The next morning...
Ace wakes with a start, sunlight creeping through the blinds, a soft glow casting over the room.
Jun is curled beside him, his arm draped possessively across Ace's waist.
The closeness feels uncomfortable, yet Ace chooses to let himself to stay still, breathing evenly, pretending everything is fine.
Inside, the war rages.
His thoughts are a swirling storm—Kieran, the severed bond, and the weight of Jun's unwavering devotion.
He pushes it all down, locking it away as he eases out of Jun's hold, careful not to wake him.
By the time Jun stirs and joins Ace in the kitchen, Already leaning against the counter, sipping coffee like it's any other day.
"You're up early," Jun says, yawning as he shuffles in.
Ace smiles, the gesture light but practiced. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd get a head start."
Jun nods, pouring himself a cup of coffee. His eyes linger on Ace, soft and probing, but Ace doesn't falter. He won't let Jun see the cracks.
As they sit down to breakfast, Jun's tone shifts, casual but tinged with curiosity. "So, now that things are settling, have you thought about going back to school? Joining college? You said you wanted to before all… this."
Ace freezes, his fork hovering over his plate. School. A semblance of normalcy. The life he'd imagined with Jun before everything went sideways.
He forces a smile, shaking his head. "Not yet. I think I need to deal with everything first—all these Lila problem. It's all still… a lot."
That's not the real reason though.
Jun frowns slightly, but he nods. "That makes sense. I just thought… well, now that things are easier, maybe you'd want to start planning for the future again."
Easier.
The word tastes bitter.
Jun shifts the conversation, his tone more tentative. "My dad's been asking when I'm coming home. He keeps saying the house is too big for him alone, he says we should go. I didn't know when to tell you , you know, with everything that has been going on."
Ace's breath catches. He wasn't expecting this.
"You mean your dad's house?"
"Not his house. Our house." Jun smiles faintly. "I left because I wanted to be with you, alone, in our house."
He pauses, his gaze searching Ace's face. "Now I think maybe it's better to go back. I feel bad for abandoning him, he's alone."
Ace's stomach twists. The idea of moving into a place with Jun and his father sounds too official —settling down, sharing a life—should feel comforting.
But it doesn't.
It feels like a cage, locking him in a reality he isn't sure he wants anymore.
He forces himself to speak, keeping his voice steady. "I don't think I can, Jun. At least, not yet."
Jun's brow furrows. "Why not?"
"I've been working with someone," Ace lies, the words rolling off his tongue before he can second-guess them. "A mentor, for my powers. They're helping me control everything, teaching me how to use them without losing myself. I'm supposed to live with them for a while. It's part of the training."
Jun studies him, his expression unreadable. "You never mentioned a mentor."
"It's new," Ace says quickly. "I met them recently. They're… intense, but they know what they're doing."
Jun leans back in his chair, his arms crossed. "So what are you saying? You want me to move back home alone?"
"No," Ace says softly. "I'll visit. I just… I can't move in right now. Not with everything going on."
Jun looks away, disappointment flickering in his eyes. "I don't want to push you, Ace. I just thought maybe we could start fresh, you know? But if this is what you need…"
"It is," Ace says firmly, hating how easily the lie slips out. "I need this, Jun. Just for now."
The silence stretches between them until Jun sighs, running a hand through his hair. "It's about that witch , isn't it? Why don't we work on her just Once and for all? If everything ends about her and the dangers then maybe you will relax and decide to settle for once. I don't know what that kieran is thinking, but we should end this as soon as possible."
Ace stiffens at the name, his mind instantly flashing to Kieran.
"We need to talk to him," Jun says, his voice resolute. "We need to figure out the next step and end this. If you give that witch more time then she will be accumulating her evil powers again."
"Yeah," he says after a beat, his voice tight. "We should."
-
Later that evening, they drive to Kieran's mansion.
The ride is quiet, tension hanging thick in the air.
Ace stares out the window, his thoughts a tangled mess of emotions he doesn't dare untangle.
When they arrive, the sight of the sprawling estate sends a shiver down his spine.
It's just as imposing as he remembers—dark, regal, and unyielding.
Jun parks the car, glancing at Ace. "You okay?"
Ace nods, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Let's just get this over with."
At the gate, they are opened for, no questions. The guards seem happy to see Ace. And even Jun who they haven't seen for a while.
As Ace and Jun step out and approach the massive double doors, Ace's heart pounds in his chest.
He has no idea why__is it because now something is different between him and kieran?!
Or is it because nothing feels different from how he used to feel when he had the bond.
Every step feels heavier, like the mansion itself is pulling him in.
Passing the hallways until they get to Kieran's study where they've been informed he is.
The door opens before they can knock.
Kieran stands there, his presence commanding and magnetic as always. But even so , he looks tired , like he has been fighting something. Like he hasn't slept for days.
His gaze lands on Ace, and for a moment, the world feels still.
Before he turns to Jun for a second then to Ace,,
"You are here," He addresses both of them, but his eyes on Ace, his voice low, laced with something Ace can't quite place.
Jun steps forward, breaking the moment. "We need to talk. About Lila. We should end this."
Kieran's eyes don't leave Ace, but he nods. "Come in."
The air inside the mansion is thick with power, a tangible force that sets Ace's nerves on edge. He follows Jun and Kieran in the study, his chest tight with anticipation.
Ace wants to ask if Kieran knows that the bond is gone, but he doesn't know where to start.
All he does is sit there, lost in his thoughts and all he can feel is Kieran's presence, all-consuming and inescapable.
And for the first time, Ace realizes the truth he's been running from: the bond may be gone, but Kieran is still there, etched into his very being.
And he doesn't know if he'll ever be free from this person who doesn't seem to even acknowledge him right now.