“A thousand words cannot express my gratitude. If my son survives, let him repay you.”
“I also wrote a letter to Flynn. If you see him again, please give it to him, Uncle Wild.”
Survived by luck.
Deceived everyone.
If she could leave alive.
Haralu, an old acquaintance.
Flynn’s hands trembled as he read the last line of his mother’s letter.
“Adrianna, August 31st.”
August 31st!
The Ghost Festival was on August 30th.
The grandmaster battle happened the night before the Ghost Festival. Mother was severely injured and passed away at 4 a. m. on the day of the festival.
Flynn was at a loss then, overwhelmed with grief, barely able to stand as he called Matteo.
Matteo came over on the morning of the Ghost Festival to help Flynn handle the aftermath.
The body was cremated that night and buried at Phoenix Hill.
After bowing at his mother’s grave, Flynn went straight to Slatin.
But his mother’s signature date was the day after the cremation.
What did this mean?
Just as he suspected, his mother hadn’t died ten years ago!
Flynn’s eyes welled up with tears.
As Scarlet said, as long as his mother hadn’t died ten years ago, there was still hope!
Even if it was slim, as mentioned in the letter, Flynn held onto that hope.
Mom, you must be alive!
Flynn took a deep breath, steadied himself, and quickly picked up the second sheet of paper.
“Flynn, if you’re reading this letter, it means Grandpa Wild’s plan might have succeeded.”
“But for me, the danger is far from over. For these past years, I’ve been extremely cautious to protect you. But from now on, you’ll have to walk your own path.”
“You might resent me for leaving, but it’s the only way to keep you safe!”
“Forgive me…”
“I might never see you again. I won’t be able to attend your wedding or make your favorite noodles or share in your joys and sorrows…”
Flynn’s eyes reddened and his fists clenched.
The rest of the letter was filled with deep regret, saying she had no other choice and asking Flynn not to hate her.
The paper was noticeably wrinkled from tears.
Clearly, his mother had written it while crying, each word filled with reluctance and self-blame.
What mother wouldn’t want to see her son get married and have children?
By this point, Flynn was sobbing uncontrollably.
The next part of the letter gave instructions:
First: Be grateful to anyone who helps you, especially Matteo. Treat him like a father. He took great risks to help us.
Second: Regarding his engagement with Madeline, Adrianna hoped they would be together but left it up to Flynn’s feelings.
The third request was something Flynn couldn’t accept-
Do not seek revenge for her. Live a normal life and be happy.
“Flynn, many people want me dead. Some I don’t even know!”
“Their power is immense. I don’t know if Grandpa Wild’s plan will keep us hidden.”
“We must prepare for the worst: hiding forever without any contact with the outside world.”
“I wish I could secretly visit Niarak someday but I can’t even inquire about you….”
“Wait a few years. If they think I’m truly dead, maybe I’ll visit Niarak.”
“If things go wrong, I might be killed in the coming months.”
“If that happens, promise me you won’t seek revenge!”
“I know you’ll be unwilling but you’re my only bloodline. If anything happens to you, I won’t rest in peace!”
Reading these words, Flynn felt his mother’s deep despair and her hopes for him.
“Mom…” Flynn cried out holding the envelope.
Constantly fleeing and fearing for her life; how helpless she must have felt!
As a son, how could he stand by?
Flynn only regretted not being by her side!
No matter how dangerous the road ahead,
No matter if she was still alive,
the Clark family, King of Poison’s forces, and all other enemies,
Anyone involved in hunting his mother wouldn’t live!
With this resolve, Flynn analyzed further.
His mother had prepared for the worst-
If their plan failed, she’d hide forever.
If it succeeded and things calmed down after a few years, she’d secretly visit Niarak.
Clearly things had gone wrong; she had been forced into hiding again.
Mom, your son can avenge you now!
You must stay alive!
Stay alive!
Man with the black dragon tattoo-where are you?
When I find you, I’ll destroy your entire clan!
“Child, I’ve read this letter. From its content, it seems your mother didn’t die ten years ago!” Mrs. Wilcox gently held Flynn’s hand as she spoke softly seeing his emotional state.
Flynn regained his composure and calmly said: “Yes. I suspected it days ago; now it’s confirmed…”
He briefly explained his investigation to Mrs. Wilcox.
Mrs. Wilcox nodded: “Oh, that makes sense now.”
“I wondered how someone who had been cremated could write a letter.”
“So Adrianna faked her death with Wild’s help.”
Last time Flynn bought Old Mrs. Wilcox a fully furnished house but she couldn’t part with some items from her old home so she planned to move them over gradually.
She found this letter under her bedroom floorboard.
The envelope had been opened before and addressed to Wild so she read it out of curiosity.
The more she read it seemed odd-a person who had been cremated writing a letter?
But without knowing their plan back then Mrs. Wilcox couldn’t figure it out until Flynn explained everything clearing up her doubts completely.
Flynn apologized: “Grandma I’m sorry Grandpa Wild got killed saving my mom…”
Old Mrs. Wilcox waved her hand smiling: “We’re family; no need for apologies.”
“Your mom saved Katie; it’s only right he helped her-even at great risk.”
“Swapping an old man’s life for your mom’s safety-worth it!”
“Don’t worry too much-I believe Adrianna is still alive!”
She patted Flynn’s hand reassuringly smiling warmly at him
“But we owe you more gratitude; if Grandpa Wild hadn’t gotten involved maybe he’d still be alive.” Flynn felt guilty
His mom saved Katie but Mrs. Wilcox risked everything rescuing his mom once too
Wild got killed saving her suffering unimaginable torture before dying
Such debts could never be repaid fully
Mrs. Wilcox smiled kindly:
“I know you’re troubled by this so promise me one thing-listen to your mom-don’t seek revenge okay?”
“Living well is best repayment for them!”
Flynn remained silent
He couldn’t promise Granny Wilcox because he believed in repaying both kindnesses & grudges
At that moment Katie returned from taking out trash smiling at Flynn:
“Granny’s right-the people behind this must be terrifying”
“Flynn’s wealthy & powerful-a big shot in Niarak”
“If you seek revenge & get killed how can we enjoy life?”
She hugged Flynn’s arm playfully saying “I’ve changed my ways no longer tricking Granny out of money”
“I’m looking for work now!”
“You have connections-can you get me an executive job at a big company?”