Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The Petal Fest was approaching, and the entire village was brimming with excitement. Although the festival began as a religious celebration, over time it had transformed into a day of universal joy and revelry.

Much like New Year's, people had long forgotten the original meaning of the festival, immersing themselves instead in the vibrant festivities. The village was adorned with colorful decorations, and whether by coincidence or design, Mrs. Woolf had mentioned it to Justin, prompting him to return early in the morning with a large red lantern.

Aurora, who was never one to sleep in, woke up unusually late that day. By the time she was dressed and stepped outside, it was already past ten. She noticed several large red lanterns hung up, adding a festive flair to the house. Outside other homes in the village, similar decorations were on display. Young women brought back fresh flowers from the fields, arranging them in baskets.

Aurora felt an atmosphere akin to the New Year, a rare sense of warmth and cheer. Perhaps it was due to her conversation with Justin the previous night, but she woke up in unusually high spirits.

"Good morning, Justin," Aurora greeted warmly.

"Good morning." Justin looked at her, his heart filled with a sense of warmth. To him, Aurora seemed like a little sun, her mere presence brightening everything around her.

"Tomorrow's the Petal Fest. The village is buzzing with anticipation."

"Yes," Justin nodded. "Here, Petal Fest is one of our most important celebrations. Tomorrow morning, when you wake up, ask Mrs. Woolf to take you to the fields to pick some flowers. You'll need them for the blessing ceremony at the temple."

"Alright," Aurora replied, curious and excited about her first Petal Fest. She made sure to ask about any customs or taboos, and the day passed quickly.

Meanwhile, Justin was quietly making plans. He instructed someone to arrange transportation, a decision that did not escape Mrs. Woolf's notice.

"Are you sure you want to let her go?" she asked.

"It's not that I want to," Justin said, his tone heavy. "It's that I can't keep her here. She's not a bird meant to be caged. She deserves to spread her wings and explore the vast sky.

You've seen it yourself-she's a CEO. If I keep her by my side for too long, what about her family, her company, or... her lover? He's right. If I force her to stay, we'll both grow to resent each other. It's better to let things remain beautiful as they are. After the Petal Fest, I'll take her home myself."

Justin had spent two sleepless nights reaching this conclusion. To keep her here against her will would make him no different from the pirates he despised.

too kindhearted," Mrs. Woolf said with a sigh. "The girl will probably be happy

haven't told

That girl is utterly devoted to you." Mrs. Woolf felt conflicted, both glad

a brother, Mrs. Woolf, as an onlooker, could see the way Justin looked at her. That was not the gaze of a brother-it was

of that mattered now. Justin had made up his mind. Life was full of difficult choices, and some

would have

The pitch-black sky was slowly brightening. Dawn was on

sun is rising," Justin said, pointing to the

replied. "A new day

be their last day together, he wanted to spend it by her side,

woke early. While Mrs. Woolf prepared breakfast in the kitchen and Justin

gazed into the distance,

to Alison for help, but fate seemed to deliver her

here?" Alison was visibly surprised. She had been traveling south, stopping and wandering aimlessly, and had stumbled upon this village by chance. Running into Aurora was the last thing she

finger to her lips, signaling for Alison to remain

of trouble.

"What is it?"

Take this note and read it somewhere private. No matter what happens, even if you see me again, act

confused. She hadn't even had the chance to catch up with Aurora, and now she

down. Just go, quickly!" Aurora

Alison didn't understand Aurora's urgency, she trusted her character. If Aurora said she needed help, then

a quiet place, she unfolded the note. It was a message from Aurora, asking her to contact Julian and inform him of her location. Aurora emphasized that she was safe and not in

couldn't understand the secrecy. If Aurora was safe, why all the mystery? Still, she decided to trust her instincts. If Aurora was in trouble, this could be

on the note.

A familiar male voice

this is Alison," she said, her

Julian sounded puzzled, trying to place