CHAPTER 46
Rassia
After the banquet and Vincenzo’s proposal came to an end, I became the center of nearly every newspaper in the empire.
My name was suddenly everywhere.
The once infamous daughter of House Quentin, the spoiled brat and troublemaker mocked by high society had somehow become the most talked about in Vermeleyon.
And it was all because of the Silver Tiara my father obtained for me and the crown prince's proposal.
Plus, the R Atelier Café had also become the talk of high society because of the strange desserts I prepared for the nobles.
Days later, sa wakas ay binuksan ko na ang R Atelier Café. As expected, maraming mga noble ang dumagsa sa grand opening. Pagdating naman sa aming first day sales, let's just say it was more than enough to prove that this atelier is the new talk of the capital and other places.
?Labis ang aking tuwa nang malaman iyon. Sa wakas, I have now my own money. It's a surreal feeling, the kind of security that no title or inheritance could ever give me.
Even if I am to become the Crown Princess soon, hindi ako papayag na maging isang palamuti lamang sa tabi ng trono.
?Sa mundong ito, ang korona ay simbolo ng tungkulin, ngunit ang pera?
Ang pera ay simbolo ng kalayaan. Most princesses are beholden to the Emperor's budget or their husband’s whim, but not me.
Bago pa man ipatong ang dyamanteng korona sa aking ulo, sisiguraduhin kong ang pundasyon ng aking kapangyarihan ay hindi nakadepende sa kahit na sinong lalaki.
?When I enter the palace, I won't just be a bride. I will be the wealthiest woman they have ever encountered. Habang iniisip ng lahat na abala ako sa mga royal protocols, ang aking mga galamay bilang si Madame Rische ay patuloy na hihigop sa yaman ng buong imperyo.
?I let Iris, the assistant leader of Engkantari whom I have chosen, manage the daily operations.
Binigay ko sa kanya ang lahat, mula sa mga sikretong sangkap ng aking signature desserts hanggang sa sining ng pagtitimpla ng aming mga premium coffee.
?I trust her expertise to maintain the quality that the R Atelier Café is known for.
Still, the existence of Madame Rische is talked about everywhere. Sa bawat sulok ng capital, sa bawat marangyang piging ng mga noble, at maging sa madidilim na eskinita ng mga mangangalakal, ang kanyang pangalan ang laging bukambibig.
?Sino nga ba si Madame Rische? Isang banyagang tycoon? Isang noble? Ang mga espekulasyon ay tila apoy na mabilis kumalat, at hinayaan ko lang silang mag-isip. The mystery only added to her allure.
?Habang tahimik na nagtatrabaho si Iris sa café, ang pangalang Rische ay naging kasingkahulugan ng yaman at bagsik sa negosyo.
People are desperate to meet her, to please her, and to strike a deal with her. Little do they know, the woman they are so eager to impress is the same woman who will soon wear the crown of the Crown Princess.
I gracefully sipped the White Chocolate Mocha I ordered from R Atelier Café, the rich, velvety sweetness a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere of the ceremony. I sat among the nobles, watching the unfolding history of the empire. We were here for The Grand Hierarchal Reform.
?Under the firm decision of the Crown Prince, the Emperor officially declared an imperial decree, all ruling leaders across the continent would be promoted to higher ranks.
It was a massive shift in power. To further solidify the new hierarchy, the Crown Prince introduced even more prestigious title, formally establishing the ranks of Grand Dukes and Archduke.
With my engagement to Vincenzo, the political landscape of Erenhal Sartorias has been completely rewritten.
By marrying into my family, Vincenzo gains the full military and financial backing of House Quentin.
To solidify this new era, he has added strategic layers to the nobility, effectively dismantling the old power structures of the court.
Archduke, The highest rank beneath the throne, granted solely to my father, Cesare Fuegoleon Quentin. This places my house in a position of unmatched authority, second only to the Emperor.
?Grand Dukes, A title granted to the Dukes of the East and South. A calculated move to ensure their loyalty and bind them to Vincenzo's new administration.
?However, the title of Dukes can now be obtained by everyone who proves themselves. Vincenzo is securing their loyalty through titles.
My eyes landed on the King of the North. As Vincenzo's best friend, he didn't bother hiding the smirk on his face, a look of pure arrogance and support that punctuated every word of Vincenzo’s declaration.
