Chapter 8

Chapter 8

I found Reyn stepping out of Rouge's room. It was clear he hadn’t slept, his eyes dark with fatigue, and his cheeks hollow from exhaustion.

I forced a smile when he looked at me, and he mirrored my expression before silently shutting the door behind him.

“Maybe it’s better if you head back to Rouge’s apartment. You also need some rest. I can take over again.” I offered him a can of coffee I had bought from the vending machine.

A faint smile appeared on his lips. “Nah, I’m fine. I’ll go home to rest for a bit. Aunt Esther will be here in an hour, so you don’t have to worry.”

I felt a pang of sadness at his words. Every day, whenever I visited Rouge, this was what happened. Since the arrival of Rouge’s relatives, I couldn’t stay to watch over her. Reyn often sent me away within an hour, as if he were avoiding a meeting between us and his family.

Maybe they blame me. I can’t blame them. I’m blaming myself too. Maybe if I had stopped them that day, none of this would have happened to her.

Their relatives have no idea what kind of family I come from. Not even Rouge knows the history of my family. It’s not that I want to hide it. I just don’t see the point in telling him. What good would it do? I’m not even sure if he’d believe me. Besides, it’s been two decades. Everyone’s on good terms now. The conflict between lycans and humans has only happened recently.

“That’s how it is. I understand.” I responded softly, lowering my gaze to the can of coffee in my hand.

I felt Reyn’s hand on mine. I looked up into his tired eyes, which held a trace of sadness despite his forced smile.

“I’m sorry. If only my brother was awake, he’d want you always by her side,” Reyn said, squeezing my hand gently.

I managed to smile back, nodding in reply. Even in these circumstances, Reyn remains my ally. I know he’s only trying to protect me.

“I’ll go inside now. Don’t worry, I won’t be long,” I said. He nodded in response.

As I entered the room, I slowly approached Rouge’s bed. The various tubes that were once connected to her were gone. All that remained were the oxygen hose and the cast on her left leg.

My Rouge…

I bit my lower lip to stop the tears. Seeing her like this always weakens me. It feels like all the strength I have is being drained, leaving only enough for breathing and crying.

I gently stroked her cheek. The warmth of her pale skin intensified my sorrow.

“Hon, I’m here again. How are you holding up? The rain is still heavy outside. I even brought an extra umbrella today so the same thing won’t happen again like last time. A typhoon is expected today. It’s a shame you’re asleep. I guess I’ll have to lock myself in the room again, wrap myself in a thick blanket, and watch alone. You’re not here though.” A weak laugh escaped my lips.

You’re not here…

My eyes burned, and a lump formed in my throat, making it hard to breathe. I bit my lower lip to suppress the tears.

I’m sorry. I’m sorry for being selfish. Sorry that I couldn’t leave you for your safety. Sorry that, even now, I’m still thinking about myself.

I took her hand and gently kissed the back of her palm.

“I just can’t betray you, hon…” As my tears fell, a quiet sob escaped my lips.

I placed her hand against my cheek and tried to recall how she used to touch my cheek. The memories are killing me even more. I gently closed my eyes, immersing myself in the pain.

After a while, a faint groan snapped my attention. I opened my eyes and moved closer to Rouge, unable to believe the sound had come from her.

“H-hon?” my voice cracked.

Hope surged through me when I saw her eyelids flicker open. It seemed like she was struggling to keep them open.

“I’ll call a doctor! Just a moment—”

Before I could step away, a firm grip held my arm. My gaze fell on the hand holding me.

When I looked back at Rouge, her eyes were fully open. She let out another groan, as if trying to say something. A mix of fear and joy filled my heart at the sight.

“Hon, I’m going to call the doctor,” I said again, but her grip on me tightened. Her groans grew louder, as though trying to convey something.

A wave of fear surged through me as I noticed the gradual change in her eye color. Her once brown eyes now glowed yellow.

