RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
"Alright. Get some rest first. I'll start cooking."
As soon as Sister left the room, I quickly began packing. I emptied my backpack and stuffed it with the essentials. I didn't bother changing clothes—just slipped back into my white sneakers from earlier. I grabbed the money I'd saved up from my drawer and tucked it into the pocket of my bag.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my room.
Since my room was right across from the kitchen, Sister Rona immediately noticed me. She was in the middle of frying fish.
Her eyes darted between my bag and me. "Where are you going? It's getting late," she asked, suspicious.
I smiled and held up my phone. "Xyrille called. We have a group assignment to work on. I'll help them so I won't struggle catching up on the activities I missed tomorrow. I'm also going to copy some notes."
"Are you sure you're feeling better? What if you suddenly faint again on the way?"
I chuckled, hoping to ease her worry. "Sister, don't worry about me too much. You should focus on finding my future brother-in-law instead." Then I left her standing there, eyes wide and cheeks bright red.
"H-hey!"
I dashed out of the house before she could recover from the tease and think to chase me. Lucky for me, I'd already put some distance between us.
Stopping for a moment, I looked back at our home. Forcing a smile, I whispered to the wind, "Sorry, Sister. I just want you to be safe."
I walked slowly along the side of the road, having no idea where I would go. I hadn't thought that far ahead—my only concern earlier was to get away.
The surroundings had already grown dark, and one by one, the streetlights flickered to life. I passed only a few people along the way, which wasn't surprising since I had taken a quiet, secluded street.
"Whoa! That looks so cool."
"Yeah. Is that a trend now?"
"Wow, she's even wearing contact lenses."
"I didn't know those existed—glow-in-the-dark contacts? I should buy a pair tomorrow."
My brows slowly drew together in confusion. Almost everyone I passed kept staring at me and whispering to each other.
I lowered my head and, as casually as I could, used my phone screen as a mirror. I froze the moment I saw my reflection—a pair of glowing green eyes stared back at me. I blinked several times and looked again, but the color still hadn't returned to normal.
The witch flashed in my mind. This had to be her doing.
It had begun, just as she warned. I had to steel myself, not let fear or panic claim me.
With a swift motion, I let my bangs fall forward and pulled up my hood to hide my eyes. Then I picked up my pace until I reached the bus station.
Countless vehicles sped past along the wide road, yet not a single bus stopped in front of me. I'd been waiting for nearly an hour, but still hadn't managed to catch one. My voice was already hoarse from shouting and waving, and my legs ached from standing for so long.
"Where did my luck go? This is annoying," I muttered under my breath.
I glanced at an elderly man who had just arrived. From his clothes, there was no denying he was from a province—except for the oversized sunglasses he wore. I almost asked why he's wearing them at night, but I shoved away that thought. He might just snap at me.
I turned my gaze back to the road and kept waiting. I had no intention of looking at my fellow passenger again, but then he spoke.
"Your green eyes are beautiful," he said in a raspy voice.
My eyes widened in surprise, but I quickly recovered. I laughed lightly. "Nice, right, Sir? These contact lenses are new—I just bought them earlier at the mall," I lied.
He smiled faintly. "I know what you really are."
As he removed his sunglasses and said those words, a shiver ran through me. It was the first time I had seen eyes like mine up close—eyes that glowed in the dark. But his were violet.
I stared at him for so long that recognition hit me only after a moment. If I'd been shocked before, it was nothing compared to what I felt now.
"H-how . . ."
Grandfather Lembo?
He chuckled softly at my expression. "I understand your confusion. But remember this—" his gaze sharpened—"we are not ordinary people."
RONA'S POINT OF VIEW
Moments after Rhein left, Dylan walked in with his pracien perched on his shoulder. As always, he wore that smug grin and leaned casually against the wall beside the door.
"What's next, Princess?"
Natre flew in and landed on my shoulder. "It seems Princess Rhein is heading to the bus station. She truly intends to get far away from you for your safety," she said.
"As expected, everything is going according to plan," I replied, turning to Dylan. "You'll keep watch over her for now. The king sent me a message just moments ago. He's calling me back for an urgent mission."
He nodded, his grin widening. "Don't worry. I've got this." He even had the nerve to wink before walking out.
I frowned.
What is going through that guy's head? If he harasses my sister, I'll lock him in a light cage and make sure he regrets it.
RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
Still confused, I decided to go with Grandfather Lembo. He walked over to his white car, which was parked not too far away, and got inside.
I hadn't realized it was him I'd been speaking to earlier—his voice had turned hoarse, and he'd even disguised it with a provincial accent.
He's the one who trains me how to fight. He's been my mentor for almost three years now. I usually visit his house twice a month for those sessions. It's only been a week since our last meet, but it seems the second one for this month is coming earlier than what's planned.
He is already old, yet still strong—stronger, in fact, than many people younger than him.
I couldn't stop myself from glancing at his eyes.
Is the witch have something to do with what was happening to him? Is he also one of her targets?