eggs sounded incredibly tempting. Without hesitation, she prepared the ingredients while watching a tutorial video on her phone.
Seeing the stove she needed to light made her freeze for a moment. She had to gather her courage. What if it exploded when she turned the knob? What if the fire grew too big and burned the whole place down? Wouldn't she be burned alive too?
"You'll starve if you just stand there."
A hand reached out and turned the stove knob, replacing Kala who was still lost in her hesitation.
"I'm trying, Ken. I'm strategizing." Though slightly startled, Kala was glad to see Raken.
"This stove won't light just because you glare at it. What strategy?"
"Hey! What if the fire touches my hand?" Kala held her hand dramatically.
Raken turned to the ingredients on the table. He filled a pot with water and placed it on the stove, as if he refused to let Kala handle the kitchen tools.
Kala followed his movements. He was skilled at everything. Watching him cook was like watching a professional chef—quick, precise, and careful. Every movement captivated her, making it impossible to look away.
A sudden movement snapped Kala out of her thoughts. Raken lifted her up and placed her on the counter. Kala thought it was more comfortable than standing like a pole. However, the pressure of Raken's hand on her waist was slightly painful. A flash of anger flickered in his eyes.
"What did you do without me knowing, Kala?"
Raken's voice turned cold, piercing straight into Kala's heart. Fear crept in as his gaze lost its usual warmth.
No one would have expected Kala's fragile waist to be gripped so tightly by her own bodyguard. Kala closed her eyes, enduring the growing pain. Hein was right—this man could destroy the world. Because right now, Kala felt like she would be crushed in his hands.
Note:
Raken angry or not?
See you in the next chapter, dear!