Miyeon turned back around. His target was back in focus—but before he could even think about taking a step…
"YOU RATS, I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!"
Master Eason burst through the front door with force.
Miyeon instantly switched from hunting mode to survival mode. Neither he nor Amabilis needed to think twice before running for their lives. Avner, however, didn't flinch. He stayed exactly where he was.
"I will not leave before I get answers,"
he said confidently, his grip on her tightening slightly.
Nephthys showed no reaction and no sign of cooperation. Meanwhile, his uncle was getting closer and closer.
"I'm serious. I'm not leaving."
Closer.
And closer.
Just as his uncle was about to reach him, Avner suddenly sprinted away like his life depended on it—which it absolutely did.
In moments, everyone had vanished.
Nephthys was left standing alone.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
"What a happy family."
***
"Impressive."
Nephthys and Avner were training in the forest again.
Even though Nephthys had complimented him, Avner didn't seem pleased. Instead, he looked frustrated—clearly still affected by yesterday's incident.
"You don't look happy. Why? Does your back still hurt? I already healed it."
The day before, after Master Eason discovered that his nephews had started a fire in his absence, he went feral and chased them down. Since his feet were injured and he couldn't run properly, he resorted to the first solution that came to mind—throwing fireballs at them. Some hit, some missed, and some started another fire.
When the Madam saw her mansion burning, she nearly murdered her husband on the spot. That was the main reason Avner, Amabilis, and Miyeon survived the day.
Master Eason was now under house arrest.
Nephthys assumed Avner might still be hurt, even though she had healed him, his cousins, and the Master himself.
Avner ignored her and kept fighting demons.
After a while, his frustration only grew. She hadn't even tried to ask why he was upset.
He slaughtered the demons in his path, then leapt onto the tree branch where Nephthys sat. He crouched down until they were eye to eye.
"Do you enjoy hurting me?"
His tone was serious.
"Hurt you? Aren't I the one who always heals you?"
Nephthys replied calmly.
Avner studied her eyes for a moment, then let out a quiet sigh.
"I will work hard."
With that, he jumped off the branch and returned to the fight.
***
"Oh, hello, dear."
The Madam entered the room and greeted the woman who had been patiently waiting.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Madam."
Nephthys stood and bowed politely.
"This is the first time we've spoken properly. I apologize for not introducing myself sooner."
"I understand."
Nephthys knew exactly why the Madam had never taken the initiative to speak to her—or to anyone else. Avner's tutors never lasted. A week was the longest any of them had stayed.
Just like the others, they expected me to leave.
"Please, sit."
"Thank you, Madam."
"Bring us some tea, dear."
The Madam instructed the maid, then sat across from Nephthys. The maid bowed and quietly left the room.
"So, how is Avner doing? I heard there's been significant improvement thanks to you."
Nephthys didn't waste time.
"Do you happen to have a deceased sister?"
The question was sudden—and it worked.
The Madam stiffened.
"Is she perhaps…"
Nephthys paused deliberately before finishing.
"Avner's real mother?"
***
"So, did you prepare everything?"
"…?"
"Don't tell me you forgot already."
Miyeon could feel it—this was payback.
"Forgot what exactly?"
A mischievous smile appeared on his lips.
"We have a ball to attend tomorrow."
"Oh, that? No, I didn't forget. Everything's ready."
So much hell.
Miyeon's smile vanished, replaced by clear disappointment.
"Did you find anything regarding the symbol?"
"…Sigh. No. Still nothing. Just what is that thing?"
His irritation showed plainly.
"Alright. Then our last resort is to catch them all at the ball and figure it out there."
"Yeah… I guess you're right."
"We have a lot to discuss, so don't expect to get home anytime soon."
Regret filled his eyes.
"Let's go."
"Go where?"