Amara wiped at her eyes roughly, forcing back the trembling in her chest. Her lips curled into a cold smile, though her voice cracked despite her efforts.

"Aren't you the same, Selene? You're chasing revenge too. Don't act like you're different from me. I just... I just want the truth."

Her voice wavered near the end, betraying the storm inside.

Selene's gaze hardened, her tone sharp and unyielding. "We're not the same. I know who my enemies are. I know exactly what I'm dealing with. You don't."

Amara let out a low, bitter scoff. "You think you're any better? Those people will ruin you the second they get their claws into you. Yet you still chose to stay in this goddamn city. Why don't you go back to your own country, huh? If you're so smart, why are you still here?"

For the first time, Selene's mask cracked. She pressed her lips together tightly, blinking fast to keep her tears from spilling. Her throat bobbed as she tried to swallow down the lump rising there.

Amara's voice faltered again, her body trembling as she snapped, "You think you're the only one who worries? You think you're the only one suffering?"

The air grew thick, heavy with grief and unspoken pain.

"Stop it, both of you!" Sora's voice cracked as she burst between them. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she looked desperately at the two people she loved most. "Please, let's not fight over this. Don't you see? It's tearing you apart."

Both Amara and Selene turned to her, stunned by the rawness in her voice. Sora's hands shook as she clenched them at her sides, her tears falling freely.

"As much as I want to carry your burdens with you, I can't," Sora cried, her small shoulders trembling. "I feel useless. Like I'm the only one here with no real pain, no right to even complain. But watching you both suffer like this-it hurts me too. It hurts so much."

The dam finally broke.

Seeing Sora cry shattered the walls Amara and Selene had fought so hard to keep up. Their tears spilled over, unstoppable now, and without another word, the three of them fell into each other's arms.

Amara clutched Sora's small frame, her voice ragged as she whispered through broken sobs, "Don't say you're fine, Sora. You have your own scars too. You're no better than us... and that's okay. We'll survive together. Somehow, someday."

Her trembling hand reached out to Selene, pulling her into the embrace.

Because behind Selene's cold exterior, Amara knew... she was just as broken.

The three of them cried in silence, holding onto one another like the fragile lifeline they were. Different pains, different scars-but in that moment, their hearts beat as one, all bound by grief, hope, and a desperate will to survive.

Sora sniffled, wiping the tears from her cheeks before forcing a grin. "Okay, enough crying. My eyes are already swollen-do you want people to think I fought with a cat?"

Her silly remark made Amara's lips twitch and even Selene's stoic face soften just a little. Sora puffed her cheeks dramatically. "See? I knew I could make you laugh. You should be grateful to have me-your emotional support clown."

The tension in the air eased, and for the first time, the room felt lighter.

Then Sora's stomach growled loudly, ruining the moment. She slapped her belly and turned to Amara with a pitiful whine. "Amaraaaa, I missed your cooking so much! Please make something for us. We're starving. I even prepared the ingredients in the kitchen-come on, let's go!"

Amara rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a faint smile. "You're unbelievable."

"Please, chef!" Sora clasped her hands like a child begging for candy.

With a sigh, Amara tied her hair back and headed to the small studio kitchen. Within minutes, the sound of sizzling filled the air, followed by the rich aroma of garlic, spices, and herbs. Sora and Selene unconsciously leaned toward the kitchen, practically drooling.

When Amara finally emerged, she carried a tray of steaming dishes-golden kimchi fried rice, creamy mushroom pasta, garlic butter chicken, and a bowl of miso soup to warm the stomach.

Sora's eyes sparkled. "Oh my god-marry me, Amara. You should open a restaurant. Honestly, your food is better than the five-star chefs back home."

Selene, too composed to gush like Sora, ate quietly with her usual grace, but the faint curve of her lips betrayed her satisfaction. Halfway through, she suddenly froze, her chopsticks hovering in the air as a thought struck her. But she quickly masked it, continuing her meal in silence.

After eating until their stomachs were full, Sora hopped up to wash the dishes, humming cheerfully. Selene, however, leaned closer to Amara, her expression returning to serious.

"You said you already plan on leaving your uncle's house," she murmured. "What are your plans?"

