Cold Reunion

Kail's breath hitched as the grip around his throat tightened, his face flushing crimson. "Sis... why don't you recognize me?"

They had met months ago, and she kept treating him like a stranger.

Lyra's gaze locked on his face, so much like their father's. With a sharp inhale, she slowly loosened her hold, standing tall above him. "The reason I didn't acknowledge you? You're useless."

In her eyes, this brother was worth less than the money in her account, or even a sharp blade. At best, he was like a crystal figurine—pretty to look at, but a burden to carry.

Kail's eyes welled up as he stared at her, disbelief etched across his features. 'How can she say something so heartless?'

"Do you even know what I went through after you left?" He forced himself upright, glaring at her through the tears. "Everyone treated me like trash. I trained until I couldn't move, studied until my brain hurt..."