-Jackie/SangHoon (Past Life)-
"Do you remember the promise you made me, Sang Hoon?"
Arin was lying on his lap. He didn't want to answer her question.
"My time is near. Everyone has a purpose in this life. If I fail mine, not just this world but all universes will be in danger. Don't try to stop fate."
He clenched his fists in anger.
"You can't marry the Emperor, Arin. Humans have only harmed you. If you come with me, we can protect you. We're not as weak as mortals."
"This world isn't just about you or me, Sang Hoon. I can't let you act recklessly."
Arin stood up. "This is the last time we meet. I forbid you from coming here again."
"You can't push me away, Arin."
"I've already made my decision. Take care of yourself."
-Present / Aera's Perspective-
Jackie had been quiet all morning. Cho Hee had cornered Aera early and tried to learn every single detail about what happened the night before. Because of that, Aera hadn't had a chance to speak to Jackie properly. But now, finally, they were alone.
"I'm listening."
Jackie didn't even realize she was there. "You're here? I didn't notice."
"I saw you were lost in thought. Now I want you to tell me what's been bothering you—from the very beginning."
Though he hesitated at first, eventually he agreed to talk.
...
-Heavenly Kingdom / Sang Hoon-
"General!"
The God of War—also his older brother and the chief general of the Sky Kingdom—called out to him with a subtle smile.
"There's no one else around. You can speak freely, little brother."
"It's been a long time since I called you 'brother.' It feels strange."
"You're finally entering the palace. I can't stay the God of War forever. I need someone I trust to take over. Now that you've made it into the palace, I can rest easier."
Sang Hoon didn't feel as cheerful as Ji Hoo. He'd spent countless years fighting for the Kingdom. Now, he'd been personally summoned by the Emperor. Though it wasn't officially announced, Ji Hoo was certain he would be promoted.
"If you're ready, the Emperor is waiting."
The Emperor sat in his grand hall, surrounded by servants. The hundreds of eyes watching Sang Hoon made him uneasy.
"My Lord," both brothers bowed.
"Sang Hoon! You've served the kingdom loyally for many years. You've made your family proud."
Ji Hoo looked pleased by the words.
"Your dedication will not go unrewarded. But…"
But? The brothers exchanged glances. This wasn't expected.
"There is one final task."
"At your command, my Lord."
"What do you know about the priestesses?"
Priestesses? Why that question now? When Sang Hoon looked at Ji Hoo, he saw his brother's jaw tighten. He clearly didn't like where this was going.
"They were all killed after the Great War."
"Correct. And how were they born?"
"They're the children of a mortal and a divine spirit."
"Exactly. Then why is one of them currently in the Haeng Dynasty? Let me tell you—someone from my kingdom broke the law and went to the human realm. Who? That's part of your mission.
Your second task: watch the priestess. The Emperor guards her well—find out why. I couldn't entrust this to anyone else. I know you won't disappoint me."
"I will not fail you, my Lord."
As soon as they left, Ji Hoo pulled Sang Hoon aside.
"Don't take unnecessary risks. I'll look into this myself."
"You're making decisions for me again. That's getting old."
"This isn't about trust. You were just a child during the Great War. If there's a priestess involved, that means the cursed spirits are involved too. We had to kill our own because of them."
"I understand your concerns. But I've fought long enough to trust myself. The Emperor chose me for a reason. Now if you'll excuse me."
Without waiting for an answer, Sang Hoon left. To observe the priestess, he had to go to Earth. It had been forbidden since the Great War, but he had the Emperor's permission. Still, he could only go during the day—when cursed spirits hid in the shadows.
He rushed to the archives. Who could the priestess's parent be? Only gods could travel freely without the Emperor's permission. After days of reading divine activity logs, he found nothing.
Then it struck him—Goddess of Earth, Toyang.
She often traveled across the universe, bringing soil and seeds back to her greenhouse. She wasn't the rebellious type, but she did disappear for long stretches. Time enough for childbirth. Luckily, she had recently returned. He could question her soon.
