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Chapter 172: The Secret Place
🕑 Added 2024-09-29 12:05:11 +0000 UTCA moment later, silence enveloped the air. Tension filled the atmosphere. Then the voice replied softly.
“The eagle kills the snake.” The door slowly creaked open, the sound of old wood groaning like an invisible shadow creeping in.
The two of them stepped inside without looking back. Arin, despite feeling heavy, led her younger sister up the narrow staircase that creaked with every step. On the upper floor, Arin stopped in front of a door. An old metal key gleamed under the flickering candlelight in the room.
“We're safe here.” In a hushed voice, Arin whispered.
They entered. Arin quickly locked the door behind them, then drew the dark curtain that concealed the window from the outside world. Silence filled the room, only their breaths could be heard. In a few swift movements, Arin removed her black cloak, revealing a damp undershirt soaked with sweat and... a bandage covering a wound.
“Sister, what really happened?” Alina's voice sounded increasingly anxious, her face now clearly visible under the dim candlelight.
Arin fell silent. Her lips thinned as she stared at the floor, trying to find the right words.
“Alina... everything is not as you imagine.” Arin's voice broke at the end of the sentence, as if the burden she carried was too heavy to express.
“Sister, please!” Alina stepped closer, her face filled with worry.
“Is what that man said true? Are you hurt? Where is the wound?” With trembling hands, Alina tried to touch Arin's shoulder.
“Ahh!” Suddenly, Arin flinched. A stifled cry escaped her lips, her eyes tightly shut as the pain struck. Alina's hand immediately withdrew, her face paling.
“Sister, I didn't mean to—I'm sorry! I just... just wanted to make sure you were okay...” Alina said regretfully, her voice trembling.
Arin then slowly shook her head, trying to smile despite the pain etched on her face.
“It’s okay. It’s just... a small wound.” However, from Arin's pale face, it was clear that her injury was far worse than she let on.
“Sister...” Alina's gentle voice sounded uncertain, while her sparkling eyes were filled with concern as they looked directly at Arin. The anxiety on Alina's face was increasingly evident.
“I will be fine,” Arin smiled faintly, though exhaustion was visible in her eyes.
“But I’m more worried about you. Even though that man is a crazy and lewd bastard, he’s not the type to speak carelessly about threats to the City Academy without evidence. If he says someone is planning an attack, it’s likely true.” Arin said softly, though Aein's tone could not hide the greater worry.
“But I’m more worried about your condition, sister. You are the one who is hurt. And if the City Academy is really going to be attacked... I’m afraid you will get hurt again while gathering information,” Alina said, her voice trembling. Alina swallowed hard, pausing for a moment. Carefully, she reached out her hand, touching Arin's cold cheek beneath her fingers.
Arin met that gaze, trying to offer reassurance amidst the anxiety. Arin then caressed Alina's gentle hand on her face.
“Calm down, Alina. You are at the Academy, surrounded by your teachers and friends. I’m more worried if something happens to you. Don’t worry about me; I’m just on a reconnaissance and information-gathering mission this time. These wounds are nothing. Once I find out who is planning the attack, I will report it directly to... that lewd man,” Arin continued with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood.
“I... understand,” Alina replied, though her voice sounded full of dilemma. Alina's gaze could not shake off the deep concern for her sister, but she knew there was no point in debating this further. Finally, with a heavy heart, Alina nodded her head.
