In the center of the barren lands, the trio stood. Asher stood amidst them, preparing himself to deliver the devastating news of his perpetual torment in the abyss known as the Dark Trench. It was the price he had to pay for coming into the world as the so-called savior—the ever-powerful divine being meant to save everyone.
Asher looked at Jeremy and Rose, and he couldn't describe the pain clouding his heart. The fact that he would never see his beloved sister again, or the cruel twist of fate in which the guy he was falling so hard for was instead falling for his sister—it was a cruel irony, a devastating one that would forever scar him. He had poured his heart out to someone, only to be discarded like dog food. And now, that very same person was showing concern.
"Guys, I have something to tell you both this instant," Asher said solemnly, his voice heavy with emotion.
Rose turned to him, immediately sensing that something was off.
"Nadine—ugh, I can never get used to that name—Asher... okay, Asher, I hope there's no problem," Rose said, stepping forward and pulling him into a hug.
"I never thanked you for saving us back at the sea. Those dreadful creatures would have finished us, and look—my legs are better now, all thanks to you. Asher, you're amazing, a special person to us. Without you, I don't know what would have happened." Her emerald eyes shimmered with emotion.
Asher placed his hands on her shoulders. "It's okay. I would always do anything for you, Rose—even if it costs me my last breath."
But with that, Rose pulled him even closer, her eyes burrowing deep into his.
Jeremy, watching the two siblings silently, was battling his own internal conflict. He was torn. Rose had always been the girl he wanted—the one he had dreamed of having. But then there was Asher. The sexy, captivating guy who had driven him insane back in the Death Realm, who had saved him countless times, who had faced harrowing storms alongside him. Now, he was faced with a choice—who did he want to be involved with the most?
Rose, still holding onto Asher, turned serious. "I know you love me, Asher, but whatever you do, never sacrifice your freedom or life for me. I want you to live—to have a good and happy life. You never had a chance to do that. Your childhood was terrible. Your only real shot at life was during our last days at Paradise High. So, please, don't sacrifice yourself for anyone. For once, be selfish—for yourself."
Asher sighed and turned his back to Rose, tears welling up in his eyes. How could he tell her that she would never see him again? That his true nature as a divine being had put him in danger? It had been revealed to him that until he was reborn through fire and ashes, he would never be safe. Staying mortal would only subject him to unimaginable dangers. And, more than that, the future of the supernatural realm was hanging in the balance. Saving the last divine being—the Child of Light—was now the top priority.
Jeremy stepped forward and gently placed both his hands on Asher's face. "It's okay. We've survived this terror long enough. I can feel it in my bones—it's time to leave here. Forever."
But Asher couldn't take it anymore. He broke down, tears streaming down his face.
"No... I can't go with you guys. I'm bound here. Forever," Asher revealed, his voice cracking.
Rose felt her entire world shatter.
Jeremy's face froze, as if he had been struck by ice. He looked around at the lifeless environment surrounding them, his heart trembling. The thought of Asher being trapped here all alone was unbearable. It was a crushing blow.
"No, Asher! You're not doing this. We're getting out of this shithole. I don't care what promise you made," Jeremy insisted, his voice desperate. "Remember our promise? That we're in this together? We leave together. No one gets left behind. Please, let's go back. Let's finish school. Let's have the life we dreamed of."
"Yeah, Jimmy is right!" Rose added, her voice pleading. "You're not playing the role of the savior this time. Get your ass up, and let's get the fuck out of here!"
Asher was her only family left. Their parents had abandoned them. Their mother had never really cared—if she had, she wouldn't have sent them to that brutal school that had shattered her baby brother's innocence. She had separated them for a reason, but why? What had been her purpose?
Rose had never gotten the chance to truly be with her little brother. And now, just as he was finally getting to experience a normal high school life, he was about to be trapped here forever? No. No way.
"I'm sorry," Asher whispered, his voice barely audible. "But I made a sacrifice for you both. I had to stay with the Red Oak Tree. It's the only way to ensure my safety." His breath hitched as more tears fell. "I had to do it. I love you both so much. But realizing that I'll never get another chance to be with you hurts like hell. I can't take this..." He fell to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably.
Jeremy remained silent, still in shock. But what struck him most was what Rose had said—what exactly had Asher been through? What pain had scarred him so deeply?
And yet, despite everything, Asher had remained strong. He had endured a nightmare and still come out looking confident at Paradise High. That kind of strength was unimaginable.
And now, just as Jeremy was beginning to feel deeply connected to him, the damn Red Oak Tree wanted to take him away?
No. That wasn't happening.
"No, Asher! It can't end this way!" Jeremy shouted. "Why don't we run? If we run, we have a higher chance of escaping your fate!" His ember eyes burned with emotion, desperation, and sorrow.
But Asher had reached his limit. He couldn't allow Jeremy to confuse him any further. Maybe it was time to put an end to this once and for all.
"Rose, please... give us five minutes to talk. I beg of you," Asher said, turning toward his sister.
Rose hadn't expected the request. She looked at the two, sensing that something was off. But right now, she didn't care.
Her top priority was making sure her brother made it back to the human realm with them.