Amara set down her chopsticks, her face solemn. "I don't know yet. I'll figure something out."

Before Selene could respond, Sora came skipping back, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, Selene, don't be such a bore. Let's just tell her."

Amara blinked, surprised. "Tell me what?"

Selene shot Sora a glare, but Sora ignored it, her grin mischievous. "Do you remember that exam we took for fun that day?"

Amara frowned. "What exam?"

"The scholarship one!" Sora exclaimed, bouncing excitedly. "Remember? We applied just for laughs and ended up taking the test? We were arguing who was the smartest, remember?"

Amara's eyes widened as realization dawned. "Oh... that one. Don't tell me-"

Selene sighed and turned her laptop toward Amara. On the screen, a neatly displayed email glowed.

"Well," Selene said with deliberate calmness, "it turns out we all passed. Not just passed-we topped the results. They offered us full scholarships."

Amara's mouth fell open. "You're joking."

"Nope," Sora chirped proudly. "We're serious. And it's not just any scholarship-it's a special one, reserved for the best of the best."

At that, Selene reached out to shut Sora up, but it was too late. Amara's stunned expression said it all.

Selene managed a small smile, softer than usual. "I think... this could be a new start for you."

Amara's eyes widened in shock before she turned to Selene, her lips trembling with a smile that looked like it might break into tears.

"Who would've thought something we did just for fun would turn into such a big help later on?" she whispered, almost laughing through her emotions. "This... this could be a new start for all of us, not just me!" Her voice grew bright with excitement, her hands clenching in hope.

But before she could say more, Sora called softly, "Amara..."

"What? Why do you look like that? Don't tell me you're not going-" Amara's words rushed out nervously, but before she could finish, Selene's cold voice cut through.

"I'm not going."

Amara's smile instantly faltered. She stared at Selene in disbelief before her shoulders slumped and she sat down heavily, her mood souring. "If you're not going, then forget it. I'm not going either."

Selene closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath, steadying herself. When she opened them, her gaze was firm as it met Amara's.

"Listen. You need this more than anyone. I don't. I can survive here on my own, and you know I've already set my sights on finishing my medical degree in Liora. I'm not ready to abandon that. But you-" her voice softened, though her words stayed sharp, "you need to get out of this place. Away from your uncle and his family. You deserve a clean slate, Amara. You deserve to breathe again."

Amara's face twisted with frustration. "Are you kidding me right now? This is Grandcrest University in Veyra we're talking about-the biggest, most prestigious school in the country! They're offering us a special scholarship to study in a city full of opportunities, and you're throwing it away just to stay in this godforsaken Liora?" Her voice cracked as anger and desperation clashed. "You think I can really escape my uncle forever? He's already making plans to send Melissa there. Now that they've partnered with a Blackwood subsidiary, she'll have even more backing. So what are you saying, Selene? That I should just let them ruin me?"

"Amara, calm down," Sora pleaded, stepping between them.

But Selene's tone was unwavering. "I know it sounds harsh, but listen. I'm one step away from my goal, and I can't risk going to Veyra now. There are too many big shots there. If I step into that city, sooner or later I'll be found. You know I've already gone too deep into the dark web-there's no way I'd go unnoticed there. And besides... that organization is rumored to be based in Veyra. If you go, you might be able to seek their help. But me? I'd only drag you down. That's why you need to go, Amara. Start fresh. I'll stay here, keep an eye on your uncle, and send you information when I can."

Silence stretched between them until Sora raised her hand. "I'm going with you, Amara," she said firmly.

Amara turned to her in surprise, but Sora just grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "It's not like my parents care about me anyway. I'm the black sheep in my family, remember? Going back to Korea would only make things worse. So I might as well follow my lovely Amaaaara~" she sang playfully, throwing her arms around Amara's shoulders. "Besides, Veyra has better food. I'm just going for the meals!"

Her teasing broke through the heavy tension, pulling a small laugh from Amara despite her frustration. Selene's lips even curved faintly, though her eyes still glistened with the weight of her choice.

"Selene... why are you doing this?" Amara's voice cracked, her eyes glistening. "You've been trapped in this for so long. Don't you think you deserve a fresh start too?"

