Two months had passed since Sitara moved in.

  The small house near Arks had grown warm with laughter, chatter, and the quiet hum of everyday life. Zaraf spent his time training, while Sitara slowly learned how to live—and fight—alongside him.

  Zaraf was practicing with his sword, his movements sharp and steady.

  Nearby, Arks was teaching Sitara how to use magic.

  After finishing his session, Zaraf took a deep breath.

  Sitara came over to watch him after completing her own training.

  "Oohh… so you finished your training earlier than me?" Zaraf said, exhaling slowly as he lowered his sword.

  "Yes… looks like I can watch you now," she replied, her eyes lighting up.

  "So that’s why you were rushing to finish your training, huh?" Arks asked.

  "?!... I just wanted to watch him train," Sitara said quickly.

  Zaraf looked at her and smiled.

  "Don’t worry, Arks. Let her stay. After all, she deserves it, doesn’t she?"

  "Yeah, you’re right. She did a great job in training."

  "So… I was a good sister, right?" Sitara asked, looking up with hopeful eyes.

  Zaraf stepped closer and rested a gentle hand on her shoulder. A soft warmth filled his chest.

  "Yes… you’re the best sister."

  "So, what should I make for tonight and bring for you two?" Arks asked.

  "Hmm… whatever brother wants," Sitara replied.

  "Thanks for always making dinner for us. You’re really helpful," Zaraf said.

  "Don’t worry. It’s not that hard. I always make my own meal anyway. If I make a little extra, it won’t hurt. And you two are helpless when it comes to normal life," Arks replied.

  Zaraf smiled awkwardly.

  "Hmm, don’t call brother helpless, okay? He’s the coolest brother!" Sitara said proudly.

  "It’s pointless to argue with you about Zaraf. He’s a god in your eyes," Arks said.

  "Hmph, what do you know? He’s like one—"

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  Zaraf quickly stopped her.

  "Ha… ha, don’t mind her. You should go and start making the meal for tonight."

  "?!... Okay. Take care. I’ll bring the food later," Arks said.

  "Okay, and thanks again."

  Silence fell between them.

  "Why haven’t you told them about your true identity… and about Bell?" Sitara asked softly.

  Zaraf placed a hand on her shoulder, letting the warmth linger.

  "Some things are meant to be kept secret. Only those truly close can know," he said.

  "You mean me?... Then I don’t want others to know."

  Zaraf smiled.

  After finishing his training, they went home.

  Zaraf sat in the waiting room. Sitara lay quietly on his lap, her breathing soft and even. He exhaled slowly, careful not to wake her.

  Bell appeared and gave him a subtle signal. Zaraf blinked, focusing on the silent gesture. His heart quickened slightly.

  (What is it?) he asked through their minds.

  (I just received a message from Captain Shin through the info network.) Bell replied. (He says… they need you.)

  Zaraf’s chest tightened.

  (Is it an emergency?)

  His eyes moved toward Sitara, sleeping peacefully.

  "You need to decide what you will do about Sitara," Bell said.

  Zaraf looked at her, concern growing inside him.

  (Hmm… she’s not ready to come with me to the Creator World yet… I’ll have to leave her in Arks’ care… but how do I tell her?)

  He couldn’t bring himself to say it.

  That night, he went to check on her.

  When he opened the door, she wasn’t sleeping. She was standing near the window, looking outside.

  Her hair shimmered like ink in the dim light.

  She sensed him and turned slightly, clutching her teddy bear close to her chest.

  "You can come in, brother."

  Zaraf stepped inside quietly and sat beside her, leaving a small space between them.

  Sitara placed her hand over his.

  "What is it?… You look worried," she asked softly.

  Zaraf took a slow breath.

  "I… got a call from my captain."

  Her hands trembled.

  Without hesitation, she hugged him tightly.

  "…Looks like you have to leave," she whispered.

  Zaraf froze.

  (She didn’t even ask about the captain…)

  He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her.

  "I will come back. So be a good girl until then… and when the time comes, I’ll tell you about my world… and who I really am."

  Tears gathered in Sitara’s eyes, but she forced them back.

  (I won’t cry this time… I’ll be brave…)

  "I already told Arks to take care of you. But you also need to take care of yourself."

  After a moment of silence, she asked quietly,

  "When… will you come back?"

  Zaraf looked away, then back at her.

  "I don’t know… but I’ll come back as soon as I can."

  "But when you come… you’ll tell me some of it, right?"

  "Some of what?" he asked.

  "About yourself… about your world… right?" she said hesitantly.

  Zaraf looked at her seriously.

  "When I come back… I’ll tell you."

  Sitara hugged him again and smiled faintly.

  "Then… I can let you go this time."

  Relief filled Zaraf’s chest.

  She trusted him.

  And this time… he wouldn’t break that trust.

  He gently rested his chin on her head. Soon, her breathing became slow and steady.

  She fell asleep against him.

  Zaraf watched her quietly.

  (I will give you what you deserve… this time.)

  Silence filled the room.

  The night outside was calm.

  Then—

  Something felt wrong.

  A faint chill crawled along his neck.

  He looked toward the door.

  Nothing.

  The window.

  Nothing.

  But the air felt heavy.

  As if someone was watching.

  Then—

  A presence.

  Closer than the room.

  And suddenly—

  A voice.

  "You should leave her… permanently."

  Zaraf’s eyes widened.

  He looked around.

  No one.

  Only Sitara, sleeping peacefully.

  The voice hadn’t come from outside.

  It felt distant…

  Yet familiar.

  Slowly, he placed Sitara on the bed and stood up.

  His eyes moved around the room.

  Then—

  They stopped.

  The mirror.

  He stepped toward it.

  Slowly.

  Quietly.

  And then…

  He looked up.