Chapter 9 Bonds and Burdens

The studio lobby was quiet, its interior designed with sleek, modern simplicity, with soft lighting, glass partitions, and muted colors that exuded professionalism. Yet not a single staff member stopped her, nor did anyone so much as glance her way. It was as though Amara's presence here was already an unspoken rule, one no one dared to question.

She stepped into the elevator, pressed the button for the upper floor, and waited in silence as the doors closed. When they opened again, she walked down the short corridor and stopped before a room. With a light push, the doors swung open.

Inside, two girls sat absorbed in their own worlds.

The first was perched comfortably on the couch, a laptop balanced across her lap, oversized headphones covering her ears. She swayed slightly to the rhythm of whatever song she was listening to, humming cheerfully in between bites of snacks she held in one hand. Her light-colored hair was tied into playful pigtails, and her bright, half-moon eyes carried a sparkle that matched her lively smile. Even in her casual clothes, she looked utterly adorable, her whole presence radiating warmth and energy. This was NyxFlame in the digital world. Here, she was known as Sora Min-kyu, half-Korean, half-European, her mixed heritage only amplifying her delicate, doll-like beauty.

The other girl was the perfect contrast. Sitting with perfect posture at a desk, she held a script in one hand while her other hand flicked over her laptop's touchpad. Long, silky black hair framed her refined face, her sharp features carrying an aura of cool detachment. Her beauty was striking and devilish, almost untouchable, like a snow queen descending from her throne. Her cold, calculating aura wrapped around her like armor, keeping others at a distance. This was IronWolf, but in reality, she was Selene Han, her name as sharp and elegant as the woman herself.

The moment Amara stepped inside, Selene's brows furrowed slightly. She raised her head, her dark eyes narrowing from concentration, but landing squarely on the newcomer.

Noticing the shift in atmosphere, Sora paused mid-hum, slipped her headphones off, and followed Selene's gaze toward the doorway. Her eyes widened slightly, recognizing who just got in, before she broke into a bright smile.

The moment silence fell after Amara entered, Sora suddenly shot up from the couch like a spring.

"Yah!" she squealed, dashing over with her arms wide before throwing herself at Amara. Hugging her tightly, she shook her as though to confirm she was real. "Do you know how much you scared the hell out of us? You disappeared without a word! Couldn't you have at least contacted us first?"

Amara staggered slightly under the impact, her lips curving despite herself at Sora's clingy warmth.

Behind them, Selene crossed her arms and scoffed. "Typical of her," she muttered, rolling her eyes as though Amara's recklessness was nothing new.

"Alright, alright, enough," Amara chuckled, gently prying Sora's arms off her. Turning toward Selene, she stretched her hands out playfully. "Come on. Bring it in. I know you missed me too."

Selene arched a brow, clearly unimpressed. But after a second's pause, she exhaled through her nose, pushed off her chair, and gave Amara a brief but firm hug.

"Don't get used to it," she said flatly, though the faint quirk at her lips betrayed her.

The three of them broke into laughter, the sound filling the room with a warmth that hadn't been there before.

Almost immediately, Sora began fussing again. She tapped Amara's shoulder and pulled back to look her up and down. "Yah, look at you! You lost so much weight-and you're pale! What happened?"

Selene's sharp voice cut through before Amara could answer. "Do you really need to ask? She's been living with those bloodsuckers. What did you expect?" Her arms folded across her chest, her eyes narrowing at Amara with a mix of annoyance and concern she refused to admit aloud.

Sora pouted, stamping her foot lightly. "Still! Yah, Amara, when are you planning to get out of that cage? Don't tell me you really intend to stay there forever-for the sake of revenge, of all things."

The smile on Amara's lips faded, replaced with a quiet sigh. She walked over and sank into the chair beside them, her movements calm but her gaze steady as it lifted to meet theirs.

"I know," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of her resolve. "I already plan on leaving."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, the calm surface hiding the storm beneath.

The room fell silent. Both Selene and Sora kept their gazes fixed on Amara, worry written plainly across their faces. Slowly, Selene rose from her seat and crossed over to her, settling down beside her. Sora, unable to stay still, sat on Amara's other side, flanking her as though to keep her from slipping away again.

Selene reached out, tapping Amara's shoulder gently. Her voice was calm, but carried a weight that made the air grow heavier.

"Do you know why I introduced you and Sora to the dark web back in high school?" she asked quietly.

Both Amara and Sora turned to her, their eyes reflecting confusion and curiosity.

"It wasn't just for survival," Selene continued, her tone steady. "It was because I wanted us to be able to stand on our own. To be free. Beyond our talents and the masks we wear online, I wanted us to live-separately, in our own worlds-not chained down by our pasts."

Amara's lips curved into a faint, mocking smirk. "Says the one who's spent her whole life buried in the dark web, chasing revenge."

Selene's eyes flickered, but she didn't flinch.

"I don't live like that," Sora interrupted quickly, almost defensively. "I live quite well."

Selene shot her a sidelong glance and scoffed. "You think so?"

The playful light in Sora's face faltered, her head dipping as a small, bitter smile tugged at her lips.

Selene exhaled softly and turned her gaze back to Amara. "Look... we were kids back then, trying to survive the only way we knew how. But now? I want us to look forward-to the future. To live for ourselves." She paused, her eyes sharp, her words deliberate. "Especially you, Amara."

Amara froze, her expression unreadable.

Selene's voice dropped, colder but laced with something like pain. "I know why you joined the dark web. To dig into the truth behind that 'accident' years ago. Even though I brought you into it later, your influence there is far stronger than mine or Sora's now. But... every investigation you've launched has ended the same. Dead ends. Nothing. Don't you see?"

Her words struck like a blade.

"You think that pathetic uncle of yours has that kind of power?" Selene's lips curved in disdain. "No. There's something much bigger lurking beneath that incident. A force we don't dare provoke. And chasing it will destroy you before you even touch the truth."

Sora reached for Amara's hand, her own eyes shimmering.

Selene's voice softened, though it trembled faintly with emotion she rarely showed. "Amara, I want you to move on. Leave that house. Start over somewhere else. Live for yourself, not for revenge. Your parents... they wouldn't be happy seeing you like this."

Amara's chest tightened as though bound by invisible chains. Her fists curled tightly in her lap, her nails digging into her palms until it hurt. She bit her lip, her amber eyes glossing over as tears threatened to fall.