I stared down at the cup of something revolting—gentian tea, Lisa had called it. Supposedly good for my health, though at this point, I wasn’t sure my body could be helped.

“Do I really have to drink this?” I asked, my voice lacking any enthusiasm.

Lisa nodded, her eyes full of worry. “Yes, Lady Meredia. It’s for your recovery.”

Sighing heavily, I lifted the cup and swallowed the bitter liquid in one swift gulp. Immediately, the awful taste hit me, and I gagged. “Ugh! Kill me now,” I groaned, pushing the cup away.

Lisa gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “Don’t say that, Lady! You’ve barely recovered. I don’t want to lose you again!”

I let out a small, frustrated huff, rubbing my temples. “Relax, Lisa. I’m not going anywhere.”

Yet as I said the words, they felt so... hollow. Everything felt hollow. My heart was heavy, weighed down by the storm of emotions I hadn’t had a chance to process. Kairan had gone off to war, and I was left with nothing but the wreckage of what he had done to me. His lies, his deceit... all of it was gnawing at me, twisting my insides into knots.

Lisa was watching me closely, her expression filled with concern. She hovered near me like I might collapse again at any second. And perhaps I might, but not from physical exhaustion. No, the wound inside me was far deeper.

Everything hurt, but most of all, it was him. Kairan. He had lied to me. Left me broken and confused.

After I’d fainted earlier, Kirill had carried me back to my room, and I’d woken up feeling just as lost as before. And now... I was being asked to drink tea like that could somehow fix all of this. As if it could fix me.

But it couldn’t. Nothing could.

I stared out of the window, the fading daylight casting long shadows on the walls. He had left—Kairan, the prince who had destroyed everything I thought I knew. Off to war without even a goodbye, without telling me why he had done what he did. No explanations, no closure.

Just silence. Just the endless, suffocating weight of his absence.

“I don’t understand,” I muttered aloud, though I wasn’t speaking to Lisa. I wasn’t speaking to anyone in particular. “Why did he leave like that? Without even explaining...”

Lisa sat beside me, her hand brushing against mine, but she didn’t say anything. How could she? She didn’t know what I was talking about. She didn’t know about the betrayal that had torn my world apart.

But even if she did, I doubted she’d have any answers.

The silence in the room grew heavier, the shadows lengthening as the sun continued its descent. I could feel the tears threatening to spill again, but I bit them back. Crying wasn’t going to change anything. He was gone, and I was left to pick up the pieces alone.

Lisa squeezed my hand gently, as if that small gesture could somehow bring me comfort. But nothing could. Not now.

I was shattered. And I wasn’t sure how—or if—I would ever be whole again.

I slumped back against the pillows, staring blankly at the ceiling as tears welled up once more. Lisa moved toward me, her hands reaching out to steady me, but I pulled away. I didn’t want comfort. I didn’t want pity. I wanted the truth—something I still hadn’t received.

“Lady Meredia,” Lisa began cautiously, breaking the tense silence. “After you fainted in the palace, there was no one to give a full report of what had happened in that room... and we didn’t tell anyone about your power eruption.”

I turned my head slightly to look at her, my brows furrowing in confusion. “So?” I asked, my voice hoarse but sharp.

“Well...” Lisa hesitated, wringing her hands nervously. “You were badly injured. It took you an entire week to wake up, and during that time, we couldn’t exactly hide everything from your family. We had to tell Duke Oberon about your condition.”

My heart skipped a beat. My eyes widened as dread washed over me, the floor beneath me suddenly feeling like it was falling away. “What? You told who?!”

Lisa waved her hands frantically in front of her, shaking her head. “No, no, don’t worry! I didn’t tell the Duke about... everything.”

I blinked, still panicked, my chest tightening with fear. “So... what did you tell him, then?” I pressed, my voice shaky.

Lisa shifted awkwardly. “I told Lord Kirill the full truth and asked him to handle Duke Oberon.”

I stared at her, my mind racing. She hadn’t told my father, but Kirill now knew.

Of course, he did—he is always the one cleaning up the messes Meredia can't control.

But still... it didn’t ease the gnawing panic inside me.

