VIOLET

"Is it due to my blindness?" Violet asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Yes," Violet answered promptly, "Deceiving you was effortless since you couldn't see." Kian acknowledged with a slight bow, "I should've realized that earlier, but I won't let them kill you. I gave you my word." Reaching for the holy sword, Violet took a step back. Kian watched, puzzled by her actions. "Your vow doesn't matter. I'd rather take my own life than fall into your hypocritical hands!" "How do you think your aunt would react if she knew you were doing this to yourself?" Violet faltered, momentarily at a loss for words. "Bu-But... how?" In her distraction, Kian seized the opportunity, gently capturing her right arm and guiding her away from the edge. He placed a crystal in her palm, "Go. This will lead you to safety." She hesitated, "But—" Her protest was cut short by Kian's gentle peck on her lips. "I swear, you won't be harmed," he whispered, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Didn't you say that's how outsiders seal promises?" Violet's lips quivered, her grip on the crystal uneven. She couldn't comprehend his actions. "You're blind... how can you...?" She felt her resolve crumbling. "Off you go then. Our paths will cross again when fate draws us together," he said, a smile tugging at his lips, causing her heart to race with conflicting emotions. With a heavy heart, she turned to leave, whispering, "I'm sorry."