It was a completely different kind of conviction. Hatred had once drowned Arthur in pain, distorted him into someone unrecognizable. But love—love had filled him with hope and longing for the future, with passion for life itself. That was something the old Arthur had never known. Now, Arthur cherished everything he had. Deeply. Though he could never forgive those who had hurt him, the intensity of his hatred had quietly faded. When he spoke about his past now, he could do it calmly—like he was telling someone else’s story. It no longer pierced him like it once had, no longer made him flinch at the mention. That was a kind of strength the old Arthur could never have imagined. Arthur was grateful—grateful to the heavens for giving him everything he had now. So he would do everything in his power to protect it—to protect them. All he had ever wanted was peace. But life didn’t always give what one wanted. To earn that peace, Arthur had to fight for it. Run for it. Bleed for it. Ashley never let go of his hand. She listened to him speak with such lightness about a past that had nearly broken him, her heart swelling with quiet pride. When she first met Arthur, he had been withdrawn, shadowed by an almost imperceptible edge of rage. It had taken time—so much time—before she finally saw him smile. And when he smiled, it was warm, like morning sunlight—pure, bright, and comforting. She loved that smile. Every time he smiled, she felt safe. It was a light she had promised herself she would protect. She had once sworn to keep that smile on his face for as long as she lived. It wouldn’t be easy, but she was ready. She dreamed of a quiet life with him—just the two of them, safe and unbothered.One day, she wanted to give him a chubby little boy, and a beautiful daughter. They’d live someplace peaceful, untouched by the world. And when they tired of that place, they’d pack up their things and wander. Stopping to enjoy the scenery wherever it called to them. That life—easy, gentle, and free—that was what both she and Arthur yearned for. It was what so many people longed for, yet so few ever reached. Drake sat quietly, his eyes drifting toward the distant horizon beyond the window. He listened to Arthur’s story in silence. His face didn’t show much emotion, though now and then he looked as if he were remembering something from long ago. To him, Arthur’s tale—no matter how moving or tragic—had nothing to do with him. He had only asked because he was bored. Just something to pass the time. Arthur didn’t mind. Whether his listener was truly invested or not didn’t matter. Drake had asked, so he told his story. And when he was finished—unexpectedly—Drake gave a small nod. “Young man,” he said slowly, “you’ve been through a lot. And yet you still carry a calm heart. That’s rare.” Arthur lifted an eyebrow. He hadn’t expected him to be listening that closely. The truth was, Arthur wasn’t anyone special. Faced with favoritism from his family, with Zac’s bullying—he’d fought back. Raged. Thought about revenge. But Ashley—and the people who truly loved him—had helped temper that rage. They had healed him. Drake let out a quiet, almost self-deprecating laugh. “In that regard, I’m not half as strong as you.” Arthur blinked, caught off guard. Did that mean… Drake had a similar past? Then Drake’s tone shifted. “Arthur,” he said, suddenly serious. “Do you want to become strong?” Arthur’s heart skipped.“Yes,” he answered without hesitation. “I do. That’s why I came to Heaven Island—to become stronger.” He didn’t hide it. There was no point. With someone like Drake, any lie would be useless. Rather than pretending, Arthur chose honesty. Drake continued, “And why do you want to be strong? Is it so you can get revenge on those who hurt you?” His eyes locked onto Arthur’s, watching every tiny shift in his expression. But Arthur turned his head toward Ashley—and smiled softly. He shook his head. “No. Not revenge. I want to protect the people I love. And the ones who love me.” His voice was firm. It wasn’t just an answer—it was a vow. Every time he looked at Ashley, he felt the need to say it again and again: I will protect you. I will protect this life. Drake didn’t take his eyes off Arthur. And he saw it—clear as day. The love in Arthur’s gaze… unhidden, sincere, and overwhelming. It stunned him. Because the truth was—he too, once upon a time, had lived through something just like this.