Chapter 1953


    On the day of the match, Morpheus held the banned drug in his hand. After hesitating backstage for a


    moment, he unscrewed the cap and swallowed it.


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    His throat felt as though it had been sliced open by this tiny pill. He seemed to envision a version of


    himself, gutted and covered in blood, utterly grotesque.


    Even on the battlefield, he had never resorted to underhanded methods. He had always been upright.


    He could fend off others'' hidden attacks, but he couldn''t bring himself to harm someone with deceit.


    Today, however, he broke his rule for Persephone for the first time. All his principles and beliefs


    copsed when he saw that tiny figure in the crowd.


    All he knew was that she was watching him from the stands, and he didn''t want her to witness him


    being defeated.


    He grabbed the nearby bottle of water, gulped it down, mmed the cup to the ground, and stormed


    into the ring.


    -


    Persephone sat somewhat uneasily in the stands. Amidst the uproar, she recalled her first meeting with


    Morpheus.


    It was also in this dim ce, where the air was murky with a nauseating stench. The surroundings were


    filled with beastly men and snake-like women. They would leer at her maliciously, goading Morpheus to


    have his way with her then and there.


    Morpheus had hoisted her over his shoulder, like an ancient chieftain carrying war spoils, and strode


    back home.


    Persephone bit her lip. Perhaps the pain in her lip could overshadow the pain in her heart if she bit a


    little harder.


    After today, Morpheus'' name wouldpletely disappear from her life. They would return to their


    respective paths, never to intersect again.


    "Here." Seamus handed her a bottle of mineral water with a gentle smile.


    Persephone nced down. Although not her usual brand, this brand was the most expensive avable


    in this area.


    "This was the only one I could find," Seamus said apologetically. "Deal with this first, okay?"


    Persephone smiled, epting it, but didn''t open it.


    Seamus then brought her a few pieces of cake, and she looked at them but didn''t eat.


    Living a carefree life at home previously, she always had a good appetite. Only now did she realize that


    one could lose the desire to eat during times of agitation and confusion.


    Seamus'' face darkened slightly. "You haven''t eaten in the morning, and this match takes an hour. I


    worry that you can''t stand it."


    "I''m fine." Persephone didn''t look up.


    "Miss, is this person truly worth all your distress?"