Bilang pinakamatalik na kaibigan ni Vincenzo, hindi siya narito para lamang sa pormalidad.
He is here to lend the weight of the North to this new hierarchy.
Alam ng lahat na ang kanyang suporta ay tila isang bakal na panigurado, isang mensahe sa mga kaaway ni Vincenzo na ang sinumang kumwestyon sa mga bagong ranggo ay kailangang dumaan muna sa bagsik ng hilaga.
At ngayon, hawak na ni Vincenzo ang katapatan ng East, South, at lalong-lalo na ang West at North.
Dahil sa bagong hirarkiyang ito, hindi na makakagalaw nang maayos ang Empress na si Megan.
Ang kanyang mga masasamang plano laban sa aming pamilya ay tila mga anino na lamang na pilit na binubura ng liwanag ng aming bagong alyansa.
I heard that long ago, when the first emperor, Drakkon, united the Seven Kingdoms of the continent of Vermeleyon, only the North proved difficult to conquer.
Instead of stripping the Northern King of his title, the emperor chose diplomacy over bloodshed and earned the North’s allegiance through respect rather than fear.
Since then, the North had remained neutral, distant from the chaos of the imperial capital, untouched by its endless political games and noise.
Nang matapos si Vincenzo sa kanyang speech, bumalot ang isang mabigat na katahimikan sa buong bulwagan bago ito pinalitan ng masigabong palakpakan na tila yumanig sa pundasyon ng palasyo. It was the sound of a beginning.
Samantalang ang Emperor Luthor ay nakaupo sakanyang trono at nakikinig. ?Walang emosyon ang kanyang mukha, ngunit ang kanyang mga mata ay matalas na nakamasid sa bawat galaw ni Vincenzo at sa bawat reaksyon ng mga noble.
Inilabas ni Vincenzo ang imperial scroll at tumingin nang diretso kay Duke Aloreon.
?"I, Vincenzo Amadeus Vacardi, Crown Prince of Erenhal Sartorias and the Seven Kingdoms, acting under the divine authority of the Emperor, hereby issue this decree," panimula niya. "For your unwavering service to the realm and the stabilization of the southern borders..."
?Lumuhod si Duke Aloreon sa harap ng trono.
?"I promote you, Duke Aloreon Ford Tressilian, to the rank of Grand Duke of the South."
?Matapos ang proklamasyon para sa South, muling itinaas ni Vincenzo ang kanyang kamay upang hingin ang atensyon ng lahat.
"Duke Cassius Rogaris Laurent, come forward."
Napatingin ako sa ama ni Caspian nang marahan itong lumapit sa harapan ng bulwagan. Sa harap nina Vincenzo at ng Emperor, dahan-dahan siyang lumuhod.
"For generations, the House of Laurent has protected the eastern territories of Vermeleyon with unwavering loyalty."
"Therefore, I promote you, Duke Cassius Rogaris Laurent, to the rank of Grand Duke of the East."
Muling nagpalakpakan ang lahat, ang tunog ng kanilang mga kamay ay tila kulog na bumabalot sa bawat sulok ng bulwagan.
Napangiti ako nang mapansin ang pagbabago sa atmospera. Ito na ang sandaling hinihintay ko, ang pagkilala sa aking ama.
?Tumayo ang Emperor mula sa kanyang trono, isang bihirang pagkakataon na nagpatahimik sa lahat. May simpleng ngiti sa kanyang mga labi, isang ngiting tila nagsasabing alam niya ang bigat ng parangal na ito.
Hawak niya ang isang gintong espada, ang simbolo ng imperial justice at honor, upang simulan ang pinakamahalagang bahagi ng seremonya.
Dahan-dahang humakbang ang aking ama pasulong. Huminto siya sa harap ng Emperor at ni Vincenzo, at sa isang marangal na kilos, ay lumuhod nang may katapatan.
?"Duke Cesare Fuegoleon Quentin," panimula ng emperor, "Hindi sapat ang salita upang bayaran ang iyong serbisyo sa korona at ang iyong katapatan,"
Itinaas ng Emperor ang espada at dahan-dahang ipinatong ang dulo nito sa balikat ng aking ama.
"House Quentin has long been known for its unwavering loyalty to House Vacardi, for generations, your bloodline has stood beside the imperial family through war, chaos, and the countless trials that threatened this empire.
When Vermeleyon bled, House Quentin remained loyal.
