After the battle in the storm, the rain subsided, leaving the old wooden house in a heavy silence. Their breathing echoed in the kitchen.
Kim sat on the floor, his hands still stained with blood and mud. He looked at Ella, who clung to the edge of the roof. Her eyes sparkled, yet carried a profound pain.
"Ella… what are you hiding in your eyes?" Kim asked, his voice cold but filled with curiosity.
Ella lowered her gaze, then slowly lifted her head. "It's… my curse. My father was once a powerful god, but secrets and power made him lose everything… I was dragged into that game too."
Kim gritted his teeth, the spiritual energy flowing through him warming like bullets seeking answers. He felt Ella's pain from the past, and sensed a mysterious connection with himself.
"If that's the case… I will protect you," he said, gripping her hand tightly.
Ella felt warmth from his touch. Though her heart was wary, a small confidence grew — that their combined powers could face the curse together.
"We… need to learn each other's powers, and we must trust each other," Ella said. Her words made Kim nod. Their relationship deepened — from suspicion to trust, beginning to form love.
Outside, the storm had passed. Yet their world remained shrouded in darkness. Enemies still lurked, and the curse waited for the moment to unleash its power.