Chapter 21 - Torn Between Shadows

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Xiao Zhan's fingers were slowly drifting toward Lian…

His vision was blurring, and his heart felt like it was about to shatter.

Then—a gentle warmth touched his skin.

He looked down—Yibo's hand was gripping his tightly 🤲.

Yibo (weak but firm voice):

"Zhan… don't let her win… you belong only to me."

Xiao Zhan's heartbeat thundered in his chest.

But Lian immediately leaned closer, cold fire burning in her eyes 🔥❄️.

Lian (angrily):

"He told me the same thing! And then he left me to die!"

Suddenly, screams echoed through the air.

Shadows burst out of the walls, wrapping around Xiao Zhan.

His breath caught—his chest tightening painfully.

Xiao Zhan (broken voice):

"I… I don't know who to trust…"

Yibo called out his name with all the strength he had left.

Yibo:

"Zhan! Look at me—only at me. I will never leave you. Never." 💔✨

Xiao Zhan's trembling gaze slowly turned toward Yibo.

In Yibo's eyes, he saw love, fear, and burning passion all at once.

Lian grabbed Xiao Zhan's face in fury.

Lian:

"He's lying! If he truly loved you, he would've never abandoned me in the first place!"

Xiao Zhan screamed—

Xiao Zhan:

"STOP!!"

A burst of energy exploded from within him.

The shadows shattered instantly.

Lian was thrown back, but her eyes glimmered with deep pain and hatred.

Lian (softly, almost crying):

"You'll reject me too… just like everyone else."

She dissolved into smoke and vanished.

The room fell silent—only Xiao Zhan collapsing into Yibo's arms remained.

Tears streamed down his face.

Xiao Zhan (soft, broken):

"Yibo… I was scared… scared of losing you too."

Yibo gently lifted his face and pulled him into a tight embrace 🤍.

Yibo:

"I'll never let you go, Zhan. Not even the deepest darkness can take you from me."

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