When the throne was challenged, your family never turned its back against the crown. "
"Such loyalty deserves recognition worthy of the empire itself." he continued.
"Therefore, in the name of the imperial throne and under the authority of House Vacardi…"
"I, Luthor Maximillian IV Vacardi, hereby grant you the title of Archduke of the Empire."
Umalingawngaw ang tunog ng palakpakan sa loob ng engrandeng hall habang isa-isang tumayo ang mga maharlika bilang paggalang sa bagong Archduke.
Maging ako ay napatayo at marahang pumalakpak.
After all, my father deserved it.
Sa loob ng maraming taon, nanatili siyang tapat sa imperyo at sa House Vacardi sa kabila ng lahat ng panganib at kaguluhang dumaan sa Vermeleyon. He sacrificed countless things for our family and for the empire itself.
Kaya sa pagkakataong iyon, walang bahid ng pagdududa sa puso ko.
Karapat-dapat siya sa titulong iyon.
"All hail Archduke Cesare Fuegoleon Quentin!"
Malakas na sigaw ng mga Imperial Knights at Quentin Knights habang sabay-sabay nilang itinataas ang kanilang mga espada bilang pagkilala sa aking ama.
Umalingawngaw pa rin ang malalakas na palakpakan mula sa mga maharlikang nasa loob ng bulwagan. Ang ilan ay nakatayo pa habang ipinapakita ang kanilang paggalang sa bagong Archduke ng imperyo.
At maging sa labas ng engrandeng hall, rinig ko rin ang sigawan at palakpakan ng mga karaniwang mamamayan.
Inilahad ng Hari ng Hilaga ang kaniyang kopita, ang mapanuksong ngisi ay hindi nawawala sa kaniyang labi habang nakatingin sa harap ng bulwagan.
"I, Lorcan Nigel II Bartholomew, King of the North, support the newly granted high ranks of the East, South, and West."
Marahan niyang itinaas pa ang kaniyang kopita bilang tanda ng pagkilala.
"May their houses continue to stand beside the empire in loyalty and power."
Matapos ang seremonyang iyon, tila nagsaya ang bawat sulok ng kontinente.
Mula sa mga maharlikang distrito ng Vermeleyon hanggang sa malalayong bayan ng imperyo, kumalat ang balita tungkol sa bagong mga titulong ipinagkaloob ng korona.
Ang mga lansangan ay napuno ng musika, alak, at masasayang sigawan habang ipinagdiriwang ng lahat ang makasaysayang araw na iyon.
"Lady Rassia Saint Quentin is here, Your Excellency, Your Grace," anunsyo ng maidservant mula sa labas ng malaking pintuan.
Narito ako ngayon sa labas ng opisina ng aking ama.
Kasama niya sa loob ang aking lolo na si Galsarius, maging ang apat na commanders ng House Quentin. Kahit nakasara ang makapal na pintuan, ramdam ko pa rin ang mabigat na atmospera sa loob ng silid.
"Father, Grandfather," bati ko na may munting ngiti sa aking mga labi habang marahan akong lumapit sa kanila.
Mula sa gilid ng silid, napansin kong tila katatapos lamang ng kanilang pagpupulong.
Nakita ko si Finn na bahagyang namula nang magtama ang aming mga mata, dahilan upang halos mapangiti ako.
"Long time no see, Commander Finn, Commander Owen," bati ko habang marahan akong lumapit sa kanila.
After I returned to Quentior Palace and finally learned how to control my powers, wala sina Finn at Owen upang salubungin ang aking pagbabalik. Tanging si Valentino lamang ang naroon noon sa palasyo. Si Agostin naman ay kasama namin ng aking ama.
Binabantayan ni Finn ang hilaga at silangang bahagi ng Emberman, habang si Owen naman ay abala sa pamumuno sa mga kawal na nakatalaga sa hangganan ng kanlurang bahagi ng Emberman.
Mabilis na lumapit sa akin si Finn, halatang hindi maitago ang pag-aalala sa kaniyang mukha.
"Lady Rassia! nagagalak akong makita kang muli... huwag mo na ulit gagawin iyon... labis mo akong ipinag alala..."
Bahagya akong napaiwas ng tingin.
"I am deeply sorry, Finn. I know I worried you when I suddenly disappeared without a word." napailing ako nang makita ang ekspresyon sa kaniyang mukha. "Don't look at me like that anymore. I returned safely, didn't I?"
