I got up and went to the kitchen to get some water, but the moment I stepped in, I froze.
Lined up on the kitchen cabinet were several bottles filled with a shimmering, mercury-like liquid. My chest tightened as I walked closer, picking up one of them. The strange glow was identical to what Uncle James had vomited earlier.
I swallowed hard. So this is what was controlling him.
Without hesitation, I opened the bottle and poured its contents down the sink. One by one, I grabbed every single bottle with the same liquid and emptied them. The scent was sickly, unnatural, but I didn't stop until I was sure they were all gone.
As I turned to leave, a faint rustling sound came from outside the louvres. My body stiffened.
I hesitated, then slowly pushed them open.
Perched on a tree branch was a black vulture—but not just any vulture. Patches of its feathers were missing, revealing burned, blistered skin underneath. My breath caught in my throat.
Assey.
He was watching me. Even now.
Before I could react, the vulture suddenly vanished into the night.
That's when I noticed something stuck to the glass. A note.
"I will come back for you. Definitely."
I clenched my jaw, crushing the paper in my hand before tossing it aside.
So this isn't over.
RUTH'S CONFESSION
When I went upstairs, I saw Ruth shifting in her sleep, her face twisted in discomfort. I poured a glass of water and set it on the bedside table, waiting.
Minutes later, she stirred awake, groaning as she held her head.
"Here, drink this," I said, helping her sit up. She took small sips at first, then finished the rest in one go.
After that, she grabbed a banana from the table, eating it hungrily. I sat beside her, watching as she chewed in silence.
Then, for the first time, she looked at me and smiled.
Not a smirk. Not a forced grin. A real, warm smile.
"Anaya… thank you," she said quietly. "Even after everything I did, you don't hate me."
I blinked in surprise.
She took a deep breath. "I won't lie to you. Even though I was under Assey's control, a part of me didn't like you. I thought you came to take my father away from me. I let that anger grow. And for that… I'm sorry."
Her voice trembled slightly, and for a moment, she looked like a lost child.
I reached out, squeezing her hand gently.
"But Anaya," she continued, her tone turning serious. "There's something you need to know." She locked eyes with me.
"If I ever fall under his control again, don't hesitate to stop me. No matter what."
I stiffened.
She swallowed hard. "What happened today made me realize something. If you hurt me, even just a little, it will hurt Assey much more."
I sucked in a breath. Could I really do that?
Clearing my throat, I asked the question that had been burning in my mind.
"Ruth… what is your true connection to Assey?"
"And what exactly is your aim?"