Parallel Hearts

Blood And Echos

The Warning

The fire in Jiwon’s chambers had burned low when the knock came—three sharp raps, then silence.

Jiwon’s hand went to his sword before the sound faded.

Sung sat up straighter, the journal about Yohan slipping from his lap. "You’re expecting someone?"

"No." Jiwon moved like shadow, pressing Sung back into the chair with a firm hand on his shoulder. "Stay here."

The door opened to reveal a young guard, pale and shaking. "Your Grace—the east gate—"

A dagger sprouted from his throat.

Jiwon yanked Sung down as another blade whistled over their heads, embedding itself in the wall.

"He’s here," Jiwon growled, his breath hot against Sung’s ear.

The Chase

They ran through torchlit corridors, Jiwon’s grip like iron around Sung’s wrist. Behind them, footsteps echoed—too light, too fast.

"Armory," Jiwon snapped, shoving Sung toward a heavy oak door. "Take a sword and don’t hesitate."

Sung stumbled into the weapon-strewn room just as Jiwon whirled to meet their pursuer.

Steel rang against steel.

Kang Yohan laughed as he pressed Jiwon back, their blades locked. "Did you miss me?"

Up close, the resemblance was terrifying. Same sharp jaw, same dark eyes—but where Sung’s gaze held warmth, Yohan’s was a predator’s.

Jiwon kicked him back with a snarl. "Like a rotten tooth."

Yohan’s grin widened as he spotted Sung. "Ah. The replacement."

Sung grabbed the nearest sword. "I’m nobody’s replacement."

The Dance of Blades

Yohan moved first—a blur of black leather and lethal grace.

Sung barely parried, the impact rattling his bones.

"Good reflexes," Yohan purred, circling him. "But he hasn’t taught you how to kill."

Jiwon lunged between them, their swords clashing in a shower of sparks. "Run, Sung!"

Sung didn’t. He feinted left like Jiwon had taught him and slashed upward.

Yohan dodged, but not fast enough—the tip of Sung’s blade grazed his cheek.

A thin line of red appeared.

Yohan touched it, then licked the blood from his fingers. "Oh," he murmured, eyes alight. "You’re interesting."

Jiwon attacked with a roar, forcing Yohan back toward the window.

The Confession

A misstep. A flash of steel.

Jiwon gasped as Yohan’s dagger found his side.

Sung saw red.

He didn’t remember moving—just the feel of his sword biting deep into Yohan’s shoulder, the hot spray of blood across his hands.

Yohan staggered back, laughing through gritted teeth. "Look at you. Becoming him."

Then he was gone, vanishing into the night like smoke.

Sung dropped to his knees beside Jiwon, hands trembling as he pressed them to the wound. "Why didn’t you let me die?"

Jiwon’s fingers curled around Sung’s wrist, smearing blood across his skin. "Because you’re the first real thing I’ve touched in years."

The words hung between them, raw and unguarded.

Then Jiwon’s eyes fluttered shut.

___ to be continued ___