Scarlet Bond : Cursed to Love

Episode------ 13

The council chamber felt colder than stone. Even the ancient tapestries — woven with dragons, phoenixes, and forgotten family crests — looked lifeless under the gray dawn light.

Areum's fingers brushed Junseo's. It wasn't quite holding hands; it was something quieter, braver: We're still here. Together.

Across the hall, Park stood with the calm of a man certain of victory. His eyes met hers, and his smile curved — polite, poisonous. He thinks he's already won, Areum realized.

---

The head elder rose, robes whispering against marble. His voice, when it came, felt as heavy as the years carved into the council's walls.

"Seo Junseo. Han Areum. The council has considered the accusations — the curse, the documents, and your defense."

A hush rippled through the chamber. Even the air seemed to hold its breath.

"Your families have broken ancient laws," the elder continued. "But the bond you share is not wholly of your making. This council will not exile you — yet."

Relief and dread tangled painfully in Areum's chest. Not exile — but not forgiveness either.

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The elder's gaze fell on Junseo, then on her. "Instead, you remain under council watch. If, within three moons, you prove your bond is love — not power — the curse will be lifted, and the council will stand aside."

"And if we fail?" Areum's voice was steady, though her pulse raced.

"Then you will both be stripped of name and title," the elder said. "And cast out from all we have built."

Three moons. Barely three months to prove what they could barely say aloud.

---

As the elders turned to leave, Park's voice cut through the silence.

"And if they try to deceive us?" he asked, smooth as oil. "Words are cheap, even words of love."

The elder's gaze hardened. "Then let their own blood betray them," he said. "For the curse binds to truth. Should they lie, it will show itself again."

A chill spread down Areum's spine. So even the attempt to fake love would fail. Only what is real can save us.

---

Outside the chamber, the sky threatened rain. Areum drew a shaky breath. "Three moons," she whispered. "It feels impossible."

Junseo didn't answer immediately. His gaze had turned inward, troubled.

"We don't have to make it true," he said finally, voice raw. "It already is. At least… for me."

Areum's heart faltered, caught between hope and fear. "And for me," she admitted softly. "But what if it isn't enough? What if the curse needs more than words?"

---

Before he could answer, Minho appeared — urgency shadowing his face.

"Areum," he said, eyes flicking warily to Junseo, "I found something else in the archive. Park's threat isn't just about your family's documents."

He held out a worn envelope, the seal cracked by age. "This letter was never meant to be read," Minho continued. "It names the person who first bound the curse. And why."

Areum's hands shook as she took it. "Who?"

---

But Junseo stepped forward, hand closing gently over hers. "Areum, wait."

She met his gaze — a storm of fear and something tenderer. "Don't you want to know?" she whispered.

"I do," he said quietly. "But not if it turns us into them. Our families used secrets to control each other. If we do the same, the curse wins."

His words cut deeper than any blade. Could love survive the truth? Or would it twist into the same poison?

---

Slowly, Areum lowered the envelope. "Then we wait," she murmured. "Until we're ready to know."

Minho's expression softened. "I hope you're right. Because Park won't stop here. I overheard him this morning — he plans to call for a private vote to break your engagement."

Areum's breath caught. "And if the vote passes?"

"Then even if you love each other," Minho said, "the council will force you apart before the curse can break."

---

Junseo exhaled, shoulders stiff with anger barely contained. "Then we fight," he said. "Not with power. With truth. And with love."

His hand reached for hers again — no command this time, no threat, only choice. Areum placed her hand in his, the contact sparking something fragile and fierce.

"For the first time," she whispered, "I'm not afraid to love you."

"And I," Junseo murmured, voice rough, "am terrified to lose you."

---

The curse might still be stronger than words, older than hope. But for the first time, they were ready to meet it — together.

Outside, thunder rolled across the sky, a promise of storms still to come.

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Teaser for Ep 14:

Park calls for the private vote.

Areum must speak before the council — not as a pawn, but as herself.

And a memory of her mother offers an unexpected clue to break the curse.

See you in Episode 14! .... Stay Tuned...