But John didn't move.
Instead, he stepped forward.
“For my wife, I’m willing to give up everything, but that doesn’t mean I’ll make a foolish sacrifice.”
His voice was calm and steady. “Just because you were betrayed, you think all men are liars and all love is fake. You hide in this dark cave, but what are you really running from?”
A flicker of surprise passed through the Hag's eyes.
“I don't know what you're talking about!”
John didn't reply.
He continued to slowly advance towards her. “Everything I’ve told you is true. For my wife, I’d give up everything, including my life.”
He stopped right in front of her, his eyes full of emotion, radiating an irresistible presence.
His piercing, unyielding gaze made the Hag freeze for a moment.
His eyes were sharp, firm, and fearless.
“As long as I see my wife safe with my own eyes, you can take my life if you want it.”
The Hag's face darkened.
“Why sho
Inside the cave.The Hag sat listlessly next to a tattered bronze mirror, her gnarled face reflected in its tarnished surface. Her lips trembled as she stared at the grotesque image before her. With a sudden snap, she slapped the mirror down onto the table, as if to suppress the painful memories it evoked.Every glance at her own face reminded her of the deep betrayal she had suffered.Her lover, Poma, had betrayed her.She remembered how her father had disapproved of their relationship. She had threatened to end her own life, leaving her father with no choice but to relent. On their wedding day, her father gave her a pot of flowers, saying that this "Heart's Desire" could test a person’s true feelings. He wanted Poma to water it with his own blood to prove his sincerity.But she couldn’t bear to see her beloved hurt. She trusted the sweet promises he made, so much so that she taught him the long-lost secrets of voodoo medicine herself.And
Xavier was furious: ... Like I want to beg you, you jerk!In reality, they didn’t have any kind of romantic relationship at all!Xavier screamed internally, but the more anxious he got, the worse his stuttering became, and he couldn’t manage a single coherent sentence.Just when he felt like he was about to explode and punch this infuriating guy, John spoke up.He cast a glance at Mitbahl. “What are you doing here?”“Uh, I was worried little Thomas might wet the bed, so I brought him out to go to the bathroom. I didn’t expect to overhear your conversation with... with Xavier.”Xavier looked at him.Wow, he sure changed his tune fast.For some reason, seeing Mitbahl's quick change in attitude left him feeling...a bit unsettled.Mitbahl blinked and stared at the thing in John's hand, exclaiming in surprise.“Boss, is that a... a pebble in that 'Heart's Desire' flowerpot!?”He frowned deeply.“I
Diana’s tone shifted as she cleared her throat.“Since Doctor Myers said the baby is fully developed and can come out now, do you think I should choose a good day and have him come out early?”“No.”John’s refusal was immediate.He knew what she was thinking.She was worried—worried she might not make it to the day of delivery.She wanted to ensure the baby was safe first.But that wasn’t an option.Her health was already fragile, and a premature delivery could be dangerous.“Just five more days.”John’s voice crackled through a burst of static.The signal on his end seemed to be deteriorating.Diana asked, “What’s in five days? Are you coming back?”“Yes… I’m coming back… and you just…”More static followed, and the call dropped.Diana tried calling back a few times, but the signal was completely gone.She sighed softly.It seemed the rain had indeed affected the s
“Being turned into a Voodoo Lwa by your own father, not much of a future left for you. Don’t you hate him?”Ivana slowly pressed the candy into the Hag’s hand, her expression calm. “Of course I hate him... But now they’re all dead. What’s the point of holding onto that hate forever? Besides, I’ve realized that life isn’t just filled with bitterness; it can be sweet too.”Ivana squinted her eyes, thinking of Jacob, a soft, tender look overtaking her gaze.The Hag let out a cold, dismissive snort.“You’re running out of time yourself, and yet you’re still so optimistic.”Ivana hesitated, lowering her head without a word. She knew all too well that as a Voodoo Lwa, her days were numbered.“Take this.”A sudden cold voice broke the silence. Ivana turned to see the Hag holding a small vial out to her.“What’s this?” Ivana asked, a note of surprise in her voice.“Take one pill a day,” the Hag said, her face remaining stony and
The Hag's once-clouded eyes were now shining with disbelief.“It’s blooming… do you see that… am I dreaming?!”John lowered his gaze.He spoke softly.“Yes, I see it.”In the center of the dark soil, a small green shoot had emerged.It was like a faint light in the endless darkness, symbolizing a glimmer of hope.The Hag held the flower pot, muttering to herself.“How is this possible… Is there really true love in the world? How could this flower bloom…”“I... I’ve waited a hundred years, a hundred years…”She seemed almost delirious, rambling incoherently.Jackson stepped forward, his face lighting up with joy.“Now that the Heart’s Desire has bloomed, does that mean you'll keep your promise and come down the mountain with us to save those people?”The Hag seemed not to hear him. She cradled the flower, mumbling incoherently to herself. Suddenly, to everyone’s surprise, two tears slid down he
Carl’s eyes glinted, and he snapped the laptop shut with a decisive click. A cold smile spread across his face. "I knew it... She couldn’t stay loyal for long."Lowering his head, a dangerous light flickered in his eyes. "Betraying me has dire consequences."Doom asked, "Boss, what’s the plan?""She’s just a pawn. Her life was in my hands from the start. If she won’t obey, there’s no point in keeping her around." Carl glanced at Doom. "You know where the male Voodoo insect is. Kill her."...After narrowly escaping the mudslide, John and his team found themselves safe and sound. The torrential rain that had plagued them suddenly ceased, and the sky cleared, revealing a bright rainbow. It seemed like a sign that things were finally looking up.They started their descent down the mountain. Ivana, soaked from the rain, was feeling a bit under the weather, so Mitbahl carried her on his back. Despite her cold and dizziness, Ivana was in high spir
Meanwhile, on the other end, Diana put down the phone, her face pale and covered in sweat. She clutched her belly, looking as white as a sheet."Goddamn it... This hurts like hell!"She had woken up that morning with a severe nosebleed that wouldn't stop. Even after going to the hospital, the bleeding persisted. Then, the stomach pains began, growing more intense by the minute. At seven months pregnant, she feared she might be going into labor prematurely.Jacob stood nearby, his face etched with worry. "Dr. Myers, what's going on? She used to stop bleeding pretty quickly. Now she's in so much pain. Is the baby going to be okay?""Don't worry, I'm running some tests," Dr. Myers said, but his anxious expression betrayed his words. He and several other doctors crowded around Diana, looking anything but calm.Diana bit her lip, gripping the hospital bed's rail so hard that her knuckles turned white. "It hurts so bad!"With a fierce cry, she yan
Yosef had been keeping tabs on Diana’s situation through some contacts. Yesterday, he received news that her health had taken a turn for the worse. Mr. Nelson then sent Kirin to find out the truth. No sooner had Kirin arrived than he saw Diana being rushed into the emergency room. What timing.Misoup looked puzzled.“Why are you so concerned about our Madam?”Kirin: … I don’t give a damn! I’m being forced to care!Just as Kirin was about to respond, a man walked briskly towards them from the hospital entrance. It was Jacob. His gaze fell on Kirin, scrutinizing him for a moment before turning to Misoup.“What’s going on?” Jacob asked.Misoup shook his head. “I’m not sure,” he said, frowning. “He seems like he’s looking for trouble. Maybe we should just deal with him now.”Kirin: …“I’m not here to cause trouble. I just need to know how Diana is doing so I can report back to Mr. Nelson. Come on, we’re all just working stiffs. Let