Chapter 1: The Curse

"Rheya..."

"Rheya.. are you alright..?"

That voice.. it seemed so familiar yet so vague..

Hmf.. is what I mumbled.

"Rheya how did this happen to you?"

I tried to open my eyes and for a brief moment I could see the silhouette of a young man.

Something about that man's presence felt warm and sincere but I couldn't see who it was.

Who..

"You're waking up.. oh thank goodness"

Who.. are y..you?

"Don't worry Rheya, It's me..Juan"

Juan?

"Yes it's me, I'm so glad I found you" 

Why can't I open my eyes Juan..

"You're exhausted and drenched, I'll take care of you Rheya"

My breathing started to get heavier, it felt as if a brick was put on my chest.

My arms trembled as I reached up.

Juan.. I'm glad you're safe.

"Rheya...you have a fever.. hang in there I'll bring you to the hospital"

Juan lift me up and ran to the nearest hospital.

As we arrived I felt my consciousness fading.

"Sir.. please can you please me.. I think she has a high fever.."

"She doesn't look that good... bring her to that room by the corner over there and I'll get the doctor.

"Juan whilst bowing his head: thank you sir"

Juan put me in the hospital bed and laid his hand on my forehead.

"She's burnin up.. isn't she?"

"Yes.."

A female doctor got into the room and put her hand on my forehead.

"She'll be alright.. don't worry dear.. I'll give her this medicine and her fever will go down."

"Thank you doctor.. how did this happen?"

"It seemed that she wasn't in optimal condition for a while. Her fever consists of a mixture of being exhausted, drenched and dehydrated."

"I see..."

"Don't worry child.. once she has rested enough and has eaten a proper meal she'll recover nicely.

"What about her clothes..?"

"We'll change them right now, so she'll feel a bit better already."

"That's a relief.. thank you doctor I'll go wait in the hall"

The doctor grinned and said: "You don't have to wait there, I can see that she's important to you so just close your eyes and turn around."

"Thank you doctor", Juan bowed his head and turned to face the wall whilst keeping his eyes closed.

"There all finished, you can turn around again dear"

Juan turned around and kept his eyes closed.

The doctor rolled her eyes and smiled:" You can also open your eyes again"

"Haha.. yes.. sorry I'm just a bit worried about her"

"That's understandable, I'm glad she has a thoughtful boyfriend to bring her here as fast as he could."

Juan blushed and rubbed his neck.

"Oh did I misunderstand?"

Juan blushed and said:"No.. you didn't.. I love her"

The doctor smiled and nodded:"Very well than, what a beautiful couple you both are, you two remind me of me and my husband"

"I wish you both well."

"Thank you doctor, may I ask what your name is so I can give you a proper thank you?"

The doctor smiled:"Of course you can dear, you're a very well mannered child, my name is Tina"

Juan bowed his head: "Thank you doctor Tina, for helping us on such a short notice."

"Of course my child, you can stay here with her for as long as you'd like if you promise to get me as soon as she wakes up."

"I promise doctor Tina."

Doctor Tina nodded:"Very well than I'll leave you two alone."

Juan sat on the bed and caressed my hand whilst looking at me:

"Rheya... I'm so sorry I let you get captured.. If only I had been there sooner.. you wouldn't be in this state."

Juan lowered his head and tears ran down his cheeks: "I was so afraid I'd lost you.. that I'd never see you again. I couldn't bare the thought of losing you."

"I was thinking about everything we've been through..

Remember our first kiss..

We were both in tears..afraid we'd never see each other again.

I had the same nauseated feeling I had back than... not knowing if I'd see you ever again. "

Juan held my hand firmer and placed it on his heart: "Rheya I promise you that from now on I will protect you, I will keep you safe no matter what happens."

"I love you Rheya, I have loved you ever since the first moment we spoke to each other."

"You were always worrying about someone else's safety instead of your own and that's just who you are"

Juan kissed my hand and cupped my face: "I have never loved anyone the way I love you Rheya. You are the one for me... I can feel it in my heart."

"I promise you that I will keep you safe my love... even if it means giving up my life to save yours."

Juan came closer with his head.

His face was now a few inches from mine.

He whispered: "I have always loved you Rheya" and kissed me.

He planted his lips gently on mine and kissed me whilst tears streamed down his face.

He pulled away and embraced me tight.

"I promise that I will keep you safe, I will build a future for us one where no one will hurt you, one where you and I can live in peace"

"I promise that I will make everyone that hurt you pay.. an eye for an eye."

"Beginning with that stupid Crown Doofus"

Juan held me tight and eventually fell asleep laying on my stomach.

03:00 AM

Mmphh.. hh..heavyy...

Ughh...

Cough cough cough.

My breathing was heavy, my chest went up and down.

Juan woke up from my movement.

"Rheya.. what's happening?"

I was breathing very heavy and my heart was beating so much.

Juan quickly sat up and checked my forehead.

It was cooling down, he cupped my face.

And leaned in for a kiss.

At that moment I opened my eyes and saw him standing above me looking at me with teary eyes.