Ava's entrance is a sharp blow to the back.
I wasn't expecting it.
Arrogant, icy, ready for war.
As always.
A tsunami that overwhelms me completely. And leaves only cold.
I didn't think she'd come. After all, she'd never come back.
But a part of me hoped.
I've been waiting for this moment for years. The confrontation.
I just didn't think it would be today.
I'm not ready.
I have to pretend I am.
My sanity depends on it.
I knew Aura wouldn't move without her.
And indeed... here she is.
Aura.
My heart sinks.
She's still that fragile little girl I remembered.
The only light left in this family rotted by pain.
Seeing them again is a shock. A slap in the face.
But they are my family. They always will be.
A burning sensation rises in my throat. Acid.
Memories I don't want. Wounds still open.
They're all that's left of the life we had.
And then...
Grandpa.
I close my eyes. I still feel him here.
A shiver runs down my spine.
It was him, the beginning of the end, the cause of everything.
I hate him. But this isn't the time to let it explode.
I move.
I cross the room as if I were entering an arena.
Ava studies me, eyes narrowed, already on the warpath.
I'm tempted to confront her. But not now.
I push past her.
I push her away firmly, not violently.
Just decisively.
She flinches, but doesn't stop me.
I stop in front of Aura.
Her face is paler than I remember. Her shoulders stiff, her lips tight.
Her eyes wide, full of terror.
I smile.
I want to reassure her, not scare her.
I wasn't there for her.
I didn't protect her.
I left her alone at the mercy of the 'monsters' who were supposed to love her.
To save myself, I betrayed her.
Shame stabs me like a dagger.
And yet...
Here we are.
I whisper, leaning toward her:
"Are you afraid of me too, little Aura?"
She doesn't answer. But then, slowly, she approaches.
She throws herself into my arms.
And she begins to cry.
Every sob is a blow to the heart.
Every tear, a condemnation.
I didn't mean to.
I swear.
Ava sighs beside us.
A sound full of frustration.
Years of fighting to protect her sister, without me.
And she's right.
A lifetime won't be enough to make up for it.
But today...
Today I won't leave.
I hold Aura tighter.
I'll be the brother you deserved.
As I promised my uncle.
The Min-Jun you knew is dead.
In his place is a man.
And I know what I want.
I want to save you, little angel.
I look up at Ava.
She stares at me with pure hatred. A piercing coldness.
She won't forgive me. Not today. Maybe never.
This is just a truce.
For her. For Aura.
For Rori.
The princess who could destroy the Kim empire.