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Chapter 3 - Whispers on the Terrace

it was a dark night And the Humans were occupied with their daily routines, completely unaware that among them walked two shadows who did not belong to this world at All

​In the heart of the city's largest shopping mall and most elite district, two men were walking. Seeing them, one would think they were looking at a set from a Hollywood Movie 

​Zavian had hidden his true terrifying aura and his horns. He had adopted an Eastern human appearance. Standing well over six

feet tall, his frame was broad and so perfectly fit that even the most expensive suit looked dull in comparison to him. His face

was carved like a marble statue a sharp nose, a strong jawline, and thick black hair that was artfully disheveled.

​But the most captivating part was his eyes. He had masked his natural blood. red eyes with a deep, dark brown hue, yet they still held a depth that could hypnotize anyone.

​He had changed his name to 'Zayan.'

​Walking right behind him was his loyal soldier, had also transformed his appearance into that of a sophisticated and

powerful bodyguard. His new name was 'Karan's eyes remained alert at every moment, as if he were ready to strike in an instant to protect his boss 

​"Zayan boss; Karan said softly, correcting his old habit. "Why are these people looking at us like this? Did we make a mistake in our transformation?"

​Zayan put his hands in his pockets and said without looking back, "No. Humans chase beauty and power. To them, we are exactly that."

​Indeed, girls passing by were losing their way. Some even pulled out their phones to capture a photo of this 'supermodel. like' man. However, Zayan's cold gaze gave them no courage to approach.

​The two needed a place to stay somewhere slightly away from the city's noise but still comfortable. They were standing outside a real estate office when they spotted a girl and a boy arguing.

​The girl's name was Alisha. She was modern, cheerful, and a bit clumsy. With her was her best friend younshu, a secretary of ZXMG company. 

​"younshu! I told you this flat is too expensive, we can't pay the rent alone!" Alisha was shouting.

​"Then what should I do, Alisha? We need a third roommate who is at least a little rich!" Younshu insisted stubbornly.

​Zayan (Zavian) signaled karan. (Kaelen) immediately approached them.

​"Excuse me," Karan's deep voice made both Alisha and younshu jump. "My boss needs a place to stay. Can you help?

​When Alisha turned around, her breath hitched. Zayan was standing right there. Alisha's eyes widened in shock.

"Oh my god... is he a human or an angel?" she whispered to herself.

​younshu was also surprised but quickly saw an opportunity. Yes! Yes, absolutely! We are looking for people to share a penthouse.

I'm younshu, and this is Alisha.

​Zayan (Zavian) gave a slight, mysterious smile. "I am Zayan. And this is my friend—closer than a brother. Karan. (Kaelen) We require a peaceful place."

​Alisha immediately extended her hand.

"Zayan? What a beautiful name! Our flat is near an old hill at the edge of the city; it's pure peace there. And we can split the rent!

​Within a few hours, Zayan and Karan had moved into the large penthouse with them. It was on the top floor of an old building, offering a view of the entire city.

​Alisha was completely infatuated with Zayan's personality. She constantly looked for excuses to bring him coffee or strike up a cconversation. 

​"So Zayan, what do you guys do? Do you have a business?" Alisha asked, coming out of the kitchen.

​Zayan was standing by the window, observing the city lights. He turned around, and the intensity in his eyes forced Alisha to

flinch for a second. "We are... dealers of old things. We search for things that have been lost with time."

​Karan stood nearby and nodded. Younshu, picked up his camera.

So mr ' Zayan can I take a portfolio shot of you? Your face structure is absolutely perfect!"

​"No," Zayan said firmly. "I do not like being captured in pictures.

​Younshu, intimidated and stepped back. Alisha tried to lighten the mood.

"Alright, no worries! Our new roommates have arrived today, so it's time for a party. We'll all go out for dinner!"

​Zayan (Zavian) wanted to refuse, but he knew he had to learn the ways of this world. He realized that these two humans. Alisha and Younshu could help them hide in this city.

​"Fine," Zayan said...

​On the other side of town, Mr. Li's car pulled up in front of a sprawling, grand estate. The moment the engine cut, Fangxi

hopped out and moved quickly to the passenger side. He reached out with a gentle hand, steadying Sheyaan as she stepped out.

Sheyaan's Aunt a woman known for her sharp tongue and iron-clad rules stood by, watching. Usually, she'd be barking orders, but today, seeing Sheyaan so fragile and broken, her face was

tight with worry. A rare, silent flicker of concern shone in her eyes.

​Together, Fangxi and Mr. Li guided Sheyaan into the house, settling her onto the plush sofa. Just then, the clicking of heels echoed from the staircase.

It was Lucy, Mr. Li's daughter, followed closely by her uncle, Manglong. was a business partner of Mr. Li's and carried himself with an air of arrogant authority.

​Lucy looked down at Sheyaan, her nose wrinkling in distaste. "Dad! You're finally back? And who is this girl? Mom, honestly... how can you just bring any random person into our home?"

