Love Against the Bloodline

e for lovers. The kind of evening that wraps the world in soft wi

vitation for an early dinner. No pressure, just a familiar name she had bee

ch. But when she arrive

art of the city-away from the horns

n soft amber hues, clustered around the

small table was set up with a snow-white tablecloth, silver cutlery glin

Luca stood-lean, sharp, and confident-with two takeaway bags in hand and that same

No flash. Just the kind of attention you give some

eper. Dreams. Hopes. What-ifs. "What if..." Luca started, fingers gently circl

flushing just enough to betra

de, letting her hair

you," h

k slowly, lips parting, eyes blinking o

, gently tilting her chin

d, soft and unsteady. "I'

whispered, sliding his hand

murmur of distant music. One hand in his, her other o

le who once knew each other's rhythms... and maybe still di

ow

os

ne

ly. He lifted her chin again-tender, slow,

that silence,

os

os

ip first-then everywhere. A current sparked from the

ipped her waist tighter. It wasn't wild

en...D

ed her e

ound of her own breat

llow damp from the tears she

ful, perfect, soul-kissing

t was a happy moment-wasn't it? A mem

it feel l

s wrestled

piece of her she had left-like her c

time she'd felt alive, and

ng her eyes to loo

alls. No blinding lights. The mattress be

le. And the air...The air smelled like

egs. Not even her head. She was trapped in her

g?" A voice floated

dn't answer

because she wanted to cry-but because

ned and creased, white beard trimmed short, and s

ide her on

hat you're going through. But I've watched you cry in your sleep more times th

inked

can hear me. And you're still

not helping you because I'm some saint. I was around the corner whe

it a fire in me. Couldn't fight 'em then

aighte

are?" he asked gently.

di

n

ic

ch. You drink this; it might he

mouth. Her lips twitched instinctively

KUALA

acy. A sprawling mansion stretched ove

ned columns, and glass chandeliers that glitter

apped in white beard and ego-sat on a throne-like lea

d like a boy who'd just smashed his f

ered, "putting you in charge of a fract

have something in mind. Rather ... someone... who'll he

d teeth. "Because if this little storm touches any other branch of my leg

said, bowing, though his fi

at of silence.

h

the polishe

ne was supposed to in

. we've received... a letter. Hand-delivered

aval, whose brow furrowed as h

ve left her deep at sea

The letter dropped to