...
By dawn, Sang Hoon had arrived on Earth. Everything looked so different from his world. He reached the palace easily—humans couldn't see him—but the building was enormous. He couldn't search every room before dark.
Wandering the corridors, he overheard two servants.
"Leave the food at her door and don't linger. The Emperor strictly ordered us not to look her in the eye—penalty is death."
One of them held a tray. Sang Hoon followed them.
Two guards stood outside the priestess's locked room. Why was she treated like a prisoner?
She wasn't inside. There was a small garden outside her room. He stepped into it—and found her.
A girl sat under a tree, eyes blindfolded. As soon as he stepped forward, she turned toward him.
"You're not human."
"No."
"Strange… you're not a cursed spirit either."
"I'm not."
She stood up. Wind stirred the leaves, clouds gathering above.
"It's cold. Shall we talk inside?"
As she walked, the wind blew her blindfold off. They locked eyes for the first time.
"The Emperor makes me wear that. But cursed spirits can't approach me during the day—you already know that."
"Do you know who I am?"
"I know you're not evil."
"You can't be sure."
She smiled, sat down, and began eating the food left by the servant.
"How long have you been here?"
"Since I can remember."
"No family?"
"No one."
He wasn't getting any useful information.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help more."
"Why live like a prisoner? You have power—you could escape."
She placed her spoon down.
"This is the only place I can call home. If I run, soldiers will chase me. At least here I have food and a bed."
Why did she answer all his questions so openly?
"Because you're the first to speak to me face-to-face."
"Can you read my mind?"
She nodded. "I know why you're here. But I wanted to hear you ask. I've been silent so long… I feared I'd forgotten how to talk."
"I've never heard of a priestess with psychic abilities this strong."
"I can show you."
She leaned close. Their faces were inches apart.
"Look into my eyes."
He obeyed—and saw the entire universe.
Such power could destroy worlds if misused. Maybe that's why the Emperor kept her so close.
He had to leave soon but had gained little.
"I must go."
"Please come again. I'd like to talk more. I'm Arin."
"Sang Hoon."
"See you."
...
Back in the Heavenly Kingdom, Sang Hoon couldn't stop thinking. Arin was clearly being used—but for what?
A few days later, he returned.
Arin was in bed. She looked pale and feverish.
"Arin?"
She opened her eyes and smiled weakly.
"You came. I've been waiting."
He helped her sit up. Her meal was untouched. He fed her until she looked slightly better.
"How did you end up like this?"
She didn't answer. He pulled up her sleeve—bruises covered her arms.
"If you don't tell me, you'll die."
"The Emperor… he uses me to contact dark spirits at night."
She hesitated but kept speaking.
"Some spirits try to possess me. They hurt me when they fail. The Emperor thinks they'll help him gain power."
Sang Hoon grabbed her hand.
"You can't stay here. You're semi-immortal. You can live in the Heavenly Kingdom."
"I can't go there. You know why."
She was right. The priestesses had been killed by the Kingdom. They'd do the same to her.
"Thank you for caring. No one's ever worried about me before. It feels… nice. I wish I could feel it every day. But I can't leave. The only thing you can give me is your friendship."
She gave him a pendant. "This is all I have from my family. I hope it helps. Don't come back. It's not safe anymore."
"Don't talk like you're dying."
"I won't die yet. I'm just trying to keep you safe. You have to leave before nightfall."
She forced herself to stand.
"See? I'm fine. Now go."
He left, heart heavy.
...
In his room, he stared at the pendant. The symbol looked familiar—but it didn't match any divine families. Goddess Toyang was no longer a suspect.
He couldn't bring Arin to the Heavenly Kingdom. It would endanger her and his family. But the palace was killing her slowly.
Despite all the pain she'd suffered, she still seemed innocent. He couldn't stand it. He had no way to protect her.
He'd seen so much war and death, but nothing hurt like this.
Then he remembered Ji Hoo.
"Can I trust him?"
"Trust who?"