Napatitig lamang si Finn sa akin sa loob ng ilang segundo bago siya marahang napabuntong-hininga.
"How could I not look at you like this, Lady Rassia?" mahina niyang sagot, bakas pa rin ang pag-aalala sa kaniyang mukha. "You disappeared without a single word. We searched everywhere for you…"
Bahagyang natawa si Agostin at tinapik ang balikat ni Finn.
"Tama na iyan, totoy. Ang mahalaga, narito na si Lady Rassia, who is soon to be the Crown Princess," pang-aasar ni Agostin habang nakangising tumingin sa akin.
I just rolled my eyes at him.
Napatingin ako kina Owen at Valentino na tahimik lamang na nakatingin sa akin, kapwa may simpleng ngiti sa kanilang mga labi.
A moment later, my gaze shifted toward my grandfather as he slowly stood from his seat. I caught the subtle nod exchanged between him and my father, as if the two of them had silently agreed on something I knew nothing about.
"So this is where I should go. Our meeting has ended. I will keep your words in mind, Archduke of the Empire."
Tumayo rin ang aking ama at marahang inayos ang kaniyang salamin.
"Thank you, Father," malalim niyang sambit, bakas ang respeto sa kaniyang tinig. "I hope your journey back to Atoresa will be safe. Please take care of your health as well… the empire still needs the wisdom of Galsarius Constanciandro III Quentin."
Kumunot ang noo ng aking lolo bago siya napahalukipkip.
"Tch. I am not that old, Fuegoleon," reklamo niya habang nakasimangot. "Huwag mo akong tratuhin na parang mamamatay na ako bukas."
Natawa na lamang ako. Mukhang may pinagmanahan talaga si Russel at ang Archduke pagdating sa pag u-ugali.
"Grandfather…" marahan kong sambit habang may munting ngiti sa aking labi. "Thank you for escorting me at my grand debut. I know you rarely attend gatherings in the capital anymore, yet you still came all the way from Atoresa for me."
Bahagya akong yumuko sa kaniya bago nagpatuloy.
"And because of you, no one dared to look down on me that night. So… thank you for standing beside me, Grandfather. I truly won't forget it."
"It was your grand debut and birthday, Granddaughter, of course I would come." aniya.
Bahagya siyang napatingin sa akin bago umismid.
"Besides… I was curious about you as well. I heard countless rumors about you, some called you troublesome, others claimed you were arrogant and impossible to handle."
Pasimple siyang tumingin sa aking ama at muling tumingin sa akin.
"You are indeed a Quentin. Stubborn and bold..."
Napailing na lamang ako bago marahang ngumiti.
"I won't deny the rumors, Grandfather Galsarius… perhaps they were true," mahinahon kong saad. "I was troublesome, reckless, and difficult to deal with."
Bahagya akong napatingin sa sahig bago muling itinaas ang aking tingin sa kaniya.
"But people change, don't they?"
Tahimik akong tinitigan ni Grandfather Galsarius sa loob ng ilang segundo bago siya marahang napabuntong-hininga.
"People do change," mababa niyang tugon.
"But in noble society, the world rarely cares about who you are now.
They will always remember who you used to be.
Still… I can see it. The way you carry yourself now is different from the rumors I heard.
You have finally learned how to stand like a true Quentin. .."
Bahagya siyang napangiti habang nakatingin sa akin.
"I should take my leave now, I suppose I shall see you again on your wedding day... future Crown Princess… and future Empress of Erenhal Sartorias..."
When my grandfather finally left the office, the commanders soon took their leave as well.
I looked at Father, who was quietly sipping the black coffee I personally made for him.
"I still can't believe I'm going to become the Crown Princess… and that you are now the Archduke of the Empire, Father," mahina kong saad habang pinagmamasdan siya.
Bahagya akong napabuntong-hininga bago nagpatuloy.
"I know the Empress refused to show herself during the ceremony because she was enraged."
"She can't pull strings against us that easily anymore," malamig na sambit ng aking ama bago muling sumimsim ng kaniyang kape.
"The moment House Quentin was granted the title of Archduke, our influence within the empire changed completely.
The Empress may still possess power inside the imperial palace, but openly moving against us now would create unrest among the noble houses supporting the crown.
And with your engagement to Vincenzo… attacking you recklessly would be no different from provoking the future emperor himself. "
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"The Empress is furious because she's beginning to lose control."