I closed my eyes, exhaling slowly, trying to steady myself. “And what did Kirill say?”

Lisa bit her lip. “He said he would take care of it. That he’d keep it from the Duke until you were ready to speak.”

I nodded, though the panic still clawed at me. At least Kirill knew how to navigate our father. Still, the thought of what he might be thinking... what he might have said...

I took a deep breath, trying to process everything Lisa had just told me. Kirill had taken care of things with Father, at least for now. But I knew that wouldn’t last forever. Eventually, questions would be asked—questions I wasn’t ready to answer.

Lisa shifted nervously beside me, as if hesitant to speak. After a moment, she cleared her throat softly. “Lady Meredia... there’s someone else who’s been waiting for you.”

“Who?”

“Lord Eamon,” she replied quietly, watching my reaction closely. “He’s been coming every day since you were brought back. He’d sit outside your door, waiting... but each day, he left more disappointed and worried.”

Eamon?

I blinked, feeling a sudden pang of guilt in my chest. I hadn’t even thought about him in the chaos of everything that had happened. The last thing I remembered was... well, him being a childhood friend. And now, he was sitting outside my door like a concerned lover? I shook my head at the thought.

“Why... why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Lisa looked down, her hands clasped tightly together. “I didn’t want to overwhelm you, Lady. You’ve been through so much already. But... I think it’s important for you to know that he cares.”

I exhaled slowly, my mind swirling with thoughts of Eamon’s visits, his concern. The weight of it all was starting to feel like too much. Kairan—Kai—had left me in pieces, and now Eamon was hovering in the wings, trying to... what? Save me? Pick up the shattered pieces of who I once was?

“Lisa,” I started, my voice trembling, “I don’t know if I’m ready to face anyone right now.”

She nodded understandingly, though there was a soft plea in her eyes. “I know, Lady. But maybe... maybe seeing him might help, even if just a little.”

I turned my head back to the ceiling, closing my eyes. I didn’t know if seeing Eamon would help or make everything more complicated, but I knew one thing for certain—I wasn’t the same person he remembered.

Suddenly a shouting startled me, pulling me out of my thoughts. The voice grew louder and more furious as it approached. I barely had time to register what was happening before the door flew open, and there he was—Esther storming in like a tempest.

"I'll get all the servants fired!" he roared, his anger palpable. "Nobody told me my sister woke up!"

He stood there at the door, his hands gripping either side of the frame as if he was ready to tear the place apart. Then, in an instant, his fierce expression softened the moment his eyes fell on me.

“Sister! You woke up!” He rushed toward me, his long strides carrying him across the room in seconds. Before I could even react, he threw himself onto the bed, landing squarely on my lap, hugging me so tightly I almost lost my breath.

His face pressed into my lap, and that’s when I felt it—the dampness of his tears soaking through my gown. Esther was crying.

For the first time... Esther’s crying. Especially for me. Do siblings cry for their siblings?

“I thought you wouldn’t wake up,” he sobbed, his voice muffled against the fabric. “I was so scared.”

My heart clenched, and for a moment, all the pain and confusion swirling inside me seemed to freeze. Esther was always the cheerful one, the one who never let anything bother him. Seeing him like this, broken and vulnerable, it shook me to my core.

My hand found its way to his head, gently stroking his hair as I blinked back my own tears. “I’m here, Esther. I’m here.”

He didn’t lift his head, didn’t say anything, just held onto me as if letting go meant losing me all over again.

I glanced at Lisa with a soft smile. "You didn’t tell me about this little boy who waited for me."

Lisa chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, he was roaming around like he didn’t care, acting all tough."

"That’s what Esther is," I said, gently caressing his hair, my heart swelling at the sight of him.

Esther lifted his face from my lap, looking absolutely ridiculous—his nose running, eyes watery, and saliva smeared across his chin. “I swear, I would have killed everyone who even thought about kidnapping you!” he declared, his voice trembling with emotion.

Kidnap? Me? I frowned, glancing at Lisa for confirmation.

She nodded, her expression calm but reassuring.

So, that’s the excuse Kirill made. Phew! I sighed internally, grateful that my brother had kept the truth hidden.

