Love is Just a Number - Episode 16
09-11-25 (14:45)
Episode 16: Aftermath and Whispers of
Departure
(Shary POV)
The Shadow Market felt colder than
usual, even with the press of bodies.
Layla's words echoed in my head:
"We're done." I watched her disappear
into the maze of stalls, a part of me
wanting to call her back, to try and
salvage something, anything. But the
larger part of me, the part that ached
for Moana, knew it was the right
decision. Layla's path was one of
shadows, and I couldn't walk it.
I needed to see Moana, to explain, to
apologize, to beg for forgiveness if
necessary. But fear gnawed at me.
What if I had broken her beyond
repair? What if the trust, once so easily
given, was gone forever? I closed my
eyes, picturing her face, the warmth in
her smile, the unwavering belief she
always had in me. I had to try.
I teleported back to Chatlanka, my
heart pounding. I headed straight for
her healing room, hoping she would be
there. I needed to tell her everything.
All of it.
(Moana POV)
The healing room felt sterile, devoid of
the warmth it usually held. I couldn't
bring myself to focus on my work, my
hands trembling as I tried to grind
herbs. The image of Layla’s smug face,
the knowledge that Shary had been
drawn to her power, kept flashing in
my mind.
Candy_baby hovered nearby, offering
silent support, but I couldn't bring
myself to speak. What was there to
say? He had chosen Layla, even if only
for a moment. That was enough to
shatter my world.
I heard a faint shimmer of magic and
tensed, expecting Layla. But it was
Shary. I turned away, unable to face
him, the pain too raw, the betrayal too
fresh. "Moana..." he began, his voice
pleading. I closed my eyes tighter,
willing him to disappear. I couldn’t
listen to his excuses. I just needed to
be alone.
(Candy_baby POV)
The tension in the room was thick
enough to cut with a knife. Moana was
radiating pain, and Shary looked like a
lost puppy. I wanted to knock their
heads together and force them to talk,
but I knew that wouldn't help.
"I'll leave you two alone," I said quietly,
backing towards the door. "But Shary,
whatever you have to say, say it
honestly. And Moana, please, listen
with an open heart." I slipped out,
leaving them to their fate. I just hope
they can work things out.
To be continued… Don't forget to leave a Comment 
