Chapter 3

As spring unfolded, Hana and Soto’s love deepened. They met in secret, their stolen moments like petals caught in a breeze. Soto painted her, his brush capturing her spirit, her defiance, and the vulnerability she revealed only to him.

Hana’s father grew restless. The Black Lotus Clan demanded answers. “Find my daughter,” Kaito Tanaka ordered, his eyes as sharp as a katana blade.

Meanwhile, Soto’s heart wavered between love and duty. He watched Hana practice with the tanto, her determination unwavering.

“Trust me,” he whispered, knowing that trust was the fragile bridge they walked upon.

Hana smiled at Soto, “I will always trust you.”

They had come this far and Hana was just as determined as Soto to hold onto their love. She would fight to the bitter death if she had to, even if it was against her father.

She sadly said goodbye to Soto once more and snuck back inside her home before her father could find her.

She had to find some sort of evidence that would give her the upper hand against her father. So she waited till night and snuck into her father’s study.

Hana discovered a hidden compartment in her father’s study, a collection of letters exchanged between the rival clans. Secrets spilled across parchment: alliances, betrayals, and a prophecy that bound their fates.

One letter stood out, a plea from Soto Nakamura to spare Hana. “She is my heart,” he’d written. “I’ll defy our clans for her.”

Hana’s breath caught as she read the bold words written across the paper. Soto’s love for her was etched upon her heart even deeper at that moment. It fueled Hana’s determination to fight back.

The Crimson Dragon Clan hosted a masquerade ball, an opportunity for Hana to escape her father’s grasp. She donned a crimson kimono, her face concealed behind a delicate mask. Soto, too, attended, his eyes searching the crowd.

As found each other and danced, Hana’s pulse matched the rhythm of the shamisen. “Tell me your secrets,” she whispered.

Soto hesitated and then playfully smiled, “I am both your savior and your betrayer.”

“Is that so,” Hana replied with a sparkle in her eye.

Hana felt like testing Soto again, “I’ll ask you once more. Why did you keep your identity hidden? Are you sure you told me the whole truth?”

Soto’s voice trembled. “Because I wanted you to love me, not the heir of our blood feud.”

Hana touched his cheek. “I love the man who saved me, not the clans.”

“Are you sure,” Soto asked nervously.

“Yes. And now that I have the answer I was looking for, I have a plan,” Hana replied.

“A plan, what plan,” Soto asked curiously.

“Wait a few minutes and secretly follow me to the balcony on the third floor. We will talk more there,” Hana answered before leaving the dance.

Soto watched her walk away across the dance floor. He was worried she was getting in over her head, but he would always support the woman he loved.

After what seemed like an eternity, the two met under the guise of night. The cool night air swirled around their secretive rendezvous.

Hana revealed to Soto the papers she discovered in her father’s study. However, she did hide the fact that she found his letter pleading for her safety amongst her father’s belongings.

They boldly came up with a plan to expose her father and gain their freedom to love one another, while still finding a happy balance for the clans.

Peace was their ultimate goal!

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