The ones who have never faced darkness cherish emotions, hold them sacred, and take pride in them. But those in the dark… they may know nothing of such things. From the moment they opened their eyes to the world, they have battled monsters, learning that the fiercest of foes are always the cubs.
To face the darkness means to become obscure… yet in every depth of blackness, a star still glows.
As darkness swallowed the horizon, Hector remained in place, blood streaming from his hands as he laughed, gripping his knife with both. His laughter carried the thrill of tasting something new, his eyes gleaming with a possessive hunger.
Sid trembled in horror at the sight before him, memories of Lynn being taken from him by force flashing through his mind—while he had stood frozen, unable to lift a blade. He shivered in fear, while Hector trembled in exhilaration.
Amidst the countless corpses and the blood-soaked floor—no longer shining as it once had—the place resembled a sacrificial altar rather than a baroque hall meant for swaying bodies and soaring melodies. The only sound that now filled the space was Hector’s laughter as he raised the knife high, eyes locked onto his left leg.
"I’ll even carve off my own foot," he declared before driving the blade downward.
But before the steel could pierce flesh, Lucas appeared out of nowhere, blocking the knife with his bare hands. Hector flinched the moment he saw another hand before his knee. He lifted his gaze, his expression hardening with arrogance as he spat, "What do you think you're doing, Lucas?"
His face, pale from blood loss, barely concealed his pride. Lucas, unbothered, simply replied, "She said just a scratch."
With a swift motion, he took the knife from Hector’s grasp and slashed a shallow wound across his left leg—just as Aurora had instructed. Hector's fierce glare lingered for a moment, but the strength in his expression slowly faded. Bit by bit, the light drained from his face until he lost consciousness.
Lucas caught him before he could collapse, lifting him onto his back. Then, with a firm tone, he commanded, "You—move."
His words were directed at Sid, who could barely stand. Without hesitation, Sid staggered forward, following Lucas without a word.
They left.
Nothing remained in that place—only lifeless bodies, pools of blood, and a deafening silence.
This was what Aurora always left behind, every time she passed through.
—
Aurora arrived at her family's mansion, accompanied by Baron, who kept his eyes fixed on Lynn. She had not spoken a word since that gut-wrenching scream—remaining silent throughout the entire ride.
As the car halted before the Al Batris estate, Aurora stepped out first, just as another vehicle arrived, carrying Victor and Joseph. They swiftly exited as well.
Lynn followed, her gaze sweeping over the grand mansion, a storm of emotions crashing through her all at once. Behind her, Baron stood still, silently watching her every step.
The Al Batris family members advanced, following Aurora’s lead. She moved forward with an air of exhilaration, stepping lightly but with unwavering purpose. A black gaze—piercing and overwhelming—radiated from her, shrouding her in a dark aura.
Joseph trailed close behind, his face carved with frustration. Victor followed, still reveling in the aftermath of the chaos.
As the three entered the estate, Baron and Lynn followed, though Lynn's thoughts swirled in confusion.
"Why am I here...?" she wondered.
Yet as she walked, staring at the mansion, she found that it was not terrifying in the slightest.
No, it was unsettlingly… comforting.
Power, status, prestige—Aurora possessed them all. Family, unity, and even the warmth of familial bonds.
Yet, somehow… she remained incapable of understanding the emotions directed toward her.
Even though she was the best at seduction, the most skilled with words…
She was, without a doubt, the absolute worst when it came to love.
As they walked with firm steps, Aurora spoke while the servants stood in the corridor, bowing in greeting.
"She is my guest."
Then, the three of them continued forward, while Lynn and Baron veered off toward another hallway. Only then did Lynn finally speak.
"Am I going to die?"
Baron chuckled lightly. "If that were the case, you would have died a long time ago."
Lynn looked at him in confusion. He seemed oddly at ease now that they were alone. They walked slowly as she took in the vastness of the place she had been brought to.
"Then why am I here?" she asked.
"I can’t guess what the princess is thinking," Baron replied, "but you’re not here to die, that’s for sure."
