Kapitel 22: The Sister. Part one.

"It's so dark..."

My body felt compressed, stifled by an oppressive weight that made it hard to draw breath. Sweat bathed my skin, adding to the discomfort. Why am I here? The shackles on my legs weighed me down, and the chains on my arms dug painfully into my flesh. All I could hear was the sound of my shallow breathing and the distant echo of water nearby.

"Have I been captured by enemies? From that school." Even my thoughts felt muddled. "Did something happen? Tell me. Have you done something you shouldn't have?" I questioned myself, but the inner presence remained silent, unresponsive to my queries.

Then, a figure emerged before the dungeon. Dressed as maids, they approached, one kneeling while the others stood. One of them carried a tray.

"Master Lucian, we apologize for the Young Master's actions that led to your confinement. This is an antidote for the poison you've been afflicted with."

Young Master? That meant I was in the Evergreen household.

I wanted to inquire why I was here, if something had occurred at the school, but my throat felt parched, rendering me unable to speak. I could only watch as the maid prepared the antidote.

"May I have your right arm?" the maid asked politely.

I nodded, raising my arm obediently.

With careful precision, she injected the antidote into my arm. "Ugh." A sting followed as the liquid flowed into my veins, leaving me feeling nauseous.

My breathing grew labored. "I..." Weakness overcame me, and my arm throbbed with pain.

As the maid withdrew the syringe and rose, I found my voice. "Lykon. Is she... alright? I haven't seen her. Perhaps something... must have happened..."

The maids glanced back at me. "She will visit you later, Master Lucian."

"For now, please rest, so the antidote can take effect without hindrance." she added.

"Ahh..."

And with that, they departed, leaving me still grappling with unanswered questions about why the being within me had led to my confinement.

I turned my gaze toward the nearby window, the soft light filtering through the glass casting a gentle glow in the room. As I stared out into the distance, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, and images of flashbacks began to flood my mind.

It felt eerily reminiscent of my previous household, a place filled with memories both bitter and sweet. The familiar sights and sounds transported me back to a time long gone, evoking emotions I thought I had buried deep within me.

"Wait for me, brother!"

"Hurry, Yona! You'll miss the first drop of snow!"

The air was crisp with the promise of winter's arrival as we dashed out of the Wills household. Each step kicked up a flurry of snowflakes, painting the world in a blanket of white.

"Waaah! I really love the first snow." I threw my head back, letting the delicate flakes kiss my cheeks as I breathed in the chilly air. The sight was mesmerizing, a pristine landscape untouched by time.

"Jeez, you're so mean. Brother! You should have waited for me!" My little sister's voice floated through the frosty air, a playful scold tinted with laughter. Her footsteps crunched in the snow as she hurried to catch up, her rosy cheeks contrasting against the wintry backdrop. "Look, Yona, can you see the snowflakes?"

"Hmm..." I observed as her eyes squinted in concentration, trying to capture the fleeting beauty of the snowflakes with her gaze.

"Yeah!"

"I read in a book that snowflakes are like nature's jewels, each one unique and exquisite. Pure as the driven snow, and some say, even edible." My words hung in the air, carried away by the gentle breeze as I marveled at the wonder of nature's craftsmanship.

Opening my mouth, I stuck out my tongue, eager to taste the ephemeral sweetness of the snowflakes.

"M..me too!" Yona chimed in, her voice filled with excitement as she mimicked my actions, her laughter tinkling like chimes in the winter wind.

Glancing at my little sister, I couldn't help but smile, a warmth blossoming in my chest as I watched her revel in the magic of the moment. She was like a snowflake herself, delicate yet resilient, her spirit as pure as the freshly fallen snow. Surely, she would enchant many hearts with her charm and grace.

"Lucian, Yona! Get inside the house!" The stern voice of our father broke through the enchanting scene, reminding us of our duties.

"Yes, father!" we chorused in unison, reluctantly tearing ourselves away from the winter wonderland.

Though stern and disciplined, our father was also kind and loving, his concern for our well-being always evident in his actions.

After the snow season passed, I resumed my sword training, the bitter cold of winter replaced by the heat of battle.

"Ugh..."

"Ouch..."

"Ahh..."

Each blow landed with a resounding thud, sending shockwaves of pain reverberating through my body. I gritted my teeth, determined to endure, but each strike chipped away at my resolve.

"Young Master, are you sure you're the son of Lord Wills? Hahaha!" The jeers of the soldiers echoed in my ears, their mocking laughter piercing through the icy air.

"I fail to see the resemblance."

Their words cut deeper than any sword, slicing through my confidence and leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable.

"Hehe, I'm more of a literary type than a swordsman," I quipped weakly, attempting to brush off their taunts with humor, but inside, the barbs stung like icy daggers.

"Stop making fun of my brother. While he may lack skill with a sword, he excels in his studies," Yona's voice rang out, a fiery determination burning in her eyes as she came to my defense.

"Ah, Yona." I smiled gratefully, my heart swelling with love and admiration for my steadfast sister.

"Since when did you arrive?" I asked, grateful for her timely intervention and eager to hear her comforting words.

"Hmm, just a few minutes ago. Brother, why do you allow them to belittle you? Remember, you are a shield of the kingdom," Yona's voice was firm, her gaze unwavering as she confronted the soldiers, her protective instincts kicking into overdrive.

"B-bullying the young Master? No, you're mistaken, my lady," the soldiers stammered, their faces paling as they realized the gravity of their words.

"W-we would never bully the young master," they hastily added, their voices trembling with fear as they sought to make amends for their thoughtless behavior.

"Just let them be. It's true I may not excel in battles, but that doesn't diminish my worth," I admitted sheepishly, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as Yona came to my defense once again.

As I rubbed the back of my head, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for my sister's unwavering support, her presence like a beacon of light in the darkness of uncertainty.