“Haha~”

“Hahaha~”

The laughter faded softly, replaced by a gentle voice calling beside her ear.

“Liang Lin…”

“Liang Lin.”

“Liang Lin.”

Liang Lin’s eyelids fluttered once, twice—then slowly opened.

Red.

Red hair.

*That* red hair…

“Octavial…” Liang Lin murmured, limbs heavy with exhaustion. *Good. Memories intact. Liang Di didn’t erase them.*

“You’re awake, younger sister.”

A trace of flattery softened Octavial’s expression. After all, this was her lover’s younger sister—practically family—and she couldn’t afford to offend her. Octavial had vanished without a word eight years ago, leaving Siralili heartbroken. How deeply Liang Lin must resent her needed no explanation.

“Octavial? *You’re* Octavial?”

Hearing that familiar voice, Liang Lin jolted fully awake. She scrambled up, seized Octavial’s collar, and glared through gritted teeth. “Where’s my sister? She’s with you—*isn’t she?!*”

Octavial raised both hands in surrender, leaning back instinctively. Beads of sweat dotted her brow.

“Young sister, please sit. It’s… a long story.”

“Then make it short!”

“Uh…”

*Damn. No way to argue that.*

“All I need to know: where is my sister? Is that so hard to answer?” Liang Lin eyed her up and down with disdain, then snorted. “Right. A heartless woman wouldn’t care about her lover’s or family’s feelings anyway.”

“Liang Lin…” Octavial’s brow furrowed; a faint sorrow flickered in her golden pupils.

“Your sister is safe. She… has always been by my side.”

Slowly, Liang Lin loosened her grip.

“Really?”

“Truly. I swear.”

“Then take me to her.”

“Well…” Octavial rubbed her hands together, sucking her teeth. “That’s… not possible.”

“Why?” Liang Lin tensed. “So you *are* hiding something.”

“No, no, no!” Octavial waved frantically. “It’s… Siralili doesn’t want to see you *right now*.”

*Doesn’t… want to see me?* Liang Lin froze.

“What do you mean?”

*She doesn’t want to see me?*

In that instant, she felt like a grayish-white plaster statue—shattered by the ache of rejection from her only sister, her sole remaining kin.

“No, no! Not like that!” Octavial’s hands fluttered wildly. “Let me explain! After you… passed, Siralili survived a fire. Her face is scarred. Her voice is gone. She… doesn’t want you to see her like this.” She stole a glance at Liang Lin. “Not out of shame for you—but for herself.”

Liang Lin stared.

Silence stretched.

“I don’t believe you. Don’t treat me like a fool.”

*Damn. When did this kid get so sharp?*

Octavial raised her right hand solemnly. “I swear as a citizen of the Sotran Empire: every word is true. In six months, I’ll bring you to her. If I fail? I’ll stand here motionless—let your sword pierce my chest. Break this vow? May beasts devour my head.”

*Gravest oath for Sotrans…*

*…Too bad Demon Spire answers to no empire. And I’m no Sotran.* She hid a smirk inwardly.

Liang Lin’s shoulders slumped.

“Fine. Tell my sister I won’t care how she looks. I’ll see her *tomorrow*. Go. *Now*.”

She was still the obedient sibling—trusting, yet wary. If Siralili truly feared being seen scarred… rushing there would only deepen her pain.

“Alright, alright! I’ll ask her! Persuade her!” Octavial feigned irritation, striding toward the window. “Honestly—what kind of sister keeps her younger sibling waiting? I’ll talk sense into her!”

Beside them, Liang Di—silent until now—sat perfectly still. *Henpecked. Just putting on a show.*

“Wait!” Liang Lin called out.

“Octavial… how did you *know* it was me? Wait—why can’t I even recall my own name?” She shook her head hard, voice strained. “And why weren’t you shocked I’m Siralili’s younger brother? Like you’d known all along.”

“Isn’t soul transference bewildering enough?”

Octavial paused, feigning confusion. “You called Siralili ‘sister.’ You knew *my* name. This world holds mysteries—like Liang Di’s body. So… is a soul in another vessel *really* surprising?”

*…Makes sense.* Liang Lin fell silent.

“Where did you come from? What’s your tie to Liang Di? What’s *really* in that cave?”

At her name, Liang Di snapped upright—like a student caught daydreaming.

“I was nearby. Liang Di is my friend. The cave holds House Langwendi’s curse. It’s lethal to those without Langwendi blood,” Octavial replied smoothly. “Liang Di—explain the curse. She’s earned the truth.”

*Dumping the mess again.* Liang Di gave a quiet, resigned nod.

As Liang Lin turned away, Octavial seized the moment. She bent, hoisted Laura and Gratice onto her shoulders—one under each arm—like piglets.

Under Liang Lin’s stunned gaze, she shoved the window open, swung a leg over—

“HEY—!”

*Third floor!*

The shout made Octavial shudder. Without glancing back, she leaped—vanishing like a soul with nothing left to lose.

Liang Lin stumbled to the window, half her body leaning out. Scanned the ground. Scanned the horizon.

No trace of Octavial remained.