Chapter Fifty-Four: What’s Left Unsaid

Dan-Bi sat alone in his chambers that night.

The weight of the day pressed against his chest.

The prince could've died.

If the blade had been aimed just a little higher…

Dan-Bi clenched his fists.

He had spent his entire life fighting for survival.

But now—he wasn't just fighting for himself.

He was fighting for him.

A knock at the door startled him.

Dan-Bi turned.

And froze.

Seong-Jin stood there, leaning against the frame.

His robes were loose, his hair slightly disheveled. His wound was still wrapped, but he looked… steady.

His gaze, however—was anything but.

Dan-Bi swallowed hard. "Your Highness—"

Seong-Jin stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

Dan-Bi stiffened.

Seong-Jin's voice was quiet. "You hesitated today."

Dan-Bi's heart stopped.

Seong-Jin's gaze burned into him. "When you saw me on the ground. You hesitated."

Dan-Bi forced himself to exhale. "I was assessing the situation."

Seong-Jin stepped closer. "No. It was more than that."

Dan-Bi's pulse pounded.

Seong-Jin tilted his head. "Why do you care so much?"

Dan-Bi couldn't answer.

Seong-Jin's smirk returned, but this time—it was different.

Softer. Curious. Dangerous.

"Scholar Dan-Bi," he murmured, stepping even closer.

Dan-Bi's breath hitched.

Seong-Jin's smirk widened. "One of these days, I'll figure out exactly what it is you're hiding."

Dan-Bi went still.

Seong-Jin studied him for a moment longer.

Then, just as quickly as he came, he turned away.

"Sleep well, Scholar."

And then—he was gone.

Dan-Bi let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

His heart pounded against his ribs.

This was bad.

The prince was getting too close.

And if Dan-Bi wasn't careful… everything would come crashing down.