On the day of the match, Morpheus held the banned drug in his hand. After hesitating backstage for a moment, he
unscrewed the cap and swallowed it.
His throat felt as though it had been sliced open by this tiny pill. He seemed to envision a version of himself, gutted
and covered in blood, utterly grotesque.
Even on the battlefield, he had never resorted to underhanded methods. He had always been upright. He could
fend off others' hidden attacks, but he couldn't bring himself to harm someone with deceit.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtToday, however, he broke his rule for Persephone for the first time. All his principles and beliefs collapsed when he
saw that tiny figure in the crowd.
All he knew was that she was watching him from the stands, and he didn't want her to witness him being defeated.
He grabbed the nearby bottle of water, gulped it down, slammed the cup to the ground, and stormed into the ring.
-
Persephone sat somewhat uneasily in the stands. Amidst the uproar, she recalled her first meeting with Morpheus.
It was also in this dim place, where the air was murky with a nauseating stench. The surroundings were filled with
beastly men and snake-like women. They would leer at her maliciously, goading Morpheus to have his way with her
then and there.
Morpheus had hoisted her over his shoulder, like an ancient chieftain carrying war spoils, and strode back home.
Persephone bit her lip. Perhaps the pain in her lip could overshadow the pain in her heart if she bit a little harder.
After today, Morpheus' name would completely disappear from her life. They would return to their respective paths,
never to intersect again.
"Here." Seamus handed her a bottle of mineral water with a gentle smile.
Persephone glanced down. Although not her usual brand, this brand was the most expensive available in this area.
"This was the only one I could find," Seamus said apologetically. "Deal with this first, okay?"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmPersephone smiled, accepting it, but didn't open it.
Seamus then brought her a few pieces of cake, and she looked at them but didn't eat.
Living a carefree life at home previously, she always had a good appetite. Only now did she realize that one could
lose the desire to eat during times of agitation and confusion.
Seamus' face darkened slightly. "You haven't eaten in the morning, and this match takes an hour. I worry that you
can't stand it."
"I'm fine." Persephone didn't look up.
"Miss, is this person truly worth all your distress?"