"Good thing no one needs to be killed today," I muttered, a half-smile tugging at my lips, though the weight of everything still hung heavy in my chest.

Just as I was about to relax, the door creaked open again. I didn’t even need to look up to know who it was—Kirill’s presence was unmistakable. His heavy steps echoed through the room, each one more judgmental than the last.

When I finally dared to meet his eyes, I found him staring at me like I’d just committed the most unforgivable crime. His arms were crossed over his chest, brows furrowed in a way that sent a chill down my spine.

“Kirill…” I started, but he cut me off with a sharp exhale.

“Why would you risk going with the princes?” His voice was low, controlled, but there was a storm brewing behind it. “Do you have any idea what could have happened? Do you have any idea what did happen?"

I swallowed, suddenly feeling small under his gaze. "I—I thought I was helping. I didn’t know—"

"Exactly! You didn’t know." His voice grew harder. "You didn't think! You should have never gone with them, Meredia. Not without protection. Not with them.”

The weight of his words hit me like a punch. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out. How could I explain that I thought I could handle it, that I wanted to help?

Esther shifted on my lap, still sniffling, and I gently pushed him upright. “Kirill, I didn’t expect it to go that way. I thought I could manage...”

His jaw clenched, eyes narrowing further. "Manage? You nearly died, Meredia. You did die, for a moment." His voice cracked on that last part, and I saw the fear behind his anger. He was terrified.

I bit my lip, guilt twisting in my gut. “I’m sorry, Kirill… I didn’t want to worry you.”

He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “Too late for that. Just promise me... promise you’ll never do something like this again.” His voice softened, but the tension remained.

I nodded slowly, unable to meet his eyes anymore. “I promise.”

Kirill's expression shifted from concern to a simmering anger in an instant as he pinned me with a hard stare. “And who told you about the witch background?”

I fell silent, my mind racing for an answer that wouldn’t make this worse. The realization dawned on him, and he let out an exasperated sigh. “The princes again? What role do these princes play in your life, Meredia? Because before you turned 18, I don’t think you even knew either of them. This isn’t just some royal romance affair, is it?”

My eyes widened, and my face flushed. “No, no, that’s not it!” I shook my head vigorously, panic rising. “Who told you that?”

His gaze fell on Lisa for a second, who suddenly looked like she wanted to melt into the floor. I shot her a glare that could have melted steel.

“Don’t glare at her,” Kirill snapped, raising a hand in defense. “If she hadn’t told me anything, would you just keep doing whatever you want in silence? Just be relieved I didn’t tell Father and Mother about it.”

I nodded, my gaze dropping to the floor. Guilt was a heavy blanket on my chest, but it wasn’t about what Kirill thought. I couldn’t feel guilty for uncovering the truth.

“So, how long have you known about my pure witch background?” I asked, eager to change the subject.

He sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration. “I just found out when Kairan mentioned it at the academy. He said something about our lineage, and that’s when I remembered that Mother became pregnant out of nowhere when I was only four. It all made sense. Then Kairan told me that witches can transfer a fetus to another person.”

I paused, a thought bubbling to the surface. “I’m the pure witch… But aren’t you half-witch too, considering Mother’s background?”

He shrugged, the irritation in his eyes unyielding. “I really don’t know.”

“But you can use magic, right?”

He nodded, his expression serious. “A little bit. Due to Father’s inability to do magic, our mana is only slightly more than his.”

I smirked, trying to lighten the mood. “So, you’re like a half-baked witch?”

“Very funny, Meredia,” he shot back, his voice sharp. “You think this is a joke?”

“Come on, Kirill! Just imagine it—half-baked, half-witch. It could be a new trend!”

His anger flared. “This isn’t a joke, Meredia! You’re putting yourself in danger!”

“Okay, okay! I get it,” I said, holding up my hands in mock surrender. “But seriously, if you’re a half-baked witch, that makes me a—”

“Meredia!” he interrupted, his voice rising. “You’re not listening. This isn’t about jokes! It’s about your life!”

“Alright, alright! I’m listening!” I said, trying to keep my tone light. “But you have to admit, a little humor wouldn’t hurt, right?”

