The Evergreen Siblings.

The strange kid loomed over me, his expression suggesting that he was annoyed by my apparent lack of attention. Why was he acting like this? What had I done wrong?

I gave him a gentle push. "N... no, I was listening," I muttered, hoping to ease the tension. He frowned and leaned in closer, his eyes locking onto mine. "Then prove it," he demanded, his voice carrying a hint of menace.

"You were talking about teas and where you get them. R-right?" I stammered, my heart racing as I tried to recall his earlier words.

"And what else?" he pressed, his gaze intense.

I could feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead, my nerves beginning to fray. "W-what else... uh, you were taught by someone in Veltora?" I ventured, trying to keep my voice steady despite the growing pressure.

The strange kid loomed over me, his expression suggesting that he was annoyed by my apparent lack of attention. Why was he acting like this? What had I done wrong?

"Do you know why your chest is tightening?" The strange boy poked the hand I was using to clutch at my chest. "It's because you're too nervous. Are you afraid you won't be able to answer my question?"

I frowned at him, unable to hide my frustration. "You suddenly appeared, out of nowhere.

Then you started babbling about things I barely understand, and out of nowhere, you... asked me about something I don't know."

"Oh wow, you're so clueless," he retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Perhaps I could give you a hint. Do you know why you're here?"

"I was saved by... that girl," I replied, though the memory was still fuzzy. "Although I don't remember much... that much."

The strange boy nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "That is correct."

"Anything else?" he pressed, like he was testing me.

"I told you, I don't remember much," I insisted, my frustration growing.

"Then do you want me to remind you?" His question was almost playful, but there was an edge to it that made me uneasy.

What did he know that I didn't? And why was he being so cryptic about it? His demeanor shifted from playful to menacing in a heartbeat, and I realized that whatever was happening, this kid held the key to understanding why I was here. But was I ready to hear the truth?

"Remind me then..." I snapped in frustration.

The boy's demeanor changed in an instant. He lunged forward, grabbing a handful of my hair and slamming my head into the wall. The impact sent shockwaves of pain through my skull, and I felt the hair being yanked so hard that it left me bleeding. 

"Argh...!" I cried out, the searing pain making my eyes water.

"You... demon nearly killed my beloved sister!" he shouted, his voice laced with anger and grief. My vision blurred as I tried to process what he said, but then I caught a glimpse—a flash of a memory. A girl, her body pierced by a sharp object, blood gushing from the wound. The image was horrifying, and it sent chills down my spine.

"I... I don't remember..." I stammered, the pain making it hard to focus. But the boy's grip on my hair tightened, and he pressed my head harder against the wall.

"Of course you don't! Because you don't care!" he roared, his voice filled with rage. "You're nothing but a heartless monster! You just destroy and leave behind a trail of chaos!" His words cut deep, but I couldn't remember doing anything like that.

What had I done to deserve this? My memories were a jumbled mess, but his fury was undeniable.

"Please... I don't remember hurting anyone," I pleaded, my voice cracking with desperation. But he wasn't listening. His anger had taken control, and I was his target.

***

I needed to find a way out of this situation before it got worse.

As someone knocked on the door and entered, relief washed over me.

It was the girl who had saved me, standing tall and defiant despite the bindings that covered her body.

Her long black hair cascaded around her like a shroud, and I couldn't help but be captivated by her stunning appearance.

But the boy, her brother apparently, glared at her. "Stop interfering. I'm still frustrated from the injury you got from him," he snapped.

"I said stop, didn't I?" Her tone was stern, commanding respect even from her own brother. He sighed and reluctantly loosened his grip on me. "Sorry," he muttered before distancing himself.

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Klein Evergreen, the young master of this house. It is a pleasure to have you here, criminal," he said, his tone unreadable.

I couldn't decipher if he was being friendly or rude. Before I could respond, the girl intervened. "Please leave. I need to talk to him," she said firmly.

The boy grumbled but obeyed, leaving without further protest. The girl approached a nearby wardrobe and retrieved a box of first aid supplies.

She sat beside me on the bed and began cleaning the wound on my head with gentle hands.

"Oh god... you're bald in this part," she joked, causing me to jump in shock.

"AAAHH?!" I exclaimed, startled by her unexpected humor.

"I'm just kidding," she reassured me with a soft chuckle.

"My name is Lykon Evergreen," she said, her voice warm and gentle as she introduced herself.

Despite the circumstances, her presence brought a sense of calm to the room, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for her kindness.