Carter’s POV

The silence hangs heavy in the air as I gaze at Rena’s delicate features, trying to reconcile the feral woman from the coy beauty before me. She meets my eyes for a moment, then casts her own downward with a slight blush.

To be honest, I’m feeling lost and unsure of what to do. There is something inside resisting the idea of leaving.

Am I foolish for staying?

My mind races with doubts, yet my hearts pulling me towards the spark dancing in her eyes.

Why do I see that feral woman in Rena?

Though identical in appearance, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Now, I realize that if Rena were indeed that woman, my heart wouldn’t only be skewered; she would have savagely torn it out in a relentless rage. Relief floods through me; she isn’t her sister. Yet, a tangle of unanswered questions persists, remnants of my unsettled past with that woman.

Turning to my right, I saw her hunched over, elbows anchored on her knees.

What should I say? How do I begin? I inhale deeply, and as her piercing gaze met mine, it nudges my heartbeat into a hasten rhythm.

“You’re not playing some sick joke on me, are you?” Rena demands.

“No, I... What are you talking about?” I sputter, my frustration mounting.

Rena’s hands clasp tighter at her temples, as if holding herself together. “You really saw her? My sister?” The slight crack in her voice betrays her stoic facade.

“Yes, I saw her.” I assure her, my heart clenching with a truth I can’t reveal. “But believe me, your sister isn’t someone I’d care to encounter again.” The lie tastes bitter on my tongue. The truth, a burning desire for vengeance against her sister for her unforgivable actions, remains caged within my chest.

Rena’s breath hitches, and she presses, “So, tell me about this damn legend I’ve never heard of.”

“I honestly don’t know.”

Rena’s hands fall to her sides, and a glint of challenge sparks in her gaze. “Don’t know, or won’t say?”

“An old friend... he mentioned it once, but his source? I can’t say. It seemed a fool’s tale - myths for the gullible. That’s what I believed until you and your sister came along.”

“A myth. Like us and werewolves, elves, demons—creatures hiding in the shadows.”

“You’re so naïve. Not all stories come from truth.”

“But some are. So, can we find this friend of yours? Will he talk?”

“No, kitten, he’s gone.”

“I’m so sorry... and for my earlier accusations. I should have been thanking you instead.” She leans back on the couch with genuine eyes.

“Why thank me? I did little.” I recline, intrigued.

“You reassured me that my sister’s alive. That... that means everything to me.”

Her smile, so full of light, breaks my heart. She seems like a lost kitten learning to navigate a cruel world.

With an abrupt, electrifying jolt, she sits upright, her fingers digging into my thigh with a desperate grip. I can feel my heart pounding fiercely in my chest. A frantic rhythm set off by her unexpected touch.

Rena’s gaze drifts from mine, sweeping across the surroundings. There’s something undeniably amusing about watching her frantically pat herself down. A smile unwittingly plays on my lips as I take in the sight.

“Where’s my phone?” Her a glowing expression that wraps me around her finger.

I take her phone out of my jacket and give it to her. She stares at the dead phone in disbelief, her expectations shattered.

She looks up at me in disappointment. With a gentle smile, I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone, unlocking it and handing it to her.

“Here, you can use mine.” I offer her my phone. She takes it with a small, thankful nod, her fingers swiftly navigating the screen.

“What’s got you so absorbed?” I lean in with a hint of playful curiosity.

Rena’s eyes gleam as she looks up, her grin infectious. “Just chasing a hunch about something.”

“I’m almost afraid to ask, but... what’s got you playing detective?”

Rena’s smile fades into a determined scowl. “It’s that vandalized bar from the news. The answers I’m after might be a long shot, but I have to try. Whoever left that message might hold the key to... well, to a lot.” She hesitates, glancing away. “Dahlia would try to stop me if she knew what I’m doing. Maybe we could—”

“Why the cloak and dagger with Dahlia? Why not just talk to her?”

Rena sighs, her guard reinforced by a remembered pain. “I know she’s been nothing but kind, yet trust doesn’t come easily to me—not since that incident years back. And here I am, under her roof, avoiding her presence. It’s ironic—maybe I’m the one who doesn’t deserve trust.” Her voice betrays a twinge of guilt, but also a stubborn resolve.

