UNDER HIS RULES

No matter how strong the wind that tousles her hair, her clear eyes are focused on one point. The string of words that forms a name has been engraved in her heart for a long time. She hopes that time could turn back, but it feels impossible. What has left this mortal world, she knows, will never return. They patiently await the reunion with those who love them dearly.

Someday in the future.

She sighed softly, then positioned herself on her knees beside the area where the owner of the name peacefully rests. She cleared away the fallen leaves that dirtied the surroundings of the grave. She gently wiped the tombstone, which had been replaced and looked much better than before. In the past, she felt unable to smile whenever she visited the place where the hole in her heart was truly massive. But now, she’s starting to adapt.

“How are you, Tony?” she asked with a wide smile. “I’m sure you’re doing well. Mom and Hera come here often, don’t they?” She laughed, or rather, she laughed at herself. “I’m the one who rarely comes here. Sorry, big brother. Boss Sam doesn’t give me any leeway at headquarters. I have so much work to do.”

“Your words can get you in trouble, Anne,” the figure that had been by Anne’s side all this time responded. He faithfully sheltered the girl with a large umbrella. Even though the girl had vehemently refused, the umbrella bearer was even more stubborn. He said, “You’re not exerting yourself, are you? Why refuse?”

“But that’s honesty,” Anne raised her head, pursing her lips. “Since Boss Sam took on a lot of work from Quassano, I have to check most of it.”

“Do you like it?” the man asked with a laugh.

“Well, yes,” Anne admitted, not denying the fact that she felt invigorated. Sam changed many things at Twin Dragon including the security system and the hidden weapons prepared to protect the headquarters. Oh, not to mention the remote control used to monitor the movements of the only woman Sam loved; Beatrice, also known as Leora Quassano.

Eland grinned slightly. His eyes scanned the surroundings of the cemetery. From his vantage point, he could see several personnel cleaning the corners of the cemetery, as well as a group of people wearing black clothes. There were also several cars and vehicles accompanying the funeral procession of someone.

He recalled when he was part of a procession where his heart was not just sad, but filled with burning anger. Moreover, he and the others, who could be considered all of Sam’s subordinates, knew their ways. They couldn’t be killed so easily. At least now he could breathe a sigh of relief. Everyone involved and who disturbed Twin Dragon had been completely eradicated.

Although there was still a lingering sense of dissatisfaction, he was fully convinced that Sam’s decision had its own meaning. A person like Sam wouldn’t just let those three bastards go so easily. In the end, he found out for himself what happened to all of them. Remembering that made his grin even wider.

“Why?” Anne asked curiously. She rarely saw Eland’s cold face displaying even the slightest smile. She was still not used to being close to Eland because he rarely spoke. And when he did, it was always in a firm and rigid tone. Unlike Hugo, who often joked and eased the tense atmosphere.

However, Anne realized that Eland didn’t take attention lightly. Even something as simple as holding an umbrella in the scorching sun that showered them this afternoon, she initially refused. But Eland insisted until she couldn’t refuse anymore.

“There’s nothing,” Eland chose to observe Anne, who now stood beside him. “Are you done?”

“Yes,” Anne smiled broadly. “Thank you for accompanying me here.”

Eland nodded instead of using his mouth to speak. Besides, he did want to visit Tony’s grave, just to say hello.

“I’ll wait on the motorcycle, okay?” During the journey, Eland mentioned that there was something to discuss with Tony. Anne didn’t know what it was.

Eland frowned. “What are you going to do there?”

Anne blinked slowly. “I thought you needed privacy?” Her guess was right, wasn’t it? She didn’t want to disturb their conversation. The closeness between Tony and Eland when they were still together at Twin Dragon seemed like a cohesive team. Tony often trained with swords alongside Eland, and Eland was skilled in shooting as well.

“No.” Eland folded the large black umbrella he had been using to shelter Anne. “You also need to hear what I want to say to Anton.”

Anne stared at Eland in surprise. “What is it?”

“You know, I’m not joking when I say I want you by my side, An.” Eland’s words made Anne recall a moment she could never forget. How could a man known for being cold, emotionless, and with such a terrifying aura whenever he was at the headquarters say something that left Anne stunned.

Fortunately, she didn’t faint, although… Anne admitted that since Twin Dragon reformed, Eland had never been far from her. He tried to be by Anne’s side as much as possible and sometimes slipped in one or two messages that comforted her. Sometimes, Sam even seemed to deliberately make them complete missions together.

“In front of Tony, even though we are in different worlds now, I can’t eliminate Tony’s existence from your life, An.”

Anne nervously swallowed. Initially, she could still gaze into Eland’s dark gaze. It was one of the unique advantages he possessed. His eyes were deep black, although they slanted down like many Chinese men, and his skin was lighter than others. Eland had been different since his arrival at Twin Dragon.

But his loyalty had been tested and was beyond doubt, which is why he stood by Sam’s side. He played an important role that Anne knew, facing risks and dangers that surrounded him. Unfortunately, Eland was known for his brutality and mercilessness when wielding a sword. His cruelty had been heard throughout the Northern and Southern regions.

“You know my behavior with many women out there, An. You can judge how I am with them. I won’t deny all of that if you want to discuss it. But one thing you should know, in front of Tony, I want to be the one who continues his wishes from the past.” Eland closed the distance between them. “To bring happiness to you. Well… even though I know that happiness may come with danger. But you don’t need to be afraid, as long as I’m by your side, you’ll be safe.”

That was true.

Anton’s desire when he was with Anne was simple. He intended to marry the girl he loved, witnessed by their friends at the headquarters. Together under the protection of Twin Dragon because both of them were raised by Sam, they pledged their loyalty to Sam and did their best for Twin Dragon as a form of gratitude and a special bond.

Eland, who heard Tony’s words and plans, supported them and didn’t pay much attention to their relationship because he didn’t see Anne as anything more than a comrade within the same headquarters. Anyone who was in the headquarters and showed their loyalty to Sam was considered a comrade to Eland. Nothing more. His relationship with everyone there was also good. Whatever they did, Eland knew and was under Sam’s control and supervision. Eland and Hugo were in charge of surveillance.

That was it.

He didn’t know when Eland started feeling that Anne was different. He had acknowledged the girl’s intelligence since their first meeting. He had also casually mentioned her beauty, with her straight shoulder-length hair. For Eland, praising a woman’s beauty was normal. It was just a conversation wrapped in Twin Dragon’s interests between them.

And Eland knew about Anne’s relationship with Tony at that time. In fact, Eland strongly supported Tony’s desires when they talked about it before. Unfortunately, that desire had to come to an end due to the tragedy of the shooting that befell his teammate.

Several times he had tried to figure out why he couldn’t let go of Anne so easily. Unlike most girls who accompanied him briefly. Talking to Anne, who was initially reserved but turned out to be enjoyable, perhaps that was what made Eland think a lot.

“I’m not a man who beats around the bush, An. I just say what’s on my mind. You must know exactly what Tony wanted when he was in a relationship with you, right?”

Anne nodded slowly.

“So… do you allow me to continue? Because I’m sure Tony wouldn’t mind.”

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