Chapter 44: Chapter 44

DARAN

“What? The seal strengthened and suddenly turned against you?”

I nodded to confirm Evangelista’s conclusion.

Then she continued, “So, for a moment, when you were about to remove the seal, suddenly the seal had power and controlled Jonea’s consciousness for a few seconds? The seal also turned against you? After that short time, the seal’s strength returned to normal? But how could that happen?”

“I kept thinking about that all night too. Since I couldn’t find the answer, I came to you this morning!” I grumbled. “I don’t think Jonea was aware either when her wolf seal took over her consciousness and controlled Jonea to fight me.”

Eve’s face turned to regret. “Then how do you feel? I mean, I thought it would be easy, right? You just need to remove the seal and take its power when it awakens. I’ve never seen a case like this. This is the first time.”

I was silent for a moment to reflect on the situation that had occurred. When I saw Eve continuing to play with her coffee cup, that’s when I realized something was wrong.

“What?” Eve asked confusedly. “Did you miss something and only realized it now?”

***

JONEA

“What?! He hugged you?” screamed Marilyn hysterically.

Suddenly everyone immediately looked at us with anger on their faces. I looked down at them to apologize and immediately hit Marilyn on the head to realize her stupidity. Marilyn also looked around and felt very awkward. We’re in the library right now.

I lowered my voice and asked her to do the same. Then, I whispered to Marilyn.

“This is not about me, but my friend. I’m telling you about my friend’s experience. Don’t get me wrong,” I grumbled, holding back my embarrassment.

“Your friend? Do you currently have any friends besides me?” Marilyn inquired suspiciously.

I grumbled again. “Of course! My friend is a girl. She lives at home with a man. She told me that last night, the man wanted to check something on her.”

“So?”

“Then... Suddenly, this man grabbed my friend’s hand and tried to hug her. What exactly is that man after my friend?”

Instead of answering, Marilyn rolled her eyes and looked annoyed at me.

“What do you mean by ‘aiming for something’? Are you so stupid, Jonea? It’s called expressing affection through hugs. What do you think the man wanted to check? Of course, their love.”

Suddenly Marilyn laughed and thought that I was so stupid. I no longer responded to Marilyn’s conclusions. Instantly, I regretted having asked her for advice.

I dragged Marilyn out of the library so she wouldn’t cause any more trouble. As soon as we were standing outside the library door, Marilyn suddenly grabbed my hand. She asked me seriously.

“By the way, did your friend get married young?”

Immediately, I needed clarification. I couldn’t give Marilyn an answer.

“No, they are not married. They just live in the same house.”

Suddenly, Marilyn looked shocked and confused. Oh, she’s very conservative. Can only married couples live in the same house? What about me? Suddenly, I was annoyed with myself and embarrassed.

“But, there is no romantic relationship between the two of them. They don’t love each other. They… Just live in the same house.”

“What? This is more surprising. They live together even though they don’t like each other? Why? It was very embarrassing.”

“Well, let’s just say my friend is in debt to that guy.”

“What? So this man is a mafia who locked up a girl as collateral for a debt? Is this dark romance?”

I was getting increasingly irritated by Marilyn’s unrestrained questions. How could she think of a fictional story? But I couldn’t explain the real situation to Marilyn. I regret discussing this with her.

“We’d better not talk about it anymore. I also don’t understand the strange situation they are facing. Why do we have to talk about other people’s business anyway? Come on, let’s go to the nearest cafe to buy snacks,” I said.

***

DARAN

“So, basically, now you’re finding new difficulties when you want to remove the girl’s wolf seal? Even though previously it looked normal and fine, now, when you are determined to remove it, suddenly the seal shows strength and fights you. What happens if you fight back and force it to take it off?”

Eve kept asking about things I should have asked her. My mind needed clarification. I can’t be rational right now. I just stared at the coffee table in front of us awkwardly.

“I don’t want to take any risks right now,” I said. “Perhaps I will postpone removing the wolf seal. I have to keep an eye on it for possible changes that didn’t happen before.”

“You’re right, Daran. There are worse things than losing your life. The wolf seal may control the girl’s body and mind. If that’s the case, I think dying is better than living, but your body and soul are controlled by another creature you don’t know.”

Eve took a small sip of her coffee before speaking again.

“Finally, now I understand. You won’t let just anyone be by your side. The red moon girl suddenly appeared as if she had come to remind you of your destiny a thousand years ago. When the last red moon appeared in the sky and wreaked havoc on the earth.”

Eve smiled meaningfully.

“I understand why you call this like fate. Maybe you two are destined to meet now.”

I can’t even speak right now. But I also don’t know who to share my worries with besides Eve.

“Be patient with the girl and restrain yourself as best you can, Daran. Do everything you can.”

“Why should I do that?” I asked.

Eve put her coffee cup back on the table and looked at me seriously. “Because maybe this is your last and only chance to realize your dream--to become a mortal human. In my experience, people radiate the best energy when they are happy. So, you have to try hard to make the girl happy. In this way, her consciousness will not be easily influenced by forces other than herself.”

I leaned over and brought my face closer to Eve across the coffee table. I looked at her seriously. “What are you doing? How are you making humans happy? So that she remains in control of her mind and is not influenced by other forces outside of herself?”

Eve straightened her back and folded her arms across her chest. It was as if she was a perfect sculpture with all her insights about humans. I admit, for experience in dealing with humans, Eve is indeed far superior to me. She is the one who always has contact with people and replaces my duties out there.

“Don’t play with me, Evangelista. Quickly tell me what I should do to keep humans happy.”

Firmly but full of surprise, Eve said, “I’m dating them!”

Instantly, I choked on my own spit. I coughed and stepped back, and averted my gaze from Eve.

“What a ridiculous suggestion. Are you crazy? How could I--a Daran Carver, the Lycan King of this land, date a human child who would even become my prey?”

Eve just shrugged her shoulders indifferently. “There is no other way for humans to be happier than that. After all, you always said that the red moon girl was your future bride. Isn’t it natural for you to date your future bride?”

I clenched my jaw in annoyance. “Don’t make a pun, Eve. You know very well what the meaning of ‘bride’ is in our lives. It’s not something romantic at all.”