​Mr. Li's face turned a dangerous shade of crimson. He was well aware of his daughter's habit of looking down on others.

"Lucy! Watch your tongue and show some respect!"

he thundered. His voice was so commanding that Lucy instantly went quiet, though she didn't stop glaring at Sheyaan.

​Sheyaan lowered her head, her gaze fixed on the floor. She was already drowning in grief, and Lucy's sharp words felt like salt on an open wound. This massive house felt cold, strange, and terrifying.

​Sensing the tension, the Aunt stepped in. Fangxi, take Sheyaan up to her room. I'm going to the kitchen to have something light made for her."

​Fangxi looked at Sheyaan with a warm, comforting smile. "Come on, Sheyaan. Let's get you settled. He took her hand and led her upstairs.

​Downstairs, the Aunt turned to Lucy, her voice trembling with suppressed anger.

"Lucy! Do you even realize what you're saying? That poor girl just lost both her parents, and you're treating her with such cruelty. 

​Lucy rolled her eyes and shrugged. "Gosh, Mom. I was just joking."

​"Enough, Lucy! Mr. Li snapped. "Go to your room. It's late. And let me make this very clear. if you speak to Sheyaan like that ever again, you will answer to me!

​Huffing in annoyance, Lucy stomped away. Manglong turned to the Aunt with a smirk. "Did you really have to scold her like that over that little brat?" The Aunt shot him a sharp look.

"I know you always take Lucy's side, Manglong, but this is wrong."

She then called a servant to bring up some warm turmeric milk and dinner for Sheyaan.

​Upstairs, Sheyaan sat in her room, enveloped in a heavy silence. It felt like she had been locked away in a world of darkness. Fangxi sat down beside her. 

Sheyaan, why are you so sad? Does it feel like you don't belong here? 

​Sheyaan looked at Fangxi with eyes so full of pain and innocence that it broke his heart. It was clear she was still reliving that horrific accident.

​Fangxi tried to comfort her. "Sheyaan, people come into this world, and one day, they have to leave it. But don't worry... if you want to talk to your Mom and Dad, I know a place where you can reach them."

​Sheyaan's eyes widened in shock. "Wha...what? Really? Can I actually talk to them?" she stammered, a tiny spark of hope lighting up her face.

​Fangxi smiled. Well, you can talk to them, but there's one small catch."

"What is it?" she asked breathlessly.

"You won't be able to see them. But you can feel them. Are you ready to go?

​Sheyaan nodded vigorously. Yes! I'm ready. Can we go right now?"

​"Wait here," Fangxi whispered. "Let me check if Mom and Dad are asleep. If they catch us, they'll kill me for taking you out when you're supposed to be resting."

​Sheyaan gave him a small, rare, mischievous look. "Fine... go check.

​Fangxi crept out of the room, tiptoeing down the hall. Everything was quiet until a servant suddenly turned the corner. Fangxi jumped, pretending he was looking for something.

​"Sir, here is Miss Sheyaan's dinner," the servant said.

Fangxi grabbed the tray quickly. "Thanks, I'll take it. You can go."

​Back in the room, Fangxi told her, "Sheyaan, eat first, then we go."

Sheyaan was stubborn. "No! I want to go there first!"

"But the food will get cold..."

"I'll eat it later! Please, just take me there now!"

​Fangxi gave in. The two of them snuck toward the terrace. "Are we going to the roof? Will Mom and Dad be there?" Sheyaan whispered.

​Fangxi put a finger to his lips. "Shhh... Sheyaan, keep it down or you'll wake everyone. You'll see when we get there."

​Moments later, they reached the terrace. A cool night breeze swept over them. The moonlight cast a pale, blue glow over Sheyaan's face, and her hair danced in the wind.

​"Sheyaan..." Fangxi said softly. "You can't see them, but this is where you can let them hear you."

​Tears began to stream down Sheyaan's face. She tilted her head back toward the vast, dark sky and cried out in a voice raw with heartbreak, "

Mom... Dad... wha...where are you?"

​Her breath hitched as she sobbed. Her grief was so profound that it felt as if the entire world had fallen silent just to listen, while the wind continued to howl around her.

​Across the city, Zavian (Zayan) stood on the edge of his high rise apartment's rooftop. Suddenly, he froze. Sheyaan's heartbroken cry echoed in his ears as if she were standing right next to him. His heart, usually cold and unmoving, gave a strange, restless thud.

​He stared up at the sky, his voice deep and melodic. "Who is this? Who calls out to their parents with such agonizing intensity? I didn't think humans were capable of feeling this much."

​A mysterious, dark smile played on Zayan's lips. He spread his arms wide, his voice dropping into a terrifying, gravelly tone. "No matter... I'm only here for one thing."

​His eyes flared into their true, glowing crimson. He reached for the locket around his neck a unique timepiece. The locket was pulsing with a brilliant, blood-red light.

​Zayan stared at the glowing jewel and whispered, "It seems... my prey is very close by."

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