* * *

Theodore heard Lily’s voice calling him.

Was it a call from the afterlife? Messengers from the underworld are said to mimic the voice of the deceased’s most beloved, so he couldn’t be sure if it was real.

‘Lily…’

Are you safe and sound? I only hope that Zen Delacroix arrived in time to rescue you.

‘Now that it’s all over…’

I wish for you to find peace.

Without pain, without hatred…

To live the rest of your life in comfort and happiness.

“Theodore…?”

It was the second call. Theodore willingly opened his eyes to cross the river of death.

But what met his gaze was not the landscape of the underworld.

* * *

“Theodore, are you waking up?”

His eyes, which had been blankly staring at the ceiling, eventually turned to look at me. He looked at me silently for a while and then murmured in disbelief.

“I was sure… I had died…”

“You didn’t die. Look, you’re alive.”

I firmly held his hand, sharing my warmth with him. Theodore flinched slightly and then, with a surprised expression, started to move his lips.

“I’m… not dead?”

“…Actually, you were dead once.”

I explained to him the power of the coral bracelet and how Owen had died.

Upon hearing that Owen was definitely dead, Theodore seemed greatly relieved and smiled faintly at me.

“It’s a relief, Lily… that you’re safe. And finally… it’s over. Your revenge…”

“Yes, it’s all over. My revenge, and yours too.”

This was my revenge as well as his. But seeing him speaking only from my perspective made me burst into tears again. I knew the reason better than anyone. That’s why… my heart kept feeling like it was being torn apart. A sadness I could never forget was welling up again.

I bit my lip and spoke with a voice I forced to keep calm.

“Somnia went to fetch Zen. He’ll be here soon, so don’t worry and just rest.”

“…Lily, you look pale…”

“I’m fine.”

“I feel alright now too. So, you should keep this coral bracelet…”

“Don’t say such nonsense.”

I had hated Theodore Valentino for being cruel to me, but I couldn’t truly hate him.

Not in the way I hated Owen or Kazef Everett.

I had turned a blind eye to the reason until now, but finally, I realized it. Especially after nearly losing him forever…

“…Lily, I want you to live a long life. A healthy and happy one.”

“…”

“That’s my only wish.”

…Because he was this kind of person.

The kind of person who genuinely wishes for another’s happiness.

The difference between being able to do that and not is too big. Definitely.

“…I won’t die easily. I’ve decided to live peacefully… running a small store with Charlotte. I have to keep that promise. I will be happy.”

Tears threatened to come out, so I tensed my eyes. My breathing became increasingly difficult, and my vision blurred. Strength continued to drain from my body, which I was barely holding together.

“I, won’t, die.”

I don’t want to die.

I don’t want to die like this.

So please hold on, please…

“Lily…”

Theodore’s hand reached my cheek. It felt lukewarm, cooler than his usual temperature. Like the breeze in summer when green forget-me-nots bloom by the river…

“Take….my memories…”

“…?”

“I heard from King Radel. Your spirit can transform memories into life.”

I looked at him in complete disbelief. What was he saying now…

“I want to save you…..with my memories.”

“…..Don’t say such foolish things.”

“But… you are too precious to me. I want you to live a long life…..I don’t want to lose anyone anymore.”

Tears inevitably streamed down my cheeks.

Theodore quietly watched me and wiped away my tears.

“…Don’t cry.”

“Why… would you say that? After I barely saved you, you’re saying…”

“Thank you, Lily. For not giving up and saving my life… So please… let me save you too.”

“No…”

“Lily, please…”

I shook my head frantically. I didn’t want to make him sacrifice himself. Happiness gained at such a cost could never make me truly happy.

“Lily…”

In a voice filled with desperate longing, he called my name again.

“I can do it instead.”

Another voice suddenly interjected. Startled, I turned towards the source.

There stood Hesen, leaning against the cave wall with both hands, looking nearly dead.

As our eyes met, he gave a wry smile and spat out a mouthful of blood.

Then, struggling to make his way towards me, he slumped down nearby and looked at me. He spoke with an unyielding tone.

“Do you see how I look? I’m going to die before you do. Ha, damn it… I must be crazy… to think someone like you is beautiful…”

“…”

“Do that thing, transforming memories into life, do it to me. Not that guy.”

Hessen sneered, casting a fleeting glance at Theodore. As if he couldn’t believe the situation.

“Live a long life, Lily.”

__