Nalaman ko rin na ipinadala ng Empress si Corazon, ang dating personal maidservant ni Russel upang maging espiya sa House Quentin.
Corazon had served beside Russel for years inside the Quentior palace. She was known for being quiet, obedient, and exceptionally skilled at handling noble affairs. No one would ever suspect someone like her of secretly working under the Empress' orders.
Kaya pala minamaltrato ni Corazon si Russel, ang mismong tagapagmana ng House Quentin.
Hindi iyon simpleng pagiging istrikto o pagiging mapagmataas bilang personal maidservant. From the very beginning, she never truly cared about him.
She was merely carrying out the Empress' orders.
And perhaps… making Russel suffer was part of it.
Thankfully, Father and I handled Corazon ourselves. After everything she had done to Russel, neither of us felt even the slightest pity for her.
So in the end, she received the punishment she deserved.
Death.
"Rassia, your wedding will be held on the same day as the Holy Prophecy Gathering," seryosong sambit ng aking ama habang nakatingin sa akin mula sa kaniyang upuan. "your wedding will be held first before the reading of the Prophecy."
Kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi ng Archduke.
"What? Why?" agad kong tanong habang napatitig sa kaniya. "It should be Vincenzo and me who decide the date of our wedding."
Nanatiling kalmado ang ekspresyon ng aking ama habang marahan niyang pinagsalikop ang kaniyang mga kamay sa ibabaw ng mesa.
"The Holy Cathedral requested it. They believe holding the imperial wedding before the Holy Prophecy Gathering will symbolize unity between the crown, the noble houses, and the faith of the Great Goddess."
Bahagya siyang napabuntong-hininga bago nagpatuloy.
"But knowing the Cathedral… I highly doubt their intentions are truly that simple." marahan niyang itinaas ang tingin sa akin.
"The Holy Prophecy Gathering is one of the most important events in the empire, and every influential figure across Vermeleyon will be present that day."
His gaze darkened slightly.
"If they insisted on placing your wedding before such an event… then it means they want the entire continent watching."
"Maari ba nating baguhin ang petsa?" agad kong tanong habang kumukunot ang noo ko.
"No, Rassia," aniya. “They will think that House Quentin and the imperial family are refusing the will of the Holy Cathedral.
And once that rumor spreads, the Holy Cathedral will use it against us.
They will make it appear as though the future Crown Prince and Crown Princess are defying the faith of the Great Goddess herself. "
Napahilot ako sa aking sintido.
"Right… the nobles who oppose Vincenzo are merely waiting for a reason to turn the people against him, especially the Empress," ani ko habang mabigat na napabuntong-hininga.
"We have to be extra careful on that day, Rassia,” seryosong tugon ng Archduke. "The Holy Prophecy Gathering is already dangerous on its own. But with your wedding happening before it…"
Bahagya siyang tumigil.
"Any mistake could become the spark that throws the entire empire into chaos."
"Fuck the Holy Cathedral, baby," ani Vincenzo. "They should be more worried about what I'll do if they try anything against you."
Nakasandal ako sa katawan ni Vincenzo habang siya naman ay nakasandal sa puno sa likuran namin, mahigpit ngunit maingat akong nakayakap sa kaniya.
"Alam kong pakana lahat ng ito ni Lurtheron, Rassia," malamig na sambit ni Vincenzo habang mas lalo akong hinihigpitan sa kaniyang yakap.
Narito kami ngayon sa Dagat ng Luminara.
Nakalatag ang makapal na sapin sa ibabaw ng lupa, malayo sa ingay ng imperyo. Tahimik kaming nakaupo habang marahang hinihipan ng malamig na hangin ang aming buhok.
Nakasandal ako sa katawan ni Vincenzo habang siya naman ay nakasandal sa puno sa likuran namin, ang kaniyang mga braso ay nakayakap sa akin.
Narito kami at pinagmamasdan ang kagandahan ng Dagat ng Luminara.
Sa ilalim ng liwanag ng dapithapon, kumikislap ang malawak na karagatan na tila binudburan ng milyong bituin. Ang malinaw na tubig ay nagrereplekta sa kulay kahel at rosas na langit habang marahang sumasayaw ang mga alon.
Mabilis akong nakapunta rito dahil sa aking susi ng lagusan. Nagpunta ako rito nang mag-isa upang maligo sa tahimik na tubig ng Dagat ng Luminara, malayo sa ingay ng imperyo at sa mabibigat na responsibilidad na unti-unting bumabalot sa akin.
