Chapter 92: Harmony, Is That You?

Hayley’s POV: +8 Pearls

Nueve spun around, his eyes widening in astonishment as he registered my presence. For what felt like an eternity, he simply stood there, disbelief etched across his face, before stammering, “Harmony, is that you?”

I replied with a playful smile, “What do you think?”

In the blink of an eye, Nueve transformed into a wolf, dashing toward me with uncontainable joy. Just as he was about to reach me, I called out, “Hold on! Ensy’s here, don’t get too excited!”

I stepped closer, bending down to embrace his furry form, soothing him as he shifted back into his human self. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes as he looked at me. “After all these years, you finally returned. Do you have any idea how hard we searched for you?”

His voice trailed off, choked with emotion.

I gently patted his shoulder. “But I’m here now, aren’t I? Besides, it looks like you’ve been living life to the fullest.”

Nueve’s expression softened slightly as he asked, “Do Siete and the others know you’re back?”

“Not yet, I don’t think.”

He quickly wiped the tears from his cheeks. “You have no idea—Siete has been waiting for you. For all this time, he’s been the only one clinging to the past. I heard he’s become a songwriter for a well-known singer. He’s penned some amazing lyrics, but without your voice and music, nothing can match that magic.”

I remained silent, taking in the surroundings of the villa. After a long pause, I suggested, “What do you say we grab dinner tonight?”

Nueve’s face lit up with enthusiasm. “Awesome! I’ll invite everyone!”

I quickly interrupted, “No, let’s keep this just between us for now. Just the two of us.”

He hesitated. “I promised Siete I’d let him know if I heard anything about you.”

I fell silent, and Nueve noticed my discomfort. He sighed, “Alright, if that’s what you want. I’ll show you around instead.”

I nodded and made my way to the backyard, where a row of limited-edition motorcycles gleamed under the evening sun. I reached out to touch one, nostalgia washing over me. “It’s been ages since I’ve been around these.”

Nueve chuckled and tossed me a set of keys. “Let’s take one for a spin!”

I caught the keys, hopped onto a motorcycle, and slipped on a helmet. The moment I revved the engine, a rush of excitement coursed through me. With a grin, I pressed the throttle and sped down the road.

Nueve quickly caught up, riding beside me, excitement radiating from him. “It feels like we’re back in the old days!”

Chapter 92: Harmony, Is That You? (Continued)

Tears welled up in his eyes as he replied, “Harmony, it’s been far too long…”

We drank our cocktails, and I finally asked, “So, how have you been all these years?”

• Pratis

Nueve gave a wistful smile. “After you left, everyone sort of scattered. We all took different paths. Only Siete stayed in the game. As for me, I manage this bar now, keeping watch over it at night while soaking up the sun in the courtyard during the day. Siete’s luck had turned; he’s been helping that singer rise to fame. The singer’s name is Christopher Southwell—he’s really popular now! You should listen to his songs; many of them feature Siete’s lyrics.”

The name Christopher Southwell jolted me, nearly causing my drink to slip from my hand.

What a small world.

“I’ll definitely check out his music,” I said, masking my surprise. “Your bar seems really nice.”

Nueve suddenly proposed, “Why don’t you perform tonight? Just one song?”

I shook my head. “No way. I haven’t sung in years. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

But Nueve wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Just one song! It would mean so much to me.”

I hesitated, torn between wanting to please him and a flicker of desire to relive that lost thrill. Finally, I relented and slipped on a mask before stepping onto the stage.

“Tonight, we have a special guest at Kimi’s Bar! She’s going to perform a beautiful song for us. ‘The Fragrance of Dark Blossoms.’ Let’s give her a warm welcome!”

This song, my signature piece as Harmony, hadn’t touched my lips since I stepped away from the spotlight. Just thinking about performing it again sent butterflies racing in my stomach.

As I took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage, the audience buzzed with anticipation, their faces hidden in shadow. But the moment I began to sing, the room fell into a hush.

“When… petals fall from flowers, the fragrance lingers, filling with the wind and rain, leaving no one to taste…”

As I poured my heart into the performance, a thunderous applause erupted at the end, reverberating through the room. I smiled and bowed to the audience before stepping off the stage.

But then, a familiar voice called out, “Wait!”

I turned around, my heart racing—it was Benjamin! A stir arose within me, my pulse quickening.

Would he recognize me?

764 39 Fri, Jan 3 Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mote