Love in a Forbidden World

Night — Scarlett's Chamber, Hotel Alma

Thunder cracked across the ghostly skies above Hotel Alma.

The chamber doors flew open as Daren materialized, his midnight-blue cloak swirling behind him like a shadow in motion. His hand gripped his blue flame dagger, eyes flaring with fury.

> Daren (cold and thunderous): "How dare you speak to her like that!!"

He lunged at Cathan, the dagger aimed for his heart.

But before the strike could land—

Scarlett stepped in.

> SWOOSH—CLANG!

She caught the burning blade with her bare hand.

The room froze.

Blue flames hissed against her skin. Blood trickled down her fingers like rubies against pale porcelain.

> Daren (panicked): "Scarlett!"

Her knees buckled.

> "Miss!" Cathan gasped.

She collapsed in Daren's arms, unconscious.

Cathan dropped to his knees, hands trembling.

> Cathan: "I… I'll call an ambulance—!"

> Daren (snapping): "Are you stupid? She's not a human like you."

Cathan paused, realization hitting him like a wave. He watched, helpless, as Daren carried her limp body into her inner chamber.

> Cathan (whispering): "Miss… why would you do that… for someone like me…"

Blood from Scarlett's wound still stained the marble floor. Cathan stared at it, his heart pounding. Then he clenched his fists, wiped his tears, and ran into her room.

Inside Scarlett's Room

Scarlett lay pale and still, her breathing light. Daren carefully wrapped her hand in a glowing bandage made from spirit threads.

Cathan stood by the door, eyes swollen.

> Cathan: "It's my fault… I'm so sorry…"

> Daren (furious): "Your apology won't heal her!"

He turned, eyes burning.

> "You don't even know what she did for you. That blade can kill spirit entities—she risked her very soul."

Cathan bowed deeply, unable to meet his gaze.

> Daren: "She'll live. But she'll lose her powers for a few days. She's in her weakest state now."

He paused grimly.

> "Keep it a secret. If any spirits here find out, they'll escape to the human world. And chaos will follow."

> Cathan (bowing): "I understand. I'll protect her… and the hotel."

> Daren: "You better. Or I'll come for your life."

Daren vanished into blue smoke, leaving only a trace of his energy behind.

Cathan walked quietly to Scarlett's side. He sat down, gently taking her bandaged hand into his.

> Cathan (softly): "Miss… I'm sorry. I was selfish. I got caught up in fear… in my brother's fate… and I lashed out at the only person who's been saving me from the very beginning…"

Tears slid down his cheeks.

> "Please… don't disappear."

A quiet voice broke the silence.

> Scarlett (eyes half open): "You're really noisy."

Cathan jumped in surprise.

> Cathan: "Miss! Don't get up, you're still—"

> Scarlett (irritated): "You're crying like a child. It's annoying."

> Cathan (serious): "You knew it would weaken you. Then why did you protect me?"

> Scarlett (coldly): "Because if Daren's blade could weaken me, imagine what it would do to a mere human."

> Cathan: "Exactly. I am just human… And when I saw you on the floor, I realized—I couldn't save you or Mike. I'm useless."

> Scarlett (rolling eyes): "I don't need a hero. Save that drama for your brother."

> Cathan: "Then… why did you do it? Am I… really that important to you?"

A long pause.

> Scarlett: "Don't get cocky. I would've done it for my ex-secretary too."

> Cathan (smiling): "You're kind."

> Scarlett: "Kind? I just got stabbed for you, idiot. And now you have to manage everything."

> Cathan: "Yes, Miss. But… what about the customers?"

> Scarlett: "I'll avoid them. If they sense I've lost my powers, they'll revolt. You'll handle all the interactions. Protect me."

> Cathan: "I will. No matter what."

> Scarlett: "I told you to save your energy for your little brother."

But even as she said it, a faint blush touched her cheeks.

The Next Morning

Scarlett stirred, sunlight spilling softly through the dark velvet curtains.

She turned—and her eyes widened.

Cathan had fallen asleep sitting beside her, his head resting on the bed's edge. His hand still clutched hers gently. He murmured in his sleep:

> Cathan (mumbling): "Scarlett… don't… go…"

Her face flushed red.

> SLAP!

She slapped him lightly.

Cathan jerked awake.

> Cathan (startled): "Who!? What!? Oh—Miss! Good morning!"

> Scarlett: "It's time for you to go."

> Cathan: "I'll stay here with you."

> Scarlett: "No. Spend time with your little brother. That's an order."

He stood, hesitating.

> Cathan: "Miss… is there really no way to save Mike?"

She didn't answer at first.

> Scarlett (softly): "It's his fate. Neither of us can alter it. Tampering with a human's lifespan is forbidden."

> Cathan: "But… can we at least prevent the accident?"

> Scarlett (quietly): "No. I've already seen it. The path is sealed."

Cathan clenched his fists. She looked away.

Just then, the door creaked open.

Daren entered, tall and composed as ever.

> Cathan (bowing): "Welcome, Master."

Daren said nothing to him. His eyes were fixed on Scarlett.

> Daren: "How do you feel?"

> Scarlett: "I'm alright. You didn't need to come all this way."

> Daren: "You'd have done the same."

Daren then turned to Cathan.

> Daren: "Mr. Cathan, I'd like to speak with Scarlett alone."

> Cathan: "Yes, Master. I'll leave now."

He bowed and stepped out quietly, closing the door behind him.

He stood in the hall for a moment, hand against his chest.

> Cathan (inner monologue): "Why… does my chest hurt? Am I… falling sick?"

He shook his head and walked away.

To Be Continued…