Like a lycan’s…

I tried to pull away, but her grip only tightened. My breath hitched as I felt her nails digging into my skin.

“H-hon, w-what’s happening to you?” My words came out in confusion. Fear consumed me, and my tears couldn’t be stopped as they fell.

Rouge’s eyes turned more feral, their yellow hue brightening. Her grip on me tightened further.

I screamed when I felt her nails digging deeper into my arm.

The door burst open, and Reyn rushed in. His eyes widened in shock at the sight before him.

Before I could fully collapse to the ground, Rouge suddenly let go of me. As I fell to the floor, I could feel the violent shaking of the bed.

“He’s having a seizure!” Reyn shouted, rushing out.

I remained in the corner, struggling to stem the blood from my arm. My tears continued to fall as I watched Rouge thrash. Her eyes were wide, and her entire body trembled.

A few moments later, doctors and nurses rushed into the room. One of them approached me, gently helping me stand and walk out. As he lowered his gaze to my injured arm, a trace of alarm crossed his face.

Once seated outside the room, he quickly sprinted to the nurse's counter, grabbing betadine and bandages. Returning swiftly, he tended to my wound.

While he treated me, I struggled to glance through the glass window.

“W-what’s happening? W-why is this happening to him?” My voice broke as I cried.

I could clearly see the line on the machine beside the bed. A nurse immediately grabbed the device and started reviving Rouge.

“Charge to three hundred... Clear!” the doctor holding the device commanded.

I flinched as Rouge's body jolted slightly from the electric shock. The line on the monitor remained flat. I clutched my mouth, unable to stop the sobs from escaping.

They continued to revive him. I weakened further, watching as nothing changed. The line on the machine stayed flat.

I pressed my forehead against the glass window, watching helplessly as the doctors fought to bring Rouge back to life.

“Hon, fight. Please, fight,” I pleaded, my voice trembling.

I closed my eyes as the machine pressed against Rouge’s chest again. I clutched my chest, tears clouding my vision.

"His vitals are stable now."

The doctor’s announcement snapped me out of my daze. I opened my eyes to see the screen showing his vitals with a wavering line instead of a flat one.

I sank into the chair, my strength leaving me. God… Thank you.

It was then I noticed Reyn sitting nearby, tears streaming down his face. The doctor walked away, and Reyn quickly wiped his tears, his composure faltering.

“We’re losing him. One more seizure, and his body will give out completely. I’m sorry. The medications aren’t working. You’ll need to prepare yourself. I’m sorry...” The doctor’s words hit him like a blow, and he slumped into the chair, his grief overwhelming him.

I wanted to comfort him, but my own body felt too weak to move. I stood frozen, staring into the void. The nurse had already wrapped my arm without me noticing.

“Miss Florendale, it seems you’re Mr. Ember’s only hope,” the nurse suddenly said, her eyes searching mine as if conveying something important.

“I’m one of them. I belong to Alpha’s group, and he’s the only one who can help you,” she added.

I didn’t respond immediately. After packing up her supplies, she stood and turned away. Before leaving, she spoke again.

“With his current condition, he won’t last long. You’re lucky if he makes it through a week.”

My tears fell once more as the weight of her words sank in. I tightened my grip on the edge of my shirt, letting out all the pain I had kept inside.

His life is now in my hands. It’s painful for both of us, but I have to choose his safety.

For five years, Rouge has been my everything. It’s time to repay him… even if it means losing him forever.

My mom used to say that love is all about sacrifice. I never believed her until now — the day I had to make the sacrifice for the one I love.

Those who truly love will do anything for that love. Even if it means tearing your own heart apart for the betterment of the other. Now, I understand why love is so complicated… And why fate can be so cruel.

I took a deep breath and wiped away the tears on both cheeks. I composed myself and looked at Rouge once again.

I love you… And I’m doing this for you.

My decision is made. I need Levi’s help.