His expression hardened further. “No, it’s not funny. I can’t believe you risked yourself by getting involved with both princes! What were you thinking?”

I rolled my eyes, trying to inject some levity. “Maybe I was thinking I’d be their favorite and get free cookies or something?”

“Do you have any idea how serious this is?” Kirill's tone was thunderous, his frustration palpable. “You think they care about you? They’re royalty! You’re in over your head!”

I sighed dramatically. “Okay, okay, no more cookie jokes. How about this? I’ll be the witch that doesn’t bake cookies for princes who don’t care.”

Kirill’s eyes blazed. “Meredia, stop making light of this! You could have been hurt, or worse!”

“Look, I’m still here, aren’t I?” I retorted, trying to lighten the tension. “Maybe I’m just invincible, like a hero.”

His anger only intensified. “This isn’t a game! I’m trying to protect you, and you’re acting like this is all a joke! You could have been in serious trouble!”

“Alright, alright!” I said, raising my hands defensively. “I promise I won’t go running off with princes again…unless they have cookies.”

Kirill’s expression remained stern, but there was an edge of exasperation in his voice. “You better not, or I’ll personally make sure you regret it.”

“Okay, okay! No more princes and no more cookie jokes,” I conceded, though I couldn’t help but smile a little at the ridiculousness of it all.

...----------------...

Esther looked up at us, bewildered. “What the hell was that?”

Oh right, we forgot our little brother was still here.

But good thing his mind is as big as a pigeon, so I bet he didn’t understand a thing.

Kirill shook his head, exasperated, while Esther buried his face back in my lap, muffling his words. “Sister, I thought you’d never wake up!”

Lisa glanced between Kirill and me, sensing the tension. “Er, do you siblings need alone time?”

We both stared at each other, then turned to her in unison. “No!”

Kirill shot her a look before breaking eye contact with me. “Thank you for telling me about my little sister, Evelisse,” he said softly.

That’s it. I’m writing fanfiction of Lisa and Kirill. It’s better than Ancillin and Lisa.

Lisa nodded, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks as she looked at me. I narrowed my eyes at her, moving my jaw left and right in a silent, exaggerated dialogue. How could you?

She met my gaze, a mix of amusement and guilt on her face, as if to say, What? You needed someone to know!

Kirill noticed our silent exchange, his brows knitting together in confusion. “What’s going on between you two?”

I quickly cleared my throat, forcing a straight face. “Nothing! Just sisterly bonding, right, Lisa?”

She nodded enthusiastically, though I could see the hint of mischief in her eyes. “Of course! Just a little sisterly chat.”

“More like plotting something,” Kirill grumbled, crossing his arms. “You two should be focusing on not getting kidnapped instead of whatever secret plan you’re hatching.”

I bit my lip, trying to stifle a grin. “Oh, come on, Kirill! It’s not like I’m planning to run off with any princes today. I mean, they haven’t even offered me cookies yet.”

Kirill sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

Esther lifted his head, his face serious. “I’d like cookies too! Can we all have cookies?”

I chuckled, ruffling Esther's hair. “See, even Esther wants cookies! It’s a valid point, Kirill.”

He rolled his eyes, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he was trying not to smile. “Fine, but only if it means you’ll stay out of trouble.”

“Deal!” I said, a triumphant smile spreading across my face.

Kirill shook his head, still trying to maintain his serious demeanor, but I could tell he was fighting back a grin. “You’re both going to be the death of me.”

“Or the life of the ball,” I quipped, nudging Lisa playfully.

“Definitely the ball,” she agreed, grinning back at me.

With that, the tension lightened, and for a moment, it felt like everything would be alright—even if just for a little while.

After a few minutes, I kicked all three of them out of the room and sat by the bed.

As soon as their voices faded, the truth—the betrayal by Kairan—washed over me again like a tidal wave.

How is it possible that I hate him for doing all this to me but still want to see him?

I looked out at the balcony, hoping he would appear in front of me, but the empty courtyard only deepened the ache in my chest.

My gaze fell on the ring on my finger, the big green gem in the center glinting in the dim light. It was just like Kairan’s eyes, captivating and fierce, drawing me in even as it reminded me of the pain he had caused.

