"Why did my brother disappear and become unreachable? Was he killed by the demon? Please tell me!" Kayla sobbed, desperately pleading with Sara—the psychic who once helped her sense Sandra's soul.
"I warned you from the beginning."
"Where is my brother? He's still alive, right? Please bring him back!" Kayla cried harder. Her brother was annoying and arrogant, but no matter what, Arhan was all she had left in this world.
"Your brother has already turned to ashes," Sara replied, her eyes red and body trembling. She hated having to deliver such news.
"No way!"
"Stop your revenge. Stay away from Lukas and especially from Sandra if you don't want to die. Sandra is protected by demons for a reason. If you try to hurt her, you'll end up like your brother."
Kayla glared in silence, her fists clenched. She and her brother had come too far. Kayla wouldn't back down now. She wouldn't fear death. She would continue the vengeance she'd been harboring for years.
"Just watch, Sandra. I will kill you no matter what. You and Lukas must die. I don't care about the inheritance anymore. All I want is your deaths," she swore silently, burning with rage.
"Grandma, what is this?" Sandra gaped as Maria slipped off her most treasured ring, given to her by her late husband, and handed it to her.
"This is my legacy for you."
"But... isn't this ring really important?"
"Of course it is! That's why I'm giving it to you." Maria gently stroked Sandra's head, her eyes misty. "You, Lukas, and your unborn child are very important to me. Besides, I'm old now. I don't know when my time will come."
"Don't say that!" Sandra hugged the elderly woman tightly. Maria often spoke of death, and it always made her uneasy.
"Wear it and never take it off. I want you to keep it on always. It makes me happy to pass it on to you."
"Thank you, Grandma. I promise I'll treasure it and never take it off!" Sandra hugged her even tighter.
"Sandra!" Lukas's voice interrupted their moment. "I need to talk. It's important."
"But I'm with—"
"Go on. I have to go check my cholesterol anyway," Maria smiled.
"Sorry, Grandma. This is really urgent." Lukas gave her a quick hug before leading Sandra to his study.
There, he took out a small book and showed it to her. It was about the diamond soul, written by his grandfather.
"There's one thing that can protect you from that demon."
"What is it?" Sandra clutched his arm, filled with hope.
"The Moon Goddess." Lukas said as he showed her the page, letting Sandra read it herself.
The Moon Goddess crystal has a base color clear as glass, but when touched by moonlight, it glows with a mysterious blue light that looks like a starlit sky. It appears to be a window to a magical realm, radiating calm and hidden strength.
This gemstone is known for its power to repel demons during the full moon. Its protective energy is infused with lunar essence, absorbed deep into its crystal structure. When demons approach, the Moon Goddess emits a blue flash that wards off darkness and banishes evil with magical brilliance.
In the darkness of night, the Moon Goddess is worn as a ring or pendant set in silver, forming a glowing shield for the wearer. It not only offers physical protection, but also creates a magical barrier safeguarding the soul from dark forces.
"The problem is," Lukas said, "my grandfather left behind a chest of crystal jewelry—hundreds of pieces. It's a family heirloom, but I don't know which one is the real Moon Goddess."
Sandra stared at the chest full of glittering jewels. No wonder Lukas had been a prince in the past life, owning a grand kingdom. Even in this era, his wealth was no less impressive. Who else would keep this many untouched diamonds as inheritance?
"Looks like I'll have to wear them all when the blood moon comes. That way, I'll be safe! We'll survive the demon."
"But what if the real one is missing? What if the Moon Goddess isn't here?"
Sandra sat on the couch, gently stroking her belly. She wasn't afraid to die. But she was terrified for her baby... and for Lukas, who she saw die in her visions.
"Don't be sad. We promised to face this together. Don't let this stress you out." Lukas hugged her. "Until the blood moon passes, stay home and don't leave my side. Got it?"
"Thank you for loving me." Sandra looked down.
"And thank you for letting me love you." Lukas kissed her forehead. "Oh, I have an important meeting this afternoon. Take care of the house, okay? Don't go anywhere. Don't open the door for anyone!"
"Alright."
"Why such a short answer?" Lukas asked when he saw her sulking expression. "Are you mad?"
"No."
"Then what?"
"You've been having meetings for three days now," she muttered, looking away.
"Are you getting possessive?"
"Go already!" Sandra stood up, but Lukas stopped her, lifting her onto the table and trapping her between his arms, leaning in close. His strong frame blocked her from moving freely.
"Why so stiff all of a sudden?"
"Who's stiff? Get off! You're going to be late." She struggled.
"Not until your mood improves."
"My mood's perfectly fine!"
"One kiss, and I'll let go." Lukas leaned in but didn't make a move. He wanted her to be the one to take the initiative.
"What if I don't want to? You'll stay like this until the end of time?"
"Why are you still so grumpy?"
"Because I'm pregnant! You should be more caring, spend time with me, buy me things, take me out..." Sandra stopped herself, realizing she'd said too much again. Why did she always let her feelings slip?
"Is that so?" Lukas pinched her nose affectionately.
"But if you're busy, it's okay. If it's important, I don't mind."
"I'll ask Dad to go in my place." Lukas lifted her and carried her to their room with a mischievous grin. "I want to take my wife out, spend time with her, and buy her whatever she wants."
Sandra's cheeks flushed as she hid her face in his shoulder.
"Stop being so sweet," she said, blushing.
"You're finally smiling." Lukas kissed her lips. "Don't hesitate to ask me to skip work. I'll happily do it for my sweet wife."
"Smooth talker!" she smacked his chest.
Lukas kissed her again, chuckling. Seeing her smile and relax—even if just for a moment—brought him peace. Her happiness meant everything to him. He couldn't remember when he fell this deeply for this sneaky soul.
"By the way, I've seen your real face."
Sandra froze. Did he mean Alana's face?
"When I found out you were Grandpa George's granddaughter, I searched your real name. Found your social media," Lukas smiled.
"Must be ugly..."
"You're the sweetest woman in the world." Lukas looked at her with a sincere gaze.
"If you think I fell for Sandra's looks, you're wrong. I fell for you. Your personality. And now, every time I look at you, I see Alana's face." Lukas smiled again.
"But I don't care what you look like. I love you for who you are, not your appearance. This is a beautiful destiny—how we met, even if it was in such a strange way."
In the middle of their conversation, Kayla's voice echoed from outside the house. Sandra's expression changed. She asked to be put down and walked away toward the bedroom without another word.
"I'll end this today. Just wait." Lukas called out after her, though she didn't turn around. "I haven't forgotten that her brother tried to kill you. I'll find out if she was involved, and how they knew your secret."
"Don't explain everything, Lukas. It only makes me more uncomfortable. Just do what you have to do."