“I understand where you’re coming from. But if you didn’t care, you wouldn’t be here, right? And it’s obvious she cares about you. You know, trust is about letting those walls down. It’s okay to let go, to let someone in.” I flash her a smile to show that it’s not such a bad idea.

“Okay, I’ll think about it. But for now, tell me—are you with me, or not?” she presses, an edge of impatience in her voice.

“So, you’re asking me for help? Well then, if I’m going to stick my neck out for you... what’s in it for me, huh?”

She falters, a frown creasing her forehead. “I don’t know... what do you desire?”

I quirk an eyebrow, teasing, “Really? Anything? Oh, kitten, choose your words more wisely.”

Rena’s eyes meet mine, steady and sincere. “I mean it. If you’re hesitant—”

“—No, no, I’m in. But why place your trust in me rather than her?”

With trembling fingers, she traces circles on my thigh. “cause... I really think you’re telling the truth. No one believed me, and some even said it might be a dream.”

“I know we’re practically strangers, but I swear won’t lie to you. Wanna go to Black Rosé with me? Let’s see what we can find.”

“Really? You’d do that? You’ll take me there?” Hope flickers in her eyes.

“Look, there are certain things in life you simply can’t turn a blind eye to. I’ve got reasons to avoid that place, but for your sake, I’ll face them.”

“Why? What’s so bad about it?”

“That’s where I met your sister—details can wait. We can head out now if you like; I’m more than happy to drive.”

“You owe me an explanation later. Hold on… do you actually own a car?”

“How could you forget?” The words rolling off my tongue with a teasing edge. “You spent the entire drive holding on to me as though letting go would mean falling into an abyss.” The corners of my mouth curl into a knowing smile as I watch a blush cascade across her cheeks like the bloom of a delicate rose.

With swift, shy movements, she brings her hands up to veil her flush face. Despite myself, a gentle chuckle escapes me, drawing her gaze—an intermingling of embarrassment and quiet defiance.

In a moment of awkwardness, she dashes toward the door. She pauses just a breath away from stepping out, sending me a silent, urgent wave to beckon me forward.

Message received, with no words. I trail behind her, each step soundless, respecting the space between us and leaving my questions hanging in the air, unspoken.

Rena’s POV

As my fingers grace the intricately carved doorknob, an unexpected quiver of uncertainty echoes through my body. My reflection, distorted in the polished brass surface, stares back at me. The air chills; a dark silhouette looms ominously over my shoulder in the glassy sheen.

What am I even doing?

Entrusting everything to a mere stranger simply because he dangles the first sliver of hope I’ve seen in years. I am hanging on his every word, bathing in a trust I haven’t felt in far too long.

I don’t pay attention to local news or gossip—it doesn’t matter to me. Moving to Nadia meant get away from Royalvia and its unpleasant memories. I plan to leave Nadia eventually, so I avoid getting too attached.

But now, my old wounds, which were healing, are opening up again. I can’t help but wonder who left that message.

As I yank the door wide, a tidal wave of sizzling bacon ambushes my senses, prompting an insistent growl from the depths of my stomach. Behind me, Carter’s chuckle ripples through the air, but embarrassment roots me to the spot, unable to face him.

From the warmth of the kitchen, a tender voice unfurled like a welcome.

“Oh, Rena, come eat. Your stomach’s growling is practically an echo through these walls,” Dahlia giggles.

I pad into the heart of the home, playful indignation lacing my tone.

“Do you have to take such pleasure in my hunger?” Though a mock pout plays upon my lips.

With a mischievous gleam in his eye and a sly smile curling on his lips. “Deny myself the entertainment? Impossible, kitten,” he taunts, the mischievous glint in his eye fleeting as he faces Dahlia, his features shifting to seriousness. “Dahlia, we’re heading out for a bit.”

Dahlia, her hands busy placing a plate heaped with warm bacon onto the table, locks eyes with Carter, her own smile fading to a serious, knowing glance.

“Yes, of course.” She then nods toward me, a blend of affection and authority in her gaze. “Rena, help yourself before you go.”

In silent agreement, I approach the food-laden table, reaching for a piece. As if carried on a whispering breeze, a voice materialized in the sanctuary of my mind, a voice clear and intimate. Without a doubt, I understood; Dahlia is speaking directly to me, her thoughts entwining with mine.

“Be very careful, Rena,” she forewarns in a low, earnest timbre, her eyes conveying the gravity of her words.