Chương 27: Bound by thorns.

"So, do you know where we're supposed to go? Lykon said I just need to register as a member of the organization, then it's done."

The being looked at me through the side rearview without saying anything at first, then sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Do you think it's that simple?"

He stopped walking abruptly and turned to face me, making me halt in my tracks. His eyes bore into mine, a mix of frustration and resignation. "If the world were as simple as you think, the rich wouldn't be rich, and the poor wouldn't be poor."

"Ahh?" I was taken aback by his sudden intensity. I knew what he was getting at, but I couldn't help but play dumb. "I... I know. I just forgot that I'm not an ordinary person." I slipped my hands into my pockets, feeling the crinkle of the small piece of paper Lykon had given me.

I pulled it out and unfolded it carefully. "What is it?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"A name... Oliver Evergreen." I frowned in confusion. "E-Evergreen?" I repeated, trying to make sense of it.

"Hm, that makes sense. Aren't you a criminal?" he remarked. I looked away and nodded slightly, feeling a pang of shame. "Perhaps they just want you to be careful."

"You haven't told me," I muttered, changing the subject.

"Told you what?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Your name. I can't just call you 'being,' 'demon,' or anything like that," I complained, my frustration bubbling over. He sighed heavily again, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Fine," he muttered, his tone resigned.

"Call me... Flower." My eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected name.

"Flower? Is that your real name?" I asked, still in shock.

"Of course not, idiot. I could never have a name like that!" he snapped, clearly agitated.

"I think your name is cute though. Alright, Flower, let's get this straightened out and finished so we can go home." I smiled at him, trying to lighten the mood, as I glanced toward the registration counter.

The two of us lined up together with other people, each accompanied by their Myst. There was a woman in front of me, and I forced myself to be patient, though her Myst—a one-eyed demon with a grotesque mouth—kept sticking its tongue out at me and muttering incessantly.

"Why do you look like a human? Aren't you a demon?" it taunted. I frowned, trying to ignore it, my irritation mounting.

When we finally reached the counter, the lady behind it began asking questions. "What is your name?" she inquired, her pen poised above a form.

"Oliv—"

"Flower," he interrupted smoothly.

I looked at Flower in shock. Why was he answering? That question was for me. "Who is the demon and the human here?" the lady asked, looking between us.

"Me," he said confidently.

"ME..." I said at the same time, my voice clashing with his.

I glared at him, feeling my frustration boil over. "What do you think you're doing?" I demanded, my voice rising.

"Why are you insisting that you are the human here? Huh?" I continued, my anger barely contained.

"Isn't it true, my Myst—" My eyes widened in horror as my surroundings started to crumble and darken, the world collapsing around me.

"W-what's happening?" I stammered, panic setting in.

A light shimmered nearby, drawing my attention. "A sword?" I saw a red sword, glowing ominously.

"W-where am I?! Flower! Where are you?!" I called out in desperation, unable to see him anywhere. I approached the sword cautiously. It had a red, thorny rose wrapped around it, its thorns glistening menacingly. "Whose sword is this?" I asked myself, my voice trembling.

"Do you want to get out of here?" a voice echoed from the shadows, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Get out? But how?" I asked, my fear rising.

"Pull that sword and pierce him." Another light flared, illuminating Flower. He was unconscious, thorny vines binding him to a throne-like chair, his face a mask of pain.

"FLOWER!" I screamed, my voice echoing in the darkness.