Selene's lips trembled, her composure breaking as silent tears gathered in her eyes. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I can't, Amara. I'm afraid I'll never be able to step out of this. The moment I stepped in, I knew there was no way back. This... is the price I have to pay."

Her words hung heavy in the air, leaving Amara speechless. The pain was raw, unspoken yet shared. Slowly, almost desperately, they all reached out and wrapped their arms around each other again.

Sora sniffled, her cheeks wet, then forced a weak laugh. "We really do hold a lot of water in us today, don't you think?" she joked, wiping her tears with her sleeve.

Her playful comment broke the heaviness, pulling a small laugh from the other two. The tension eased, just a little, like a fragile thread of light cutting through the storm.

Selene turned to Mia with a faint, tired smile. "Besides... I'm in charge of this studio. I can't just abandon it, you know."

"Okay, okay." Amara nodded, finally letting out a long breath.

"That's enough tears for one day," Sora said brightly, clapping her hands together. "Let's have some fun, shall we?"

Their laughter followed, soft but genuine, a fragile promise that even in their pain, they could still hold onto each other.

After a while, the three of them sat back down, letting the earlier heaviness fade as their conversation drifted toward the future.

Selene turned her gaze toward Amara, her expression thoughtful. "You know... I had a thought while we were eating earlier. My aunt is opening a new restaurant in Veyra soon. It's not for business, really-more because of her love for cooking. I can talk to her, and you could start there as a chef. You won't have to worry about finding work."

Amara blinked in surprise, her lips parting.

Selene leaned forward slightly, her voice firm but gentle. "Don't refuse the offer, Amara. You're starting fresh. You need to focus on your books, not on gathering intel at bars or living as 'Nocturne.' Leave that behind. Just... accept it, okay?"

Amara's throat tightened. She gave a small nod, her eyes softening with gratitude.

Before the moment could grow too heavy again, Sora suddenly squealed, "More food for me then!"

Both Selene and Amara shot her the same look-half exasperated, half amused.

"And," Sora continued, puffing her chest proudly, "I'll get more chances to pursue my music career there. Isn't that exciting?"

"Yeah," the two replied, a small smile tugging at their lips despite themselves.

Amara turned to Selene, her voice low. "I just hope... you won't regret this decision."

Selene gave her a small smile in return.

Amara rose from her seat. "I need to study more recipes, to sharpen my skills."

"Oh, ho, ho-" Sora raised her hands with a grin. "I can help you taste them! Quality control!"

"You're so silly," Selene muttered with a helpless smile.

Amara adjusted her cap and let out a sigh. "I need to go. In a few days, my uncle and his wife are preparing a 'surprise' for me at their dinner celebration. They even agreed to stay out of my business just to get me to attend. I'm afraid they must be plotting something big."

Sora scoffed, crossing her arms. "Hah, plotting big my ass. With their pea-sized brains?"

Amara's lips curved faintly, but she didn't reply. "I'll come back tomorrow. We don't have much time left, and there's still a lot to do. Okay-I'm off."

As she walked toward the door, Selene called after her, rolling her eyes. "Now you know we still need some catching up to do".

She paused for a while. "And Amara I won't regret it"

Amara paused for a moment at the doorway, her back to them. "I hope so," she murmured softly, then stepped out without looking back.

Sora was about to hop after her when Selene tugged sharply on her pigtails.

"Ow! What was that for?!" Sora yelped.

"Where do you think you're going? Come help me with this."

"Huuu..." Sora let out a frustrated whimper, her shoulders slumping as Selene smirked knowingly.

Amara stepped out of the building, the cool breeze brushing against her skin as if trying to soothe the storm inside her. Her footsteps were slow and measured, but her mind raced.

I've spent my whole life stuck in this city, she thought bitterly. Enduring, clawing my way through, just to end up with nothing. And now... now I have to start over from scratch, don't I?

A sharp, humorless laugh escaped her lips. I might as well live my life a little, then.

She stopped in front of a glass wall, her reflection staring back at her. Amber eyes rimmed with exhaustion, hair falling messily over her shoulders, her face a mixture of resilience and weariness. She stared for a moment before the corner of her lips curved into a small, almost defiant smile.

Maybe I should cut my hair. Buy a few things for myself. If I'm starting fresh, I can't keep living like this, can I?

