The dining hall of the Asoluka mansion beamed with morning sunrays, but the air was anything but warm, Sai sat at the long table, slowly turning her spoon in a bowl of untouched cereal, across from her, Albert Asoluka( Sai's dad) sipped his black coffee, his expression pale and unreadable, Beside him, Rina Asoluka( Sai's mom) sat poised in a silk robe, her eyes sharp beneath perfectly drawn brows.
"I noticed the driver didn't report this morning," Rina said, voice light but loaded. "Unusual for someone hired to be punctual."
Sai didn't flinch. "He wasn't feeling well." she answered absentmindedly,
Albert set his cup down, "Sai. This… familiarity you've developed with Kael... you need to put a stop to it my dear, this cannot continue."
Sai blinked at him.. without uttering a word
Rina smiled coolly. "It's one thing to be kind. It's another to be foolish." you know?
Sai's lips tightened. "I didn't know showing compassion was foolish now."
Albert leaned forward. "You need to choose what side you stand on. Family or fantasy."
The words landed like a slap. Sai stood abruptly. "Excuse me."
She walked out of the room, her heart racing, barely making it to the hallway before the emotion spilled out of her eyes. She wiped her cheeks quickly, as if even her tears needed to be perfect.
---
Later that day, Sai wandered the hallway outside her father's study. The door was slightly ajar, and she heard voices... so, she sneaked some steps closer to eavesdrop on their conversation, who needs to eavesdrop on his or parents discussion? She asked herself, she wanted to step back, but she gave herself a nudge as she feels it was necessary this was about Kael's life and most of all... his safety.
"Madam Elsie wants this handled quietly," came a voice, Mikel. "The boy's memory is recovering faster than expected."
Albert's tone was cold. "Do what you must. No scandal, no media. If necessary, frame him for something and end the contract."
Sai pressed her back to the wall, heart pounding, as if it would jump into her mouth, She didn't notice her mother behind her until it was too late.
Rina touched her shoulder. "Curiosity is a dangerous thing, dear."
Sai turned, eyes wide.
"You're playing a dangerous game. And you're not ready for it."
"I'm not playing anything," Sai whispered though scared.
"Then stay that way," Rina said, walking past her.
---
In her room, Sai opened a locked drawer and pulled out her grandfather's journal. The pages were worn and yellowed, filled with cryptic notes and symbols. One page had a note folded into it:
"True loyalty is not silence—it is protection".
She read the line over and over again.
"I can't protect him by staying quiet," she whispered.
She stood up, her resolve tightening like a fist around her heart.
---
That evening, Kael sat alone in the garden, his head tilted back, staring at the stars. The pendant lay cool against his chest, he heard footsteps but didn't move. He knew who it was, Sai sat beside him, holding the leather-bound journal, "They're planning to get rid of you," she said, he didn't look at her. "I figured."
"I heard my father talking to someone. He called it… 'cleaning house.'"
Kael finally turned. "Why are you telling me this?"
She held the journal out to him. "Because if I stay silent, I will become one of them."
Kael took the book slowly from her hand, their hands brushed against each other, his eyes searched hers.
"I don't want to be safe if it means losing you," she added, voice trembling.
A silence fell between them, thick with unspoken emotion. The night air wrapped around them like a shield. Kael leaned slightly closer, but before anything more could happen, a voice thundered from the house.
"Sai!" Her dad called out.
Sai stepped back. "Go !! Now." Kael disappeared into the shadows.
Sai turned and walked back toward the mansion, her heart pounding.
Albert stood waiting, arms crossed.
"You've made your choice," he said, voice tight.
Sai lifted her chin. "Yes. I have dad.."
---