THDK Chapter 33

Reunion with the Past (Part 1)

In the dead of night, when everyone was asleep, I carefully got out of bed, trying not to wake Nox. I put on my clothes and began to head towards my room.

“Where are you going?”

“…Nox.”

However, my arm was caught, and I froze. I thought I had been careful getting out of bed, but I must have disturbed him. Nox’s usual confident gaze, which always looked straight ahead, seemed uncertain.

“Going back to bed.”

“Sleep here.”

“…I left Oreole alone.”

“Sol, look at me.”

I met Nox’s gaze, and our eyes locked. His piercing red eyes seemed to see right through me, and my forced smile almost faltered. I couldn’t let him discover my true intentions. I took a deep breath and maintained my smile.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Sorry, that was a lie. But I really can’t stay by your side, Nox.

“…Really?”

“Haha, yeah, really. I promise.”

I extended my pinky finger, and Nox brought his lips to it. His soft lips sent shivers down my spine, but I endured and withdrew my hand.

“See you tomorrow. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Nox’s hand caressed my cheek, and I quickly left the room, suppressing my tears. I bit my lip, trying to hold back my emotions. Why was it so hard to leave? I had to go, but my heart ached. I’m sorry for lying. I love you.

I took a deep breath, stood up, and bowed towards the door before heading towards my room.

“Welcome back.”

“I see you’re awake.”

Oreole’s voice made me frown. I quietly packed my belongings into my bag. It had been ten years since I arrived at the Demon King’s castle. My room, which was once sparse, was now filled with gifts from everyone.

The music box Nox gave me, the sparkling mineral Zain found, the short sword Alan gave me when I started training, and the beautiful flowers Beatrice always decorated my room with…

“I’ll miss this place…”

“Sol, you don’t have to leave, do you?”

I shook my head at Oreole’s words. My mind was made up. Besides, I had plans for when I left this place.

“…I was thinking of going back home.”

“You mean the house you lived in until you were ten?”

“Yeah. I’ve always wondered about it. And I never got to visit my family’s graves.”

I want to visit my brother’s grave and see how things have changed. Maybe then, I’ll have a clearer idea of what I need to do next.