Her chest tightened at the thought of Sora and Selene-the only people she truly had. If they ever found out I tried to take my life last night... how would they feel?

Amara clenched her fists, drawing a deep breath to steady herself.

Her mind drifted, unbidden, to the man she had pulled from the sea-the stranger whose fate she'd changed. For a moment, his pale, unconscious face flashed before her eyes. She shook her head sharply.

Well... that's no longer my business. I did my best.

With that, she raised a hand and hailed a taxi, exhaustion weighing down her every movement. She wasn't ready for anything else tonight. Right now, all she wanted was to get back to the Hayes estate and collapse into sleep.

--

Somewhere in the heart of the city, within an extremely exclusive residential estate that only the most powerful families could afford to reside in, silence pressed heavily against the walls of a vast villa.

Inside a dimly lit room, a man reclined lazily in a chair. His long legs were crossed, one arm draped over the armrest, the other covering half of his face. Despite the relaxed posture, there was nothing casual about him. His skin was frighteningly pale, the kind that only accentuated the sharp, almost inhuman perfection of his features. His lips curved faintly, though not in amusement.

"How is the investigation going?" His voice was low and hoarse, yet it carried a weight that made the air itself feel suffocating.

None of the men standing before him dared to speak. They stood stiffly, backs drenched in cold sweat, as though the wrong word would seal their fate. No one even breathed too loudly

Only one man stepped forward-his assistant, Elias.

"Young Master," Elias said, his voice steady though sweat dampened his back, "we managed to deal with those who dared ambush you. But... we still cannot identify who leaked your location."

The man lowered his hand slightly, revealing eyes as sharp as obsidian. He spoke again, his tone flat. "And the woman? Have you found her?"

At the mention of the woman, Elias's composure faltered for the first time. Cold sweat trickled down his temple. "Sir, we... only recovered a wallet she left behind. But it appears to belong to a man. There was nothing inside except for a small amount of cash and-" he paused, bowing deeper, "-a hidden card. We are still investigating the seal on it."

The man's expression twisted into a faint, icy smile that sent chills down everyone's spine.

"Incompetent."

Just that single word had the temperature in the room dropping several degrees. The guards held their breath, hearts pounding. No one dared to move.

Suddenly, the man's body lurched forward as a violent fit of coughs wracked him. The pale shade of his face deepened, his thin lips stained faintly red.

"Young Master, you only just woke from a coma-you mustn't strain yourself!" The doctor at the side rushed forward, his tone urgent, worry evident in his eyes.

"Get out," the man ordered, his voice colder than winter ice.

Everyone in the room scrambled away in panic, heads bowed low, until only Elias and the doctor remained, hesitant.

The man slowly raised his head, his gaze sharp and merciless, like a blade. The pale light illuminated his features-strikingly handsome yet terrifying, like a demon king who had just clawed his way out of hell. His black hair fell across his forehead, shadowing his expression as his lips curved into a dangerous smirk.

"Do I need to repeat myself?"

The doctor and Elias bowed hastily, retreating with trembling steps until the room fell into silence again.

The young man leaned back once more, eyes half-lidded. His brows knitted together as he stared into the void, his thoughts drifting.

Who was that woman...?

Her face was nothing but a blur in his memory-hazy, slipping away each time he tried to recall it. Yet, the faint warmth of her touch still lingered against his skin. It gnawed at him, that one memory he couldn't grasp.

A woman who appeared out of nowhere, dragged him back from the gates of death... and disappeared without a trace.

His jaw clenched. No matter who she is... I will find her.

--

That night, Amara returned home exhausted. Without saying a word to anyone, she slipped into her small room-the only space she could truly call her own.

Collapsing onto the bed, she stared at the ceiling, her heart a tangled mess of emotions. Should she feel grateful that she was still standing after everything, or bitter that life had stripped her of everything she once had? She didn't know.

But one thing was certain-she would no longer cower in the shadows of her past. Whatever trials awaited, she would face them head-on.

Her eyelids grew heavy, yet her mind refused to settle, thoughts chasing her deep into the night. Somewhere between hope and sorrow, she drifted into sleep-unaware that fate had already set something far greater in motion for her.