Chapter Text
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🌤 Morning — Safehouse Kitchen
The sunlight was too soft for the storm brewing inside.
Orm moved quietly, spooning coffee into the filter, her eyes scanning the window like a soldier waiting for war.
Ling hadn't come back to the bedroom last night.
She hadn’t even texted.
But Orm didn’t chase her this time. No—this time, she was done being the one kept in the dark.
“You only run from what you're afraid to face,” Orm murmured to herself.
And right now, she was done letting Ling hide.
🔍 Jet’s Lab — 9:20 AM
“You’re early,” Jet said, spinning in his chair. “Usually takes two blackmail threats and a dead body to get you here.”
“Funny,” Orm replied, dropping her phone on his desk. “I want to know what Ling’s hiding.”
Jet blinked.
“You're serious?”
Orm’s voice was steady, but her eyes gleamed like glass just before it shattered.
“She knows who’s behind the stalker. She knows why he’s targeting me. And she knows exactly how deep this goes. But she keeps... shielding me instead of letting me in.”
Jet scratched his head.
“She’s scared.”
“Of what? Me?”
Jet looked up.
“Of losing you.”
🔥 Training Room — 11:47 AM
The thudding sounds of fists against sand echoed through the safehouse.
Ling was alone—gloved hands punching into the heavy bag with vicious rhythm. Her tank top clung to her skin, and sweat glistened down her spine.
She didn’t notice Orm until the door clicked shut behind her.
Orm stood still, arms folded, watching silently.
Ling paused.
“Came to spar?”
“No,” Orm said. “I came to fight.”
That made Ling turn—really look.
Orm's tone was too calm. Her face, too still.
“You kissed me. You held me. And then you vanished like I meant nothing.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Isn’t it?” Orm stepped forward, gaze sharp. “Tell me the truth, Ling. Why did you really agree to this marriage?”
Ling pulled off her gloves slowly, eyes unreadable.
“I gave you an answer.”
“And I didn’t believe it.”
Orm’s voice cracked.
“You know who's behind this. The stalker. The threats. My family. Your past. You’re threading all of it together and you won’t tell me. Why?”
“Because the minute you know,” Ling said quietly, “you’ll realize marrying me was the biggest mistake of your life.”
A silence fell.
Orm’s expression didn’t shift.
“Then let it be my mistake.”
Ling blinked.
“What?”
Orm walked up, slow and fearless, until they were toe-to-toe.
“I’m not made of glass. I don’t need protection. I need honesty. So stop shielding me like I’m a porcelain doll.”
“I’m trying to keep you alive.”
“You don’t get to make that choice alone.”
Orm reached out—and placed her palm flat against Ling’s chest.
“You think I don’t see the war inside you? I do. I feel it, every time you touch me like you’re afraid I’ll disappear.”
Ling closed her eyes. Her voice came out hoarse.
“There are things I’ve done... things you won’t forgive.”
“Try me.”
💾 Flashback File – Unlocked
That night, Ling gave her the file.
A USB drive. No words. Just a look that said: You asked. Don’t hate me for answering.
Orm watched it in silence.
Surveillance footage. Audio. Transcripts. From years ago.
Her father. A hidden syndicate.
And Ling—barely 19—breaking into a warehouse, saving a little girl, torching the place. A name whispered over and over: “Project Kharma.”
A list of names. Bribes. Deaths. Her father’s signature at the bottom of a leaked contract.
Orm didn’t cry.
But when the video ended, she whispered:
“So that’s why you married me.”
Ling nodded.
“To get to your father.”
“And now?”
Ling met her gaze, raw and trembling.
“Now... I don’t know.”
Orm stood.
“Then decide.”
Ling flinched.
Orm stepped close, tilting her chin up.
“Decide if I’m just collateral damage... or someone you want to burn the world with.”
Ling whispered:
“I want you.”
Orm leaned in, brushing her lips over Ling’s—
But stopped.
“Then earn me.”
She walked out, leaving Ling stunned, breathless, and suddenly terrified that maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t the one holding the power anymore.
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*[ End of Chapter ]*
☆ U.A 💜