Dressed in shining armor, Lukas lay on the lush green grass. His suit of armor was crafted from high quality metal, fitting tightly to his body and offering great protection.
The armor covered his chest with a breastplate, his shoulders with decorative pauldrons, and his arms and wrists with beautifully adorned bracers. His legs were shielded with strong greaves, and his head was partially covered by a helmet, revealing only his sharp and striking eyes.
Yet, no matter how fine the quality of his armor, it could not protect him from death. Blood poured from a wound in his stomach caused by a sword strike. Strangely, despite dying, he felt a deep sense of happiness.
His wife's face, now fading and unclear, hovered above him. She called his name and begged him not to leave while sobbing uncontrollably. Still, Lukas did not feel sadness. He felt only peace and joy that words could not describe.
"You are safe now. You and our child will live peacefully. That demon will not hurt you again."
"How can I live peacefully if you are gone"
"In eternity, we are two souls forever drawn to each other. Like stars that shine in the sky, our love never fades. The injustice of this life will be repaid in the next. I swear, we will meet again no matter what."
"Yes, we will meet again. No matter how painful our story is, I will never hesitate to live it again. I love you so much. I will hold you to that promise. Even if I have to face that damn demon again, I will. I love you with all my heart."
Sandra woke up from her strange dream drenched in sweat. Beside her, Lukas sat with tired eyes, gently pressing a cold cloth to her forehead to ease the fever she had developed.
Sandra was frozen. Was the dream real Was she and Lukas truly bound by fate and a promise from a past life And if it was true, would Lukas die protecting her again
But why, in that dream, were there no clues about the demon hunting her It felt so unfair. She was even more terrified now. What if that dream was a warning
"You are awake" Lukas's voice startled her.
"Lukas..."
"Do not push yourself." Lukas gently stopped her when she tried to sit up. "You started muttering in your sleep last night. Then suddenly, you developed a high fever. What is bothering you What is going through your mind"
"I..."
"You kept whispering that a demon was chasing you. I did not realize how real your fear was. What can I do so you do not feel this scared anymore"
Tears welled in her eyes. She did not respond. If she told him the truth, would he believe her Could he accept that the soul inside his wife's body was not the real Sandra's She would be labeled insane.
"I will protect you no matter what. Even if it is a demon, I will fight it. I promise." Lukas pulled her into a hug. "I am sorry for underestimating your feelings. I have been awful to you."
"Let go, what are you doing" Sandra pushed him away. Lukas's words only made her more frightened. Especially after that dream which mirrored her current situation.
"You do not need to protect me. You said it yourself, it is just a myth. Maybe I overreacted."
Before Lukas could speak again, Sandra interrupted him with a new topic. "Lukas, I really want ice cream. Can you get some for me"
"I will ask my assistant to buy—"
"I want you to get it." She cut him off.
"Alright, but eat breakfast first." Lukas took a bowl of soup from the table. "It is still warm. Come on, finish it. You need nutrition for the pregnancy."
"Lukas, I do not mind if you want to marry Kayla. Let us just divorce peacefully." Sandra shifted the topic again. She did not know if it was the right choice, but if Lukas was meant to die because of her connection to the demon, she had to prevent it.
"Sandra..."
"Let us end this peacefully." She touched his face and looked deep into his eyes. "You have been holding back for so long, haven't you This marriage has made you suffer, right Let us end it. If I speak up, your parents will approve."
"I do not want a divorce. You do realize you are pregnant with my child"
"We can still raise the baby together even if we are divorced. Go after the love you have always talked about. Be happy with Kayla."
"I still do not want a divorce."
"This is your chance, Lukas."
"I am not letting you go. If you are mad about yesterday, I will leave Kayla now. I do not want us to separate. Let the marriage continue until maybe we can love each other someday."
"Do not be fake, Lukas. You are only doing this because of the baby."
"Exactly. Now that we have a child, what else do I need" Lukas cupped her face. "We are not getting divorced."
Sandra froze when he kissed her softly on the lips. There was no lust. Just sincerity. She should have been happy.
But if the dream was true, history must not repeat itself. She admitted she was falling in love with Lukas. And she did not want him to be hurt again. This time, she would sacrifice herself.
"Please, Lukas. Let us separate." She whispered through her tears.
"You love someone else Thomas You two meet often, right"
"Me See him often"
Lukas took out a photo from his jacket and carefully showed it to her. "Are you two in a relationship"
Sandra stared at the photo. Did the real Sandra have secrets she did not know about What was her connection with Thomas
"I—"
"You want to be with him"
"No way. Even if we divorce, I will not be with him. I will return to the village and start a new life."
"And I will not let that happen. You are mine. My wife. I will not let you go. Not even a step. And do not even think about custody. I will take it."
"We do not even love each other. What is the point"
"That was before you changed."
"What do you mean"
"I do not know why, but I like you now. You seem like a different person. I have fallen for this version of you."
Sandra's tears fell. Did that mean Lukas loved Alana Her real self Was her feeling right all along
"Nonsense."
"I will prove it. No matter what it takes."
"And no matter what, we must divorce."
"Then we will see who wins." Lukas challenged. "I will win your heart and make you love me again."
"You are admitting—"
"Yes. I love you. So much that it drives me crazy for ever doubting it. I love you deeply."
"But my love for you is gone. Just give up." Sandra resisted.
"I already told you. I will win you over." Lukas kissed her again, firmly, holding her in place. He tasted her sweetness with pride as he felt her slowly responding.
"Are you starting to melt for this handsome man Hmm Feels good, doesn't it" he teased while wiping the corner of her lips. Just as Sandra was about to speak, he sealed her mouth again with a deep kiss full of heat and passion.