Amara finally lifted her gaze. Her amber eyes, cold and mocking, locked onto Gregory the moment the word "surprise" left his lips.

For just a second, the man faltered-stunned by the frigid, piercing look that didn't belong to a fragile girl, but to someone who could see right through him.

Amara's gaze shifted to Clarissa and Melissa. Their false concern, their mocking smiles-it was all written across their faces, as if they had already scripted the downfall they planned for her.

Her lips curved into a faint, ridiculing smile. "Alright, I'll go," she said casually. Then she paused, her voice cutting sharper than a blade. "But..."

Clarissa's smile froze, her nails digging into her palm beneath the table. This insolent brat! What does she want now?!

Amara leaned back in her chair, her amber eyes glinting with cruel amusement. "Until the dinner party celebration, I want you all to stay out of my life. Don't interfere with anything I do."

The words landed like a slap across Clarissa's face.

She forced a laugh, her lips trembling as she spoke through gritted teeth. "Amara, how can you say such a thing? We care so much about you. Besides, you don't need to make... requests just to attend our family's progress, do you?"

Melissa seized the chance, her eyes gleaming with malice. She smirked sweetly, her voice dripping with false affection. "Yes, sister. We even planned a surprise for you. You'll love it."

Kael's expression darkened with disgust. He sneered at her, his voice sharp. "You really don't know what's good for you."

Amara ignored their words entirely. Instead, she fixed her sharp gaze on Gregory, cutting straight through the noise. "Do you agree?"

The silence pressed heavily across the table.

Gregory closed his eyes, rubbing his temples in frustration. This niece of his-always so unyielding, so insolent. "Fine," he ground out coldly. "Do whatever you want. But don't bring shame to this family."

His tone was laced with contempt, as though she were a wayward woman whose actions could only taint their name.

Kael's lips curled into a smirk. As expected... She's only meant to be played with. Soon enough, I'll take my turn, he thought, his gaze lingering on her with a perverse hunger.

Amara felt it instantly. That revolting stare crawling along her skin. Her stomach turned, bile rising to her throat. She pushed back her chair and stood, her amber eyes icy.

"Good. Then it's settled. I'll come." Her lips curved into a slow, sinister smile, one they failed to notice as she turned away. "I'd like to see the surprise you've prepared... and perhaps I'll prepare one of my own."

Her voice lingered like a curse in the air as she walked upstairs, her figure regal and untouchable.

Melissa's expression twisted the moment Amara's back disappeared. Rage bubbled in her chest, but she quickly plastered on a coquettish smile. She leaned into Kael, brushing her hand against his arm, flaunting her stolen prize.

"Brother Kael," she said sweetly, loud enough for Clarissa to hear, "I'm so glad you chose me. Some people may look like angels, but inside... they're rotten, aren't they?" She giggled, her eyes flickering with glee as if she had won some great battle.

But Kael's gaze wasn't on Melissa. His eyes lingered on the stairs Amara had just ascended, his expression complicated-disgust warring with the faintest trace of regret.

Melissa caught it instantly. Her triumphant smile faltered. A wave of fury crashed over her.

Clown. She's making me look like a clown!

Meanwhile, Amara walked away without sparing them a single glance. To her, they were nothing more than jesters-dancing desperately in a circus of their own making.

After returning to her room, Amara took a long shower, letting the hot water wash away the residue of false smiles and poisonous words. Soon after, she fell into a deep sleep, her body sinking into the mattress as if the world outside no longer existed.

When she finally stirred, sunlight was already spilling harshly through her curtains. A glance at the clock told her it was half past twelve.

She didn't linger. Slinging her backpack over her shoulder, Amara made her way downstairs.

Halfway across the hall, she crossed paths with Cassandra. Her cousin was surrounded by a cluster of well-dressed girls, no doubt her schoolmates. Cassandra's eyes flickered over Amara silently, no words, no greetings. Just a quiet scrutiny.

Amara didn't spare her a second glance.

