Twin sisters [II]

That's what I remember from the novel I read ,thanks to my soul that got sold, I still remember every vivid details.

I felt a strange mix of satisfaction and unease as I remembered the vivid details of their fate, thanks to the deal I made. The scene that would unfold—a scene where Treyni would lose her sister Kaela, only to be revived by Aron's team—was now etched in my mind. The way their paths were intertwined with his, the way magic would save Kaela, all of it was a crucial part of the hero's journey. But for now, they were just two women in a pond, blissfully unaware of the dark fate that awaited them.

Treyni's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "You're awfully quiet for someone who was caught peeking. Are you sure you're not here for some other reason?" She smiled again, that same captivating, teasing smile that made her seem both inviting and dangerous.

Kaela, on the other hand, still glared at me, her arms crossed stubbornly. "I'm serious," she warned. "Don't get any funny ideas."

I hesitated, unsure whether to reveal anything more about myself. But the curiosity in their eyes, particularly Treyni's, was undeniable. I didn't want to raise any suspicion, but I also couldn't pass up an opportunity to influence their path, even if just for a moment.

"I wasn't trying to intrude," I said, trying to sound casual. "Just passing through. I thought this spot looked peaceful." I gave a small shrug. "I didn't expect to find anyone else here."

Treyni raised an eyebrow, her smile not faltering. "Mm, a wanderer in a place like this? You're not from around here, are you?" Her eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of recognition—or was it calculation?—flashing behind her gaze.

"Calm down, I never planned on peeking."

Treyni put one of her hands on her breast and squeeze it up a little while winking at me.

"If you're honest, I'll let you have a taste. Maybe. Why are you in this part of the forest?"

I cleared my throat, forcing myself to maintain eye contact with Treyni, though her teasing gesture and playful wink made it difficult. She was clearly trying to get a reaction out of me, her charm undeniable. Kaela, on the other hand, looked appalled, her cheeks flushed as she glared at her sister.

"Treyni!" Kaela scolded, her voice sharp. "Stop being ridiculous!" She turned to me, still fuming. "And you! Just answer the question. Why are you here?"

I raised my hands defensively. "Calm down. I never planned on peeking at you two," I said, hoping to sound convincing. "I just happened to be passing through this part of the forest. It's quiet, out of the way... perfect for resting."

Treyni tilted her head, her smile widening. "Resting? In a tree? Sounds suspicious to me." Her tone was light, but her gaze seemed to probe deeper, as if she was trying to see through me.

Kaela huffed, crossing her arms. "Well, if you're not here for trouble, then you should leave. This isn't a place for loitering."

I sighed inwardly, knowing I needed to play this carefully. "I don't mean any harm," I said, glancing between them. "I'm just a traveler looking for some peace. But if it bothers you, I can move along."

Treyni stepped closer, her movements graceful. She stopped just a few feet away, looking up at me with that same teasing glint in her eyes. "If you're being honest," she said, her voice almost a purr, "maybe I'll let you have a taste of something sweeter." Her lips curved into a smirk, clearly enjoying the tension she was causing.

Kaela's face turned crimson. "Treyni! What is wrong with you?" she sputtered, grabbing her sister's arm and pulling her back. "Don't listen to her. She's just... ugh! You're impossible!"

Treyni chuckled, shrugging her sister off with ease. "Relax, Kaela. I'm just having a little fun." Then, turning her attention back to me, she added, "But seriously, why are you really in this forest? This isn't a place most people wander into by accident."

Their curiosity was natural, but their presence here wasn't exactly ordinary either. I needed to steer the conversation without revealing too much.

"I'm searching for spirit humans. I heard they needed an alchemist, and I was told I'd find one here."

Treyni stared at me, her teasing smile faltering slightly, while Kaela looked like she was on the verge of snapping, her hands clenched into fists.

"Why would you want to work for the spirit humans?" Treyni asked, her tone carrying a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

I looked at her carefully. Although I knew she was a spirit human, I wasn't about to expose my knowledge. "Because humans—like you, like me—are all untruthful to each other. Everyone is always scheming, always hiding something." I paused, letting my words sink in.

Treyni's teasing demeanor shifted slightly, her smile thinning as she studied me with a newfound sharpness. Kaela, on the other hand, looked ready to explode, her lips pressed into a thin line.

"Spirit humans, huh?" Treyni finally said, her tone lighter than her expression. "And you think they'd be interested in hiring an alchemist like you? Bold assumption."

I shrugged, keeping my gaze steady. "It's not an assumption. It's a hope. Spirit humans aren't tangled in lies and deception like us—like humans. They don't play politics. They're honest, straightforward. Their help is my only way out of... certain predicaments."

Treyni raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, but her hand subtly brushed against her hip, where I knew she had a concealed knife. She had been ready to strike from the moment I descended from the tree. I matched her gaze, letting her know I wasn't oblivious.

"I'm not here to cause trouble," I said, my voice calm but firm. I shifted my weight slightly, fingers lightly brushing against the vials of potions at my belt. "But I see we're both prepared for the worst, aren't we? You've had your hand on that knife since we started talking. And I've been ready with these potions. Just in case."

Kaela's eyes widened, her sharp tone cutting through the tension. "Wait. How did you—"