The X Guide-Chapter 75: Curse (3)

The curse manifested in various forms, but typically it took the form of a hallucination. Devion could see a shadow, resembling himself or, more accurately, imitating him.

In certain extreme cases, the curse would make Devion bleed. The black marks appearing on his skin were unlike a wound. Despite the massive amount of blood pouring out from it, it never left a scar.

Khal had seen Devion like this too many times since the curse had appeared. However, it never escalated to this state in years. It probably helped that they isolated themselves in the forbidden zone, with Devion not being triggered by anything.

Although Devion originally had strong mental fortitude, the curse continuously eroded it until even slight doubts could be magnified. It was very unpredictable, just like what happened this time.

If Khal was shaken seeing Devion like this again in years, the shock and panic that Ayen was feeling became even more justified. The indifference Ayen often exuded was nowhere to be found, and a sense of despair gripped his whole being.

He did not know what to do, and he could not ask what was happening. Khal had to focus on Devion first, not having enough time to answer his questions.

Becoming clueless was annoying, and Ayen felt more and more again how that could make someone so pathetic. He felt it through his bones.

Ayen steeled himself and chose to watch Khal’s treatment. This was a scenario he had to get used to, no matter how painful that might be.

He remained silent, afraid to disturb Khal.

Khal’s expression was serious, but sweat beads formed on his forehead. His face was still pale as he clenched his lips. He manipulated the contents of the jar, hands moving a drop of water in the air. He would then return it inside before repeating the process.

Ayen had noticed that the water droplet seemed to shine and became clearer each time.

Khal furrowed his brows, and then the droplet became frozen midair.

"Ayen, can you give me a glass?" Khal did not turn his head, concentrating his attention on that droplet while also making sure that Devion remained in his hold.

Although his struggle had weakened, Khal could still feel Devion wanting to pull away.

Ayen had already returned after getting the glass; he still did not speak. Holding the glass in front of Khal.

Khal looked up at him, then gave an assuring nod. Ayen pressed his lips, watching Khal’s every move.

The frozen droplet melted and poured onto the glass. The water only reached a quarter of the glass. Once that was done, Khal let out a breath; he looked so exhausted.

Ayen was about to ask if he was okay, but Khal spoke first.

"Help Devion drink the water."

Ayen looked at the water, then he nodded.

Devion’s head was leaning on the back of the couch, his eyes closed. The blood on his face made it difficult to discern his angelic face.

Ayen’s chest tightened again, taking a deep breath.

Helping Devion drink the water was not hard, since Devion was not fully unconscious. As Ayen touched his lips and made him open his jaw, Devion did as he instructed. Then he slowly let Devion gulp some of the water inside.

Soon, Devion had drunk all the contents.

Ayen stood by his side, watching what would happen after. Khal was the same. They remained silent, waiting for the water to take effect.

For Ayen, he did not know what would happen yet, so he was paying special attention to any changes to Devion’s condition. Once five minutes had passed, Devion’s breathing became even, and he completely stopped struggling in Khal’s hold.

The black marks from parts of his skin slowly disappeared. While traces remained, his blood stopped from flowing out. His nosebleed also stopped.

It was like everything that happened was only an illusion, if not for Devion’s blood dampening his clothes and the couch.

"It stopped." Khal sighed, relief washing over him as he completely slumped to the ground.

Ayen also sighed in relief. He went and reached out for a towel to wipe the blood off Devion’s face. Devion’s angelic face finally became pure-looking once more; this made Ayen touch his cheeks gently.

He could not help but poke the corners of his lips, as though wanting to see his signature grin. The one he always greeted and teased Ayen with.

"Let’s clean him up first."

Ayen snapped to the side and saw Khal already standing up.

With obvious exhaustion in his face, he leaned forward and gave Ayen’s forehead a gentle kiss. Ayen was a bit taken aback, but he only stared at him without saying anything.

Khal then whispered, "We’ll talk about this later. And... thank you."

It was a sincere and heartfelt gratitude.

Since Khal was the only one with Devion when the curse manifested, sometimes he had to tie Devion so he could get the jar or anything appropriate in the situation.

It was already painful to see Devion in such a state, but once he struggled to scratch his ears or bump his head, he would inevitably hurt himself one way or another.

Now, Ayen was here to help him. Khal had never been so thankful for Ayen’s arrival to their life as at this moment.

"No need for thanks." Ayen looked at Devion and spoke the sincere words lingering in his heart. "Devion’s becoming important to me. I don’t want to see him in pain."

Khal picked up Devion in his arms; Devion’s blood stained his clothes, but he did not care in the slightest.

"I believe you." Khal paused and looked at Ayen. "Let’s go."

There was nothing to be said. Devion was a priority. Ayen had insisted on using his room, and Khal did not have an issue with that. While he cleaned up Devion in the bathroom, Ayen prepared the bed for him.

It was not for long, and they were done. Devion was in a new set of clothes. Khal lay Devion down slowly as Ayen then covered him and made sure to tuck him inside the quilt properly.

The two sat at each of Devion’s sides, looking at Devion sleep.