Ngunit bigla na lamang may yumakap sa akin mula sa likuran. Mainit na katawan ni Vincenzo agad ang naramdaman ko kasabay ng mahina niyang paghinga malapit sa aking leeg.
I use the key the Erenhals gave me once again because of Vincenzo. He was the one who taught me the words I needed to say for the portal to open.
I told him long ago that he could throw it away back when I still didn't know he was an Erenhal.
But thankfully…
He never threw it away.
“Alam kong pakana lahat ng ito ni Lurtheron, Rassia,” malamig na sambit ni Vincenzo habang mas lalo akong hinihigpitan sa kaniyang yakap.
"I sensed that he's finally starting to suspect the truth about my blood… and Cayena's as well," mababa niyang sambit.
Can we really live freely while we keep these secrets?
Magiging masaya ba talaga kami? Vincenzo is hiding the vampire blood in his veins, and I am hiding the demon, Lucy Pearl, inside of me.
To the world, we look normal. But the truth is, we are both a threat to everyone around us.
Magiging malaya kaya kami sa tingin ng lahat?
We will spend our entire lives hiding the truth.
"Will we ever truly be happy together?" nanginginig kong bulong. "Or are we destined to spend our lives in shadows just to survive?"
Napabuntong-hininga ako habang sumasandal sa kaniya.
"I love you, Vincenzo… but sometimes I'm scared that the world will never allow us to love each other peacefully."
My gaze slowly lowered.
"What if one day… we grow tired of hiding?"
"What if the moment the truth comes out…"
"…the world forces us to let go of each other?"
"Hush, baby... I'll never get tired of you, Rassia." mahina niyang bulong habang marahan akong hinihigpitan sa kaniyang yakap.
"Even if the entire world abandons us… even if we’re forced to carry these secrets for the rest of our lives… I'll gladly spend every single one of those years hiding beside you."
"You are my peace, Rassia."
"I am so sorry that loving me comes with this kind of burden."
Kumunot ang noo ko at humarap sakanya, marahan kong hinawakan ang kaniyang pisngi gamit ang aking dalawang kamay.
"Don't apologize for loving me, Vincenzo," mahina kong bulong habang nakatingin diretso sa kaniyang mga mata. "Because despite everything… despite the fear, the secrets, and the chaos surrounding us…"
Bahagya akong napabuntong-hininga.
"I have never once regretted loving you."
Dahan-dahan kong idinikit ang noo ko sa kaniya.
“'So even if the world sees us as monsters one day…"
A faint, bittersweet smile appeared on my lips.
"Then let them. As long as I'm beside you… I think I can endure anything."
Isang matamis na ngiti ang sumilay sa kaniyang mga labi bago niya akong hinalikan, isang halik na puno ng pag-iingat ngunit may halong pag-angkin. Buong puso ko itong tinanggap, hinahayaan ang bawat dampi ng kaniyang mga labi na pawiin ang anumang natitirang takot sa aking sistema.
?Sa mga sandaling iyon, wala akong ibang nararamdaman kundi ang wagas na pagmamahal ni Vincenzo.
?"I love you so much, baby…" mahina at paos niyang bulong.
?Isang mahinang ungal ang kumawala sa aking mga labi nang maramdaman ko ang kaniyang mga palad sa aking dibdib. Ang kaniyang mainit na hininga sa aking leeg ay pinagigtad ang aking buong pagkatao.
?"I love you too, Vincenzo…"
?Ngunit sa gitna ng init ng aming pagsasama, bigla akong napaigtad.
Isang kakaibang sensasyon ang gumuhit sa aking pagkatao, isang pagsasama ng matalas na sakit at nakalalasing na sarap nang maramdaman ko ang pagbaon ng kaniyang mga pangil sa aking balat.
Ito ang selyo ng aming ugnayan, ang marka na magsasabing kahit anong mangyari, ako ay sa kaniya at siya ay sa akin lamang.
We made love once again beneath the shimmering tides of the Sea of Luminara.
If this is love, why is it wrong? If this is love, then why does it feel forbidden? why does every touch between us feel like both salvation and sin?
Love is indeed a dangerous thing in this cruel world, for the deeper you fall, the more unbearable the pain becomes when fate forces you apart.