Chapter Text
When Master revealed his plan to defeat Ramphueng, a chill ran down my spine.
Relief followed immediately— but there was also an uneasy and brittle feeling. My first instinct was that the plan would succeed. And that something would still go terribly wrong.
My stomach twisted as a single name surfaced in my mind.
Jet.
I could not allow anything to happen to him.
He was too important.
For me.
For his sister.
For his friends.
We had one day before carrying out the plan. I needed to think quickly—but not so obviously that I would draw attention.
That afternoon, I followed P’Kachem and Jet for speed-driving lessons. It wasn’t my forte.
I didn’t like the instructor. He stood too close to Jet, made a point of it, and seemed to enjoy my discomfort. It grated on my nerves more than it should have, and I hated myself for the distraction.
That evening, I joined everyone for dinner. I barely ate.
I barely spoke.
My mind kept circling the same thought, over and over. I had to find a solution on my own. I couldn’t say anything. Khem’s curse was already heavy enough to bear. If he sensed what I feared, he would abandon everything.
That was not an option.
Not just for Khem—but for his futures lives, he deserved to be free of this curse.
“Charn?”
“Khun Jet?”
“You’re awfully quiet. Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” I replied. “Just tired. The driving lessons wore me out.”
“You did great.”
“Thank you. You inspired me.”
He flushed, smiling widely.
“You’re such a sweet talker.”
That night, I poured over the books Master had lent me, searching for contingencies I hoped I wouldn’t need. By morning, I had written a letter.
I asked Master to meet me alone on the rooftop of Khem’s condo.
“Master,” I said quietly. “I had a feeling…”
He listened without interrupting.
“I believe your plan will work,” I continued. “But something is… off.”
I handed him the letter.
“When everything is over,” I said, “please give this to my mother.”
“Charn—”
“I’ve thought this through,” I cut in gently. “Khem deserves to be free.”
I smiled, tired but steady.
“Please take care of Jet for me. I don’t think he’ll handle this well.”
“I will,” Master promised.
“Then… would you bless me?”