But the girls with Cassandra noticed. Their whispers drifted through the air like gnats.

"Who's that?" one murmured curiously.

"She's so pretty, but... why is she dressed so simply?" another added.

"Is she a servant?" a third girl asked with a laugh.

Amara's lips twitched faintly as she walked past, her expression betraying neither anger nor shame. She didn't wait to hear Cassandra's reply. She didn't care.

Still, in her mind, she made a note.

This cousin of mine... she's the quietest of them all. Timid, reserved, always hiding in the background. But that's her greatest strength, isn't it? Melissa shows her claws too easily. Cassandra? She wears her mask so well you'd never know how calculating she really is.

Amara yawned lazily, as though the world itself bored her, and stepped out through the gates of the Hayes estate.

The sunlight hit her face as she raised her hand to hail a taxi. "Downtown," she said simply as the car pulled up.

The door shut behind her with a quiet thud, the Hayes estate shrinking in the distance.

The taxi came to a slow halt at the bustling city center. Amara pushed the door open and stepped out, her figure blending effortlessly into the crowd. Lifting her gaze, her eyes settled on a tall building ahead.

It wasn't extravagant like the flashy skyscrapers surrounding it, yet its design carried a quiet elegance-minimalist, refined, and impossible to overlook. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she took in the beautifully crafted studio entrance.

Pulling the brim of her cap lower to shield her face, she adjusted her backpack and walked forward, her steps steady, unhurried. Without hesitation, Amara pushed open the glass doors and disappeared inside.

The studio lobby was quiet, its interior designed with sleek, modern simplicity, with soft lighting, glass partitions, and muted colors that exuded professionalism. Yet not a single staff member stopped her, nor did anyone so much as glance her way. It was as though Amara's presence here was already an unspoken rule, one no one dared to question.

She stepped into the elevator, pressed the button for the upper floor, and waited in silence as the doors closed. When they opened again, she walked down the short corridor and stopped before a room. With a light push, the doors swung open.

Inside, two girls sat absorbed in their own worlds.

The first was perched comfortably on the couch, a laptop balanced across her lap, oversized headphones covering her ears. She swayed slightly to the rhythm of whatever song she was listening to, humming cheerfully in between bites of snacks she held in one hand. Her light-colored hair was tied into playful pigtails, and her bright, half-moon eyes carried a sparkle that matched her lively smile. Even in her casual clothes, she looked utterly adorable, her whole presence radiating warmth and energy. This was NyxFlame in the digital world. Here, she was known as Sora Min-kyu, half-Korean, half-European, her mixed heritage only amplifying her delicate, doll-like beauty.

The other girl was the perfect contrast. Sitting with perfect posture at a desk, she held a script in one hand while her other hand flicked over her laptop's touchpad. Long, silky black hair framed her refined face, her sharp features carrying an aura of cool detachment. Her beauty was striking and devilish, almost untouchable, like a snow queen descending from her throne. Her cold, calculating aura wrapped around her like armor, keeping others at a distance. This was IronWolf, but in reality, she was Selene Han, her name as sharp and elegant as the woman herself.

The moment Amara stepped inside, Selene's brows furrowed slightly. She raised her head, her dark eyes narrowing from concentration, but landing squarely on the newcomer.

Noticing the shift in atmosphere, Sora paused mid-hum, slipped her headphones off, and followed Selene's gaze toward the doorway. Her eyes widened slightly, recognizing who just got in, before she broke into a bright smile.

The moment silence fell after Amara entered, Sora suddenly shot up from the couch like a spring.

"Yah!" she squealed, dashing over with her arms wide before throwing herself at Amara. Hugging her tightly, she shook her as though to confirm she was real. "Do you know how much you scared the hell out of us? You disappeared without a word! Couldn't you have at least contacted us first?"

Amara staggered slightly under the impact, her lips curving despite herself at Sora's clingy warmth.

Behind them, Selene crossed her arms and scoffed. "Typical of her," she muttered, rolling her eyes as though Amara's recklessness was nothing new.

