Love in a Forbidden World

Night - Scarlett's Chamber

The room stood still, bathed in silver moonlight. Scarlett's lips pressed against Cathan's in a moment suspended by silence. But just as Cathan leaned further in, Scarlett pushed him away and struck his cheek with a sharp slap.

> Scarlett (furious): "How dare you! You touched me without permission?! Stay away from me."

Cathan stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief.

> Cathan (worried): "Miss, I'm sorry. Please calm down—you're still not fully recovered."

Suddenly, Scarlett swayed. Her knees gave out and she collapsed. Cathan rushed forward, but before he could reach her, a violent thunderbolt crashed between them. The shockwave hurled him across the chamber, smashing into a bookshelf.

He groaned, blood trickling from his mouth. As he turned, he saw Daren, standing protectively before Scarlett, eyes glowing with rage.

> Cathan (struggling): "Master..."

Without a word, Daren hurled a blue flame. It hit Cathan square in the chest, sending him down again. He coughed blood, pain searing through him.

> Daren (furious): "Just as I expected. You've become her downfall—again."

> Cathan (weakly): "Scar...lett..."

> Daren (snapping): "Don't you dare call her that!"

Another blue flame ignited in his palm. He raised it to strike. But before it landed, an elderly figure stepped between them, absorbing the fire with a flick of her hand.

> Daren (startled): "Master!"

> Old Lady: "Control yourself, Daren."

Cathan's eyes widened.

> Cathan: "Ma'am...? You're the grocery store lady..."

> Old Lady (smiling): "As you can see."

She placed her hand over his chest. A golden light enveloped them, and his wounds vanished.

> Old Lady: "I told you, my boy—listen to your heart, not your mind."

> Cathan (bowing): "Thank you so much..."

> Old Lady: "Come, Daren."

> Daren: "But Scarlett—"

> Old Lady: "She will be fine."

With one last glance at Scarlett, Daren disappeared with the old lady.

Cathan rushed to Scarlett, gently lifting her in his arms.

> Cathan (softly): "Scarlett... I'll never leave you now. I'll always stay by your side."

He laid her gently on her bed and curled beside her protectively.

Old Lady's Chamber

A grand room of glowing orbs and ancient runes. The old lady sat on a throne. Daren stood silently before her.

> Old Lady: "So, Daren... you failed to stop him."

> Daren (defensive): "Why should he return? He's dangerous for her."

> Old Lady: "It wasn't me who brought him back."

> Daren (shocked): "What? Then... who?"

> Old Lady: "Perhaps he's more than just a mere human. We will observe him for now."

> Daren: "But what if Scarlett gets hurt again?"

> Old Lady: "I understand your concern. But something more urgent has happened."

> Daren: "What is it, Master?"

> Old Lady: "The portal to afterlife... has opened."

Daren's eyes widened in horror.

> Old Lady: "Find out who did it. Fix it. Now."

Daren bowed deeply and vanished.

Scarlett's Dream

Scarlett walked through an ethereal forest, clad in a flowing red gown. Suddenly, another version of her appeared—younger, dressed in an elegant, ancient dress.

> Scarlett: "Who are you?"

> Past Scarlett: "I'm you."

> Scarlett annoyed: "A spirit? Disguising as me? I'll make you disappear."

> Past Scarlett: "Do you remember Elvin?"

The name struck her. Her heart throbbed.

> Scarlett: "Elvin...? Who is he...?"

> Past Scarlett: "You truly forgot him? He fought everything to be with you. Don't lose him. He's close... very close."

Scarlett reached out.

> Scarlett: "Wait! Tell me who! Where is he?!"

But the dream dissolved into darkness.

Scarlett's Chamber — Morning

Scarlett stirred awake, her cheeks wet with tears. As she turned, she realized someone was holding her—Cathan, sleeping peacefully beside her, arms around her.

She flinched but paused, staring at his serene face. A soft smile tugged at her lips. Her hand reached out to stroke his cheek.

He stirred.

> Cathan: "Scarlett... don't... go..."

Scarlett blushed.

Cathan open his eyes and smile fondly at her as she looks away he slowly stands up.

>Scarlett: "you are going?"

>Cathan: "yes i have to go see mike but I'll come back soon so wait for me."

He look at her with adoration and stroke her head.

> Scarlett: "okay."

Later. Cathan's House.

Cathan enters the house.

> Mike: "Brother! You're back!"

> Cathan: "You're not going to school?"

> Mike: "We're on summer break! You forgot?"

> Cathan: "Sorry... my mind's been... elsewhere."

> Mike: "My friends and I are going hiking!"

Cathan froze.

> Cathan: "No."

> Mike: "Huh? But why?"

> Cathan: "If you go... I'll never speak to you again."

He stormed off. Mike watched him, sulking.

Night - Scarlett's Chamber

Cathan walked in with a heavy heart. But his face lit up at the sight of Scarlett.

> Cathan (dramatically): "What is this? Why are you so beautiful tonight?"

> Scarlett: "What's wrong with you?"

He suddenly pulled her close, cupping her face. But his eyes go down and his smile drops.

> Scarlett: "What's with the mood change?"

> Cathan: "Scarlett... how will Mike's death happen? What did you see that day?"

> Scarlett: "I can't see the how. Just that it will happen."

> Cathan: "I understand. But the thought of losing him... it terrifies me."

Tears welled in his eyes. Scarlett gently embraced him.

> Scarlett: "Bring Mike here."

> Cathan: "What? Why?"

She smirked.

> Scarlett: "I have an idea."

To Be Continued...