XXXVI. Burning Truths

I couldn't sleep. The weight of everything that had happened pressed against my chest, making it hard to breathe. Stepping outside for fresh air, I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to fight off the cold night and the overwhelming chaos of my life. I just wanted justice. I never thought it would come this far.

A sigh escaped my lips as I stood still in the empty night.

Then, a strange feeling crept over me. I turned around abruptly, my pulse quickening. Someone was watching me. Or was I just imagining it?

"Get yourself together, Kaesu," I muttered, shaking my head and gently slapping my cheeks.

But before I could steady myself, a hand grabbed my wrist, and suddenly, I was being pulled forward. The person ran fast, dragging me along. I struggled, but they were stronger. The darkness around us swallowed everything, making it impossible to see where we were going. Panic surged through me.

Summoning all my strength, I yanked my arm back, ready to fight. Just as I was about to kick the person, they turned, and I finally saw their face.

"L-Lara?" My voice wavered. A storm of emotions crashed inside me. I wanted to hug her, but I also wanted to scream. I stood frozen, staring at her in disbelief.

"We don't have time—they're after you, Kaesu!"

"What are you talking about?" Suspicion tangled with confusion in my mind.

She clutched my hands tightly, eyes pleading. "Trust me, just this once."

I wanted to. I really did. But…

Slowly, I withdrew my hands. "How can I?"

Her face fell, but she didn't back down.

"There are people after you! I don't know who they are or who sent them, but they're coming!"

"And how do you know that?"

"I JUST KNOW!" she cried, desperation cracking her voice.

I felt it—the raw fear in her words—but I couldn't allow myself to trust so easily. Not again.

"Please," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Your life is in danger. I'm relieved I got here before they did, but they're already on their way. You have to come with me."

Her words sent a chill down my spine.

Then, realization struck.

"No—Arwin, Gimley!"

I tore myself away from her and sprinted toward the hut. My heart stopped at the sight before me.

Flames engulfed the wooden walls. The fire roared into the night, consuming everything in its path.

Tears blurred my vision. No. No. This wasn't happening.

"Arwin! Gimley!" I screamed, my voice breaking. "S-Sir Diego! Aunt Lus!"

I didn't think. I ran straight into the inferno.

Smoke clawed at my throat, suffocating me. I covered my mouth with my arm, pushing forward. My body screamed in protest, but I couldn't stop. Not now.

"ARWI—"

The words never left my mouth. A sudden wave of dizziness overtook me. My legs buckled. My vision wavered.

"Kaesu?"

I almost laughed. Even at death's door, I was hearing Antonio's voice in my head.

Everything faded.

I gasped for breath, my body jerking awake. My hand clutched my chest as I frantically scanned the room. A thin tube was attached to my hand, and I was wearing a hospital gown. But… this wasn't a hospital.

I knew this place.

My grandfather's house.

But he wasn't here anymore.

The house my stepmother had stolen.

Panic gripped me as footsteps approached. Without thinking, I shut my eyes and pretended to be unconscious.

The door creaked open.

"Why is she still not awake? Are you sure you're taking care of her properly?" Amy's sharp voice sliced through the silence.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. We're doing our best," a nurse answered timidly.

"Well, your best sucks! It's been three days! This woman is so weak!"

Three days?

The door slammed shut. But then, I heard her voice again, a cruel sneer lacing her words.

"It would've been better if you had died in that fire. I hate you and your guts for surviving, but at the same time, I admire it. Keep staying alive, then. I need you to sign some papers for me. This company must be mine—after you transfer your shares to your father. And once that's done… after I finish your father."

My breath hitched.

I felt her tap my shoulder before walking away.

My father…

The man I hadn't seen in years. He was always away—on business trips, Amy said. But did he even want to see me?

Every time I tried to meet him, something happened. He'd agree to see me but never show up. Eventually, I stopped trying.

Still, the questions lingered.

Did he ever want to see me?

Did he even remember I existed?

Tears slipped down my cheeks, silent and bitter.

Then, suddenly, warm arms wrapped around me from behind.

I turned, startled.

The moment I saw her face, I broke down completely.

"Hush… I'm here," Marisol whispered, pulling me into her embrace.

The only person in this house who had ever treated me like family.