"Alright, alright, enough," Amara chuckled, gently prying Sora's arms off her. Turning toward Selene, she stretched her hands out playfully. "Come on. Bring it in. I know you missed me too."

Selene arched a brow, clearly unimpressed. But after a second's pause, she exhaled through her nose, pushed off her chair, and gave Amara a brief but firm hug.

"Don't get used to it," she said flatly, though the faint quirk at her lips betrayed her.

The three of them broke into laughter, the sound filling the room with a warmth that hadn't been there before.

Almost immediately, Sora began fussing again. She tapped Amara's shoulder and pulled back to look her up and down. "Yah, look at you! You lost so much weight-and you're pale! What happened?"

Selene's sharp voice cut through before Amara could answer. "Do you really need to ask? She's been living with those bloodsuckers. What did you expect?" Her arms folded across her chest, her eyes narrowing at Amara with a mix of annoyance and concern she refused to admit aloud.

Sora pouted, stamping her foot lightly. "Still! Yah, Amara, when are you planning to get out of that cage? Don't tell me you really intend to stay there forever-for the sake of revenge, of all things."

The smile on Amara's lips faded, replaced with a quiet sigh. She walked over and sank into the chair beside them, her movements calm but her gaze steady as it lifted to meet theirs.

"I know," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of her resolve. "I already plan on leaving."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, the calm surface hiding the storm beneath.

The room fell silent. Both Selene and Sora kept their gazes fixed on Amara, worry written plainly across their faces. Slowly, Selene rose from her seat and crossed over to her, settling down beside her. Sora, unable to stay still, sat on Amara's other side, flanking her as though to keep her from slipping away again.

Selene reached out, tapping Amara's shoulder gently. Her voice was calm, but carried a weight that made the air grow heavier.

"Do you know why I introduced you and Sora to the dark web back in high school?" she asked quietly.

Both Amara and Sora turned to her, their eyes reflecting confusion and curiosity.

"It wasn't just for survival," Selene continued, her tone steady. "It was because I wanted us to be able to stand on our own. To be free. Beyond our talents and the masks we wear online, I wanted us to live-separately, in our own worlds-not chained down by our pasts."

Amara's lips curved into a faint, mocking smirk. "Says the one who's spent her whole life buried in the dark web, chasing revenge."

Selene's eyes flickered, but she didn't flinch.

"I don't live like that," Sora interrupted quickly, almost defensively. "I live quite well."

Selene shot her a sidelong glance and scoffed. "You think so?"

The playful light in Sora's face faltered, her head dipping as a small, bitter smile tugged at her lips.

Selene exhaled softly and turned her gaze back to Amara. "Look... we were kids back then, trying to survive the only way we knew how. But now? I want us to look forward-to the future. To live for ourselves." She paused, her eyes sharp, her words deliberate. "Especially you, Amara."

Amara froze, her expression unreadable.

Selene's voice dropped, colder but laced with something like pain. "I know why you joined the dark web. To dig into the truth behind that 'accident' years ago. Even though I brought you into it later, your influence there is far stronger than mine or Sora's now. But... every investigation you've launched has ended the same. Dead ends. Nothing. Don't you see?"

Her words struck like a blade.

"You think that pathetic uncle of yours has that kind of power?" Selene's lips curved in disdain. "No. There's something much bigger lurking beneath that incident. A force we don't dare provoke. And chasing it will destroy you before you even touch the truth."

Sora reached for Amara's hand, her own eyes shimmering.

Selene's voice softened, though it trembled faintly with emotion she rarely showed. "Amara, I want you to move on. Leave that house. Start over somewhere else. Live for yourself, not for revenge. Your parents... they wouldn't be happy seeing you like this."

Amara's chest tightened as though bound by invisible chains. Her fists curled tightly in her lap, her nails digging into her palms until it hurt. She bit her lip, her amber eyes glossing over as tears threatened to fall.

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."