Love in a Forbidden World

Afternoon — Outside Hotel Alma.

Mike stood before the towering gates of the hotel, his jaw nearly hitting the cobblestone. The breeze ruffled his hair as he took in the lush gardens, where lanterns swung from ivy-covered arches and roses bloomed like royalty's bouquet.

> "Whoa… this is where my brother works?" he whispered under his breath. "It's like a castle."

As he stepped forward, the giant blue doors creaked open, revealing a smiling staff member in formal attire.

> "Welcome, Mr. Mike," the staff said with a slight bow.

"Please, allow me to guide you."

Mike followed, barely able to hide his excitement. The hallways were lined with ancient oil paintings, golden sconces, and velvet drapes. It smelled of old wood, roses, and mystery.

When the doors to the grand lounge opened, Mike gasped.

There, seated elegantly upon a velvet throne, was a woman in crimson. Her presence was magnetic—poised, queenly, untouchable.

> "Hello, Miss," Mike said, bowing awkwardly.

> "Oh? What a well-mannered boy," Scarlett said, smiling gently. "Come. Sit with me."

He shuffled over, eyes wide, and took a seat beside her. Her gown shimmered under the crystal chandelier. She studied him closely, as if searching for something invisible.

> "Miss, where's my brother?" he asked curiously.

> "Ah, Cathan?" she replied, setting down her teacup. "He's doing his rounds. He'll be here soon. Meanwhile, enjoy some tea and cookies."

Mike picked up the delicate porcelain cup and took a sip. His eyes lit up.

> "Ummm! This is amazing!"

> "Really?" Scarlett smiled softly. "Then I'll make sure you always have it whenever you visit."

> "You talk like my brother. Are you two a couple?" he asked innocently.

Scarlett choked, coughing into her napkin. Mike hurried to hand her a tissue.

> "Would you be okay if I dated your brother?" she asked, half-teasing.

> "Of course!" Mike said with a big grin. "A woman like you is way out of his league. But if you like him, he'd be the luckiest guy in the world."

Scarlett laughed—an unguarded, genuine laugh just as the door opened and Cathan walked in, eyebrows raised.

> "Brother!" Mike exclaimed. "We were just talking about you."

> "Yeah, I heard everything," Cathan said, amused.

> "I was just telling the truth!"

> "Mike is very intelligent," Scarlett added with a smirk. "I really like him."

> "Already turning against me?" Cathan asked with mock offense.

> "That's because you didn't let me go on the trip with my friends!" Mike huffed.

> "I said you're not going. Final," Cathan replied firmly.

> "But—!"

> "Let him go," Scarlett interrupted, her voice calm but firm.

> "What?"

> "Trust me," she said softly. "Let him go."

There was a pause. Cathan sighed in defeat.

> "Fine… but be careful."

> "YES!" Mike cheered. "Miss, my brother really likes you if he listened to you that easily!"

> "Really, Cathan?" Scarlett teased, tilting her head.

Cathan blushed and looked away. Mike groaned dramatically.

> "Ew, stop flirting in front of me!"

Scarlett couldn't help but laugh.

Night – Scarlett's Chamber

Mike had gone home, and the air felt heavier.

> "Why did you ask me to let him go?" Cathan asked.

> "Because I'm going too," Scarlett said. "I want to be close when it happens. I want to help him."

> "Then I'll go with you."

> "Fine. But keep your distance. Don't interfere."

> "Are you sure? You're not mistaken?"

> "I'm very sure. I sae him up close today."

> "I don't know what to do anymore…"

> "Don't worry," Scarlett whispered. "We'll find a way."

Days Later – Mountain Trail

The sun was high and the wind crisp as Mike and his friends hiked a scenic mountain trail. Laughter echoed as they snapped selfies and chased each other along the rocky path.

From far behind, Scarlett and Cathan watched—hidden, cautious.

Clouds began to gather. Thunder growled in the distance.

The sudden downpour caught the hikers off guard. Mike's cap flew off in the wind. He chased after it, laughing, until—

> He slipped near the edge of the cliff.

> "Scarlett…" Cathan's voice was tight. "It's happening."

And then—

Time froze.

Scarlett stood still, mid-reach. Cathan blinked—and vanished from the trail.

Chamber of the Old Lady

Cathan appeared in a place that smelled of incense and time. The old lady sat calmly at her table, gazing into a silver bowl.

> "Ma'am! Mike is in danger!" he shouted.

> "And it's time for you to decide."

> "Decide what?"

> "I told you long ago… follow your heart, not just your mind."

> "That's why I'm here! That's why I chose Scarlett!"

> "Then why are you repeating your old mistake?"

> "What mistake?"

> "You swore to find her in every lifetime—even if it meant defying the heavens."

Cathan's breath caught.

> "How do you know about that dream…?"

> "It wasn't a dream."

> "Then… did you take her away?"

> "Maybe. And I will again if you meddle with fate."

> "Mike is my brother. I can't let him die."

> "Then someone else will."

> "What?"

> "If you save him… Scarlett dies."

Cathan stumbled back, horrified.

> "You can't do this—"

> "Oh, but I can. And I will."

She raised her hand.

In a flash, Cathan stood again on the familiar hill—the very place from his recurring dream. He stared in disbelief.

> "This is… my dream?"

> "It was real," her voice echoed. "This is the day you challenged me. The day you defied death."

> "I don't understand…"

> "Tell me, Elvin—how did you open the gates of the afterlife?"

> "I… don't know."

> "A mere human couldn't do that. So what are you really doing here… in the human world?"

Cathan stood frozen, the truth hanging in the silence.

The old woman narrowed her eyes.

> "So… what will it be? Your brother's life? Or Scarlett's existence?"

His breath hitched. His fists trembled. The weight of fate pressed down on him like never before.

TO BE CONTINUED...