Mrs. Cho hadn’t stepped inside the mansion yet. Now that Ayane and Dean were safe, she had to move fast — there was still a chance to save Daiki before it was too late.

She pulled out her phone and dialed someone she trusted more than most.
The line barely rang twice before a rough, strong voice answered.

“Yes?”

Mrs. Cho let out a tight breath, relieved he’d picked up so quickly.
No time for pleasantries.

“Kazan…” She pinched the bridge of her nose, fighting the headache pounding behind her eyes.
“Send the strongest men you have to the restaurant. Now.”

Kazan didn’t need details. If Madam Cho called for backup, it meant blood was already on the floor.

He replied respectfully, without hesitation. “We’re already on our way, Madam. Don’t worry.”

Mrs. Cho could hear the faint noise in the background — men gathering, weapons loading.

There was only one thing left to say.
“Bring Daiki back alive, Kazan.”

A pause. Then his voice, low with determination:
“Understood. Please wait for my call, Madam.”

He said it to stop her from doing anything reckless — because Kazan knew one truth above all: Mrs. Cho cherished Daiki and couldn’t afford to lose him.

Kazan turned to his men, fury blazing in his eyes.
“Let’s move.”

Back at the mansion, Mrs. Cho’s restless pacing only grew worse.

She trusted Kazan but couldn’t sit still — her eyes kept flicking between Ayane, resting fitfully on the living room sofa, and Dean, still unconscious and feverish on the sofa they’d prepared for him.

Her thoughts raced. A thousand worst-case scenarios clawed at her resolve. 

She was about to grab her coat and storm out when her phone rang.

She snatched it up — panic clamped tight around her ribs.

“Madam…” Kazan’s voice came through, low and reluctant. “I’m sorry.”

Those two words made her knees buckle. She sank into the nearest chair, heartbeat thundering in her ears.

Kazan continued, grim.
“There were bodies everywhere, inside and outside the restaurant — but no trace of Daiki.”

Mrs. Cho pressed a trembling hand on the chair arm. Beneath her fear, rage brewed.

“However…” Kazan added. “We did find one man alive. We’re bringing him to you now.”

At that, a spark of cold fury snapped inside her.

“Take him to Akimitsu’s house. I’ll be there shortly.”

There was a short silence — then Kazan’s simple reply:
“Yes, Madam.”

He knew what would happen at Akimitsu’s place. Everyone did. The poor fool they’d caught might have survived the restaurant — but he wouldn’t survive the Madam’s wrath.

Mrs. Cho hung up, exhaling through her teeth like a dragon ready to burn everything down. She barked orders at the maids to watch Ayane and Dean. Then she was gone — a storm in human form.

Inside the quiet room they left behind, the only sound was the ticking clock and unknown thoughts brewing.

Even half-conscious, Dean’s mind was stuck on one thing: Daiki.

Sweat clung to his skin, cold and clammy. His brows twitched, his body shivered like he was trapped in a nightmare he couldn’t escape.

Ayane, dozing on the sofa beside him, jolted upright when she heard him whispering.

At first, she didn’t catch it — just a broken mumble. She stood and felt her way to him.

Her hands found his trembling shoulders — fever burning through his shirt.

She was about to call for help — but then she froze.

Dean’s cracked whisper scraped through the silence.

“…I’m sorry… Daiki… wait…”

A single tear, mixed with cold sweat, slipped down his cheek.

Ayane stiffened, her unseeing eyes widening, head tilting as if she could see him through the dark.

Ayane’s heart twisted — worry tangled with suspicion.

Who is this man? Why does he call Daiki’s name with such… sorrow?

His voice felt too familiar. Strangely tender.

Her sightless eyes narrowed, gaze fixed on him. A chill crept through her bones.

Far away — through miles of darkness in an abandoned warehouse, Daiki jolted awake — as if that whispered name had found him across the dark.

His vision blurred, adjusting to the cold, dim light filtering through broken windows. Pain stabbed behind his temples — but his mind was sharp. Calculating.

Before he could move, a voice drifted from the shadows.

Calm. Cold. Echoing like a ghost in the emptiness.

“You’re awake? Good.”

TO BE CONTINUED ....

🌸Author’s Note:
Not every secret stays buried forever — some drift in the dark, waiting for the right breath to bring them back to life. Mrs. Cho’s hunt is far from over, and Daiki’s name will echo where you least expect it. Thank you for staying close, for reading between the shadows with me. Tell me… what do you think is waiting in the dark?

See you in the next chapter.

🐇་༘࿐ ٍSeraph ࣪˖ ִֶָ🐇་༘࿐