Chapter Fifty-Four: So You Are the Killer

———The Dream Continues———

The day of the wedding arrived swiftly, and Shadow Moon’s heart grew ever more restless until, finally, it shattered completely. Quietly, she packed her clothes, intent on escaping. Yet as she tiptoed toward the exit, she caught sight of someone who should not have been there.

Arthur had returned!

Shadow Moon’s heart fluttered. Wasn’t he supposed to be busy preparing for his own engagement? Why had he suddenly come back? Then she realized—his father was getting married; how could the son not return? A sardonic smile curled her lips. For reasons she couldn’t explain, seeing Arthur brought a sharp pain to her heart.

But there was something strange about him. Arthur carried a tray in his hands, upon which sat an exquisite cup, its contents unknown. He was heading toward John’s study, just when John was inside. Driven by curiosity, Shadow Moon followed Arthur quietly, pressing herself against the door as he entered the study.

Just as she strained to hear their conversation, her head spun, and she woke abruptly from the dream. Her eyes wandered in confusion over her surroundings before she drifted back to sleep.

———In the Dream———

Leaning against the door, Shadow Moon heard footsteps approaching and quickly slipped away from the study. Hastily grabbing her luggage, she seized a moment of distraction among the busy household and slipped out of the villa.

———In Reality———

Arthur listened to Shadow Moon’s calm recounting, his gaze distant, lost in his own memories.

———Flashback———

When Arthur emerged from the study, his expression was more solemn than ever before. He gripped the door handle tightly, struggling to suppress the trembling of his body. After a moment, he regained his composure and made his way to his room.

He sat there for an indeterminate time, waiting until he felt he could smile again, then rose and prepared to visit Shadow Moon’s room. Just as he reached the doorway, a servant rushed up to him, abandoning all usual decorum, face pale with terror.

“Master, something terrible has happened! The head of the family—he… he…” The servant was so shocked he could barely speak.

Arthur shoved him aside and hurried toward the study. The halls were crowded, but he pushed past them all, finally reaching the study. Standing before the door, Arthur did not open it immediately. He stared at the wood, as if he could see through it to what lay within. After some time, the steward could no longer restrain himself.

“Master—”

Arthur returned to himself, grasped the handle, and with a click, the door swung open. He took one look, then closed it again. Turning to the steward, he said, “Make preparations,” before striding away.

Later came Shadow Moon’s first meeting with Yuwen Xi, and the events that transpired when Arthur brought her back.

When Shadow Moon returned to the villa in England and heard the news of John’s death, she was filled with shock and disbelief. Looking at Arthur then, that disbelief transformed into pure terror.

“It was you.”

“It was you.”

Arthur was pulled from his reverie by Shadow Moon’s words and looked up at her. She met his gaze directly, her voice calm.

“It was you.”

Arthur laughed suddenly, gazing at her. Just like before—exactly the same. The thought made him laugh harder and harder, until he could barely stand, tears glimmering at the corners of his eyes.

Shadow Moon watched him, confusion flickering in her eyes, then deep disgust. “So, the reason I hate you is because you are a murderer.”

———Author’s Note———

Soon, the seeds sown at the beginning will gradually be revealed. For those who found some parts confusing, please keep reading!

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