A slight sense of relief washed over her. The fear and uncertainty that had gripped her began to fade, little by little.
Around them, the servants continued to offer their greetings, and even Baron adjusted his demeanor. His tone grew more respectful as they approached a massive door. He pushed it open and said, "I believe you’re the princess’s first guest. Welcome to the Al Batris estate. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything."
He placed a hand on his chest and bowed slightly.
Lynn stood there, bewildered—pleasantly so.
She stepped inside and found herself in a space that could have been an entire palace on its own, though for the Al Batris family, it was merely a room. It had a sitting area, a vast balcony, a bedroom, and a bathroom, all adorned with refined furnishings. The walls were painted pristine white.
As Lynn walked in, still in awe, Baron shut the door behind her. Then, he stood there, motionless, in front of the door—like a guard, his expression sharp and unwavering.
Yes, she was a guest… but she was also a prisoner.
This was a place no one dared to step into. And if they did—blood would be spilled without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Sid sat on the edge of a massive bed, staring at the unfamiliar room Lucas had thrown him into upon their arrival at the Salvador estate. His gaze wandered aimlessly as he mumbled to himself,
"What is happening…? What more could possibly happen after everything that has already unfolded?"
Restlessness consumed him. He couldn’t relax. His thoughts clung to Lynn—he couldn’t shake her from his mind.
He blamed himself.
How could he have done nothing? How could he have failed to protect her? How could he have chosen himself so easily?
Gripping his head, he struggled with his tormenting thoughts… while somewhere else, Lynn seemed to be enjoying her surroundings.
She had already pushed aside everything that had happened. She was certain Sid would be fine.
She hopped from one spot to another, exploring the room with bright curiosity. Then, at last, she stepped onto the balcony, staring up at the inky night sky, scattered with twinkling stars. A soft breeze tousled her golden strands, brushing gently against her skin.
She inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp, fresh air. Slowly, she relaxed, letting her mind empty itself of all thoughts.
Meanwhile, the Al Batris family sat around the dining table, eating in near silence.
Aurora was clearly not in a good mood.
Something unsettled her—something she couldn’t quite comprehend about what she had done to Hector. She couldn’t find a rational explanation for her actions.
Suddenly, she slammed the table, causing everyone to flinch.
"You idiot! Why didn’t you stop me?" she snapped at Joseph, her eyes burning with frustration.
Joseph’s glare matched hers as he retorted, "How exactly was I supposed to stop you, you reckless fool? And what the hell was that behavior?!"
Their shouting echoed through the room, shaking the atmosphere.
Their parents and Victor, however, remained unfazed, calmly continuing their meal as if nothing was happening, leaving the siblings to their heated exchange.
But beneath their yelling, there was something else—something deeper.
His anger was laced with the concern of a brother trying to protect his sister. Hers carried the frustration of someone who knew they had crossed a line. They weren’t just blaming each other… they were worried for each other.
Aurora’s face suddenly flushed. She covered her eyes with her hand and groaned, "How embarrassing…"
Joseph burst into laughter. "You were an idiot, really."
The tension between them melted in an instant, replaced by their usual dynamic. Meanwhile, the rest of the family continued enjoying their meal peacefully.
As for Hector…
His wounded hand—where Joseph had once plunged a knife—had been treated.
Now, he lay in his room, seemingly at rest.
Or perhaps not.
A faint smile crept onto his lips as Aurora’s image flickered across his mind.
Then, without thinking, he rolled onto his injured side—
And let out a sharp cry of pain.
The moment he did, he noticed a presence beside him.
His mother, Alice Salvador, sat beside his bed, sipping a cup of coffee, watching him with quiet amusement.
A gentle smile graced her lips, her dark eyes gleaming softly. Her long brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her elegant features.
Her full, rosy lips parted as she murmured, "So now you finally feel the pain?"
She took another sip, then added, "And… I haven’t seen you smile in a long time."
Her voice was warm, filled with an affection that softened her otherwise regal presence.
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