Can I call him now? Will he come? But I don't think I should... He’s in war... But...

The internal debate raged on, each thought tangled with the other. I stood, pacing the room, the floor creaking beneath my feet.

What if he doesn’t want to see me? That thought stung, sharper than any blade.

Yet, the pull to reach out was undeniable. I had never felt so lost, so confused.

What if I just... used the ring? Would he be able to feel me calling? Would it reach him?

Taking a deep breath, I held the ring tightly in my palm, its warmth soothing against my anxiety. But what would I say?

“Hey, Kairan! Thanks for all the trust issues and emotional turmoil! Let’s catch up!”

I snorted at my own sarcasm, but the humor didn’t quite reach my heart. I sank back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of my conflicting emotions.

The idea of him not wanting to see me was almost unbearable. And yet, part of me was terrified of what would happen if he did come. Would he explain himself? Would he apologize? Would I even want to hear it?

I closed my eyes, trying to drown out the swirling thoughts, but they persisted. Just do it.

Call him. You need answers. You deserve answers.

But deep down, another voice whispered, What if you’re just setting yourself up for more pain?

I sighed heavily, feeling the pull of the ring against my skin like a magnet. I was caught in a web of uncertainty, but the hope of seeing him again, of understanding him, was a thread I couldn’t ignore.

I glanced at the gem again, its vibrant hue almost glowing in the twilight. Maybe just one call wouldn’t hurt...

The thought lingered in the air, heavy and intoxicating. I could almost feel his presence just beyond the horizon, waiting for me to reach out. I was on the brink of something—something that could either heal me or shatter me further.

But eventually, in a fit of frustration, I threw the ring away. It slipped from my fingers and fell off the balcony.

Immediately, regret washed over me, and I ran to the balcony, peering over the railing.

“Oh no! What did I do?” I gasped, my heart sinking.

Without thinking, I dashed out of my room and hurried downstairs, desperate to find the ring in the grass below.

“Oh no! Dammit! Why did I do it!? No! No! No!” I cried, frantically searching through the blades of grass.

“My magic isn’t even strong enough to contact him myself.” Tears spilled down my cheeks as I pulled at the grass, yanking it from its roots as if the ring were buried deep within the soil.

“Meredia?” A familiar voice broke through my distress from behind me.

I paused but didn’t turn. I heard his footsteps approach, growing nearer until he came to a halt beside me.

I looked up at him, tears still streaming down my face. “Eamon?”

Why!? Why are you here, Eamon? This isn’t the right time!

His concern was evident, but he didn’t press me. Instead, he knelt beside me, his gaze steady. “What happened?”

I wiped my tears with the hem of my sleeve, struggling to find the right words. “I... I... lost something...” I stammered. “It was... important…”

He nodded, his expression serious. “What did it look like? I’ll try to help you.”

I hesitated, glancing away. “It’s okay... You don’t have to…”

He looked at me with that warm smile of his. “I want to help. Just tell me.”

If I told him… he will guess immediately, especially with the rumors about Kairan and me… and I don't want to hurt him because there is nothing normal about my relationship with him.

“It’s… a ring… with a green gem in the center,” I said, still brushing aside the grass in a futile effort.

He fell silent for a moment, taking in what I had said. Then he nodded. “A ring. A green gem. Okay. Let’s find your important ring.”

We searched together, but the minutes turned into what felt like hours, and the ring remained elusive. Eventually, I grew tired, coughing lightly as exhaustion settled in.

Eamon noticed and insisted, “You should sit down and rest. I’ll keep searching the garden.”

Reluctantly, I sank down to the ground, watching as he continued to look, his clothes getting dirty and his face smudged with grass stains. But he didn’t seem to care; he was determined, his brow furrowed in concentration.

A wave of guilt washed over me, tightening in my chest.

He shouldn’t have to do this for me.

I looked away from him, pressing my lips together, trying to stop my tears from flowing.

“Eamon, you don’t have to—” I began, but he waved me off.

“I want to help, Meredia. Just rest,” he replied, not breaking his focus from the ground.

I could only watch as he tirelessly searched, the weight of my loss and his kindness crushing me all at once.

...----------------...