As they twirled amidst the wildflowers in the sun-kissed meadow, the differences between twin sisters, Agatha and Samantha were as stark as the contrast between sunlight and shadow: Agatha, adorned in delicate lace and pearls, basked in the glow of attention, while Samantha, her spirit wilted by the absence of parental love, cast a shadow over the vibrant landscape. Truly, as identical twins, they look exactly alike; however, people around them can distinguish one from the other without even have to find any dissimilar features from their faces. Despite the parental neglect that weighed heavily upon their tender hearts, Agatha's love for her twin sister, Samantha, burned fiercely—an unwavering beacon of warmth amidst the cold indifference of their parents; her every gesture a silent testament to the bond that transcended the harsh realities of their upbringing. Agatha provided the love their parents refused to give to Samantha, so she had grown unbothered about the visible differ
"Are you unable to perceive colors?" Agatha's eyebrows arched as she involuntarily took a step closer. "I-I usually can," the boy replied, scratching the back of his head. "But whenever my eyes throb, my vision changes, and everything appears different." "Colorblindness?" Agatha interjected. "No," the boy shook his head. "Colorblindness is congenital. My vision has always been normal. But one day—" he hesitated, noticing Agatha's expression of astonishment. "S-Sorry for rambling," he added, this time scratching his chin awkwardly. "No, you're fine," Agatha smiled warmly. "It sounds intriguing to me, and I don't mean that as an insult. I feel for the pain you're experiencing," she said, her lips curving into a sympathetic frown as she extended a hand in introduction. "I'm Agatha, and you are?" The boy glanced at her hand before shaking it. "Takumi," he murmured. "And I apologize for my earlier rudeness," Agatha said, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "Do you come here of
"What will you do with them?" "Read what's inside, obviously." "Why? These books aren't meant for a child like you." "Then why do you have them?" Agatha crossed her arms, her juvenile defiance accentuating Amanda's discomfort in the corner. "U-Uhm, children," Amanda stammered. "Why not share? Little mister Takahashi, you have an extensive collection right here already, can't you let this sweet lady borrow one?" "I question the 'sweet' part," Takumi replied, his lips thinning. "Moreover, these books are part of a series," he shoot Agatha a glare. "If she truly wishes to read them, she'll need to wait for her turn." "How convenient," Agatha said, rolling her eyes before turning to Amanda. "It's fine, Amanda. I don't compel others, particularly those who lack consideration." With that, she departed in search of another library. After an hour of fruitless searching, the sun began to set. Agatha leaned against a nearby wall, gazing at the crimson sky. "I'm running out of tim
As they ventured further into the night, Agatha found herself being drawn towards a looming mansion, its grandeur illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight. In a daze, Agatha followed Takumi, trusting his previous rescue. Despite a ninety percent chance of safety, she remained aware of the residual ten percent risk, a reminder of the inherent uncertainty of their journey. It could be ninety-nine percent, yet again, never zero. The two approached the mansion cautiously, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone path leading to the imposing structure. With bated breath, they slipped through a slightly ajar gate and crept through the overgrown garden, shadows dancing around them like silent sentinels. "No guards?" Agatha thought to herself. "Where in hell is this?" Despite the confusion, her movements still mirrored Takumi's. As they reached the threshold of the mansion, Agatha's heart pounded with anticipation, her pulse quickening with each creak of the ancient door. But a
Agatha and Takumi stood shoulder to shoulder, navigating the intricate maze of their intertwined destinies. Agatha had come to understand that it was Samantha who bore the weight of their grandmother's curse. Accepting the impossibility of reversing it, she resolved to counter its effects, even if the odds of success were slim. With Samantha's impending fate weighing heavy on her heart, Takumi embarked in a promise to share the mission which was fueled by a blend of determination and uncertainty. Their late-night conversations were marked by earnest exchanges, as they delicately crafted a plan to broach the daunting subject with Samantha. Takumi's arcane expertise and Rener's little help provided valuable insights into the intricacies of the curse, while Agatha offered a comforting presence and unwavering support. As they formulated their strategy, they recognized the pivotal role Samantha would play in her own salvation. They knew it had to be done on the night of their birt
Agatha struggled to make sense of it all, feeling increasingly uneasy, especially seeing Samantha remain so composed throughout the revelation. After much deliberation, Samantha reluctantly agreed to Takumi's plea for assistance in unlocking the door to the other realm. Despite Agatha's fervent interjection and expressions of concern, Samantha's resolve remained unshaken, her curiosity piqued by the allure of the unknown. As they delved deeper into the arcane rituals required to breach the threshold between worlds, a palpable sense of unease hung in the air, like a foreboding omen warning of the dangers that lurked beyond. Agatha's protests fell on deaf ears, drowned out by the whispers of dark forces eager to break free from their spectral confines. She couldn't do much after all. Samantha had already become increasingly ensanred by the sinister seal she shared with Rener, beyond the point of return. Truly is too late. All she can do is to help her sister help Takumi. Once s
"You mean to tell me you fled after Shane provided you with what you desired?!" Kathleen's voice reverberated through the room, her anger unmistakable. Dr. Kim watched the interrogation with a gleeful smirk, eager to uncover the truth himself. He sought to comprehend how a man he once considered a friend could so easily abandon those who had strived to help him. "I did not," Takumi replied. "I struck a bargain with Agatha to save her sister after opening the door; however, neither Rener nor I anticipated the immense power wielded by the demon with whom she was bound. We only recently discovered its true identity." Takumi's lips quivered. "The moment the realm was opened, the demon drained Rener's powers, along with the lives of those nearby. As my servant, it was Rener's duty to protect me, so he had no choice but to take me away with him." He heaved a breath. "I passed out that night after being drained and woke up a few days later, only to learn that Agatha had been taken awa
Kathleen had spent the entire day in the hospital, her thoughts a turbulent mix of worry and reflection. The sterile white walls and the relentless ticking of the clock which seem to only exist in her mind stretched the hours into an interminable expanse. She paced the narrow confines of the room, unable to distract herself from her inner turmoil. As evening approached, the view from the small hospital window transformed into a breathtaking canvas of crimson twilight, painting the sky with strokes of red, orange, and gold. Drawn to the beauty outside, Kathleen stood by the window, the cool air contrasting with the sterile environment within. The fiery colors deepened into rich, velvety shades as stars began to punctuate the darkening sky. The hospital seemed to hold its breath, and Kathleen found herself breathing more steadily. The day's endless hours faded into the background, and in the quiet majesty of the crimson night, she found a semblance of clarity. In that moment, bathe