Chapter 8
4583words
“Mom, Father… today I’ll go to church with you.”
Her father looked up, pleasantly surprised.
“That’s wonderful, Chaerin.”
Her mother smiled.
“After church, we’re planning to go shopping for Christmas. It’s only three days away.”
Chaerin nodded, the faintest smile tugging at her lips.
“Alright, Mom.”
The church bell rang — slow and haunting — echoing across the gray morning sky.
The air outside was cold, almost sacred, yet heavy with something unspoken.
Chaerin sat quietly at the very back pew, eyes lowered, her trembling fingers locked together as if afraid to let go.
Candles flickered along the altar. The old pastor’s voice cut through the silence.
“Evil…” he began, his tone deep and thunderous.
“Evil no longer hides in the dark. It walks beside the innocent. It laughs, it comforts, it smiles. But before the eyes of God — no mask can remain.”
Chaerin’s breath hitched.
The pastor’s gaze swept across the congregation — and then stopped.
Stopped directly on her.
He didn’t blink. Didn’t move. Just stared, as though he could see something rotting behind her skin.
“The day will come,” he thundered, “when sinners shall tremble before the Light! Their lies will burn to ash, their souls will cry out for mercy — but mercy will not come.”
Chaerin’s heart pounded violently inside her chest.
The old man’s tone softened, but his eyes never left her.
You cannot hide from Heaven, child. The Lord sees even the evil that hides behind tears.”
The organ began to play, low and mournful.
People bowed their heads to pray.
But Chaerin didn’t move. She just sat there — trembling — because for the first time in her life, it felt as though God Himself had spoken through the old man.
After the Service
Afterward, Chaerin joined her parents for Christmas shopping — cakes, clothes, decorations, ingredients.
Everything felt normal, almost comforting.
As they returned to the car, Chaerin spoke softly,
“Mom, Dad… I’m going to visit a friend. I’ll be home soon.”
“Alright, dear. Take care. We’ll wait for you.”
Afternoon — At The Hospital
The hospital smelled faintly of disinfectant and lilies.
Chaerin walked in, holding a small bouquet of white flowers.
When she entered, Leni’s bed was empty.
Her heart skipped for a moment — until the bathroom door opened and Leni stepped out, drying her hands.
“Sister!” Leni greeted, smiling softly.
Chaerin smiled back, placing the flowers beside the bed.
“You look better today.”
“A little,” Leni said gently. “The doctor says I can go home soon.”
Leni tilted her head.
“But, Sister… you look a bit sad today. Is something wrong?”
Chaerin handed her the bouquet.
“Here, I bought these for you.”
“Thank you, Sister.”
Chaerin hesitated, sitting at the edge of the bed.
“Leni… there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Yes, Sister?”
Chaerin’s voice wavered.
“It’s been a month, but I never asked your age.”
“Oh,” Leni said innocently. “I’m 14, Sister. Why?”
The words stabbed deep into Chaerin’s chest.
Her breath hitched, and her eyes filled with tears.
“Sister?” Leni whispered. “Why are you crying?”
Chaerin’s hands trembled as she whispered,
“Do you remember Derek?”
Leni’s expression darkened.
“Don’t talk about him,” she said quietly. “What he did to me
was… unforgivable.”
Chaerin nodded, her voice cracking.
“Leni, Derek told me everything. About what you went through. About the others.”
Leni looked at her silently for a moment — then spoke, her tone eerily calm.
“The others… you mean Erika, Nora, Ricky, and Derek?”
Chaerin froze, shocked.
“You… already knew?”
Leni smiled faintly.
“I wanted to hear it from you. To know if what Derek said was true.”
Tears rolled down Chaerin’s cheeks.
“It’s true, Leni. I didn’t want to believe it, but it’s true. They were the ones… and I was blind.”
Leni reached out and gently squeezed her hand.
“Sister, it’s alright. Just as you saved me from those bullies that day, I’ll save you too — not with strength, but with faith.”
Chaerin bowed her head, voice shaking.
“I’m so sorry, Leni. If I had trusted you earlier, you wouldn’t be here.”
Leni smiled softly.
“Sister, you’re such a crybaby. I told you already — I forgave you.”
Chaerin looked up at her, desperate.
“How can you forgive me so easily?”
Leni’s smile didn’t fade.
“Because you still have a heart, Sister. They don’t. That’s what makes you different.”
A warm silence filled the room.
The afternoon sun streamed through the window, painting everything gold.
“Leni,” Chaerin whispered, “when will you go back to your store?”
Leni turned her gaze toward the light.
“We’re reopening on Christmas Day.”
Chaerin smiled faintly through her tears.
“Then I’ll be there. I promise. After Asumi, you’re the only friend I can truly rely on.”
Leni’s eyes softened.
“I’m not that great, Sister. By the way… will your friends be there too?”
“Yes,” Chaerin said quietly. “They will.”
“Good,” Leni said softly. “I want to meet them.”
The words hung in the air — innocent, yet strangely heavy.
Christmas Day.
The day of light and birth.
Yet somehow, it already felt like a cruel omen.
Chaerin rose from the chair and picked up her bag.
“Okay, Leni. Take care. Say hi to Mr. Paul for me.”
“I will,” Leni said with a gentle smile. “Take care, Sister. And don’t forget — Christmas is coming.”
As Chaerin walked out, the white lilies by Leni’s bed swayed ever so slightly —
as though something unseen had brushed past them.
Evening — The Park Café
The sun was dying behind the clouds, bleeding gold over the park. The café by the lake was nearly empty — just a few couples talking quietly over coffee.
Chaerin sat waiting, her hands folded around a cup that had gone cold.
Her phone buzzed. “I’m here.”
Ricky walked towards the table eyes
“Hey,” Rick said. “Been a while, how are you doing?”
“Yeah,” Chaerin said softly. “I want to asked you something”
He dropped into the chair opposite her, legs crossed, casual as if nothing had ever happened.
“Okay , What is it ?” Ricky asked.
Chaerin looked straight into his eyes and said " I want to talk about leni?, Ricky " Leni you mean that girl from your school"
Chaerin " Yeah, she told me that it was 4 person who tortured her abused and even raped her in past"
when Ricky was heard he was shocked and begin to tremble. Ricky out of curious "
Did she mentioned the name" Chaerin said "No" Ricky with a relief voice " I see" then Chaerin spoke " Leni didnt tell me about the names but there is someone who told me everything" Ricky " Who is it"
Chaerin " It was derek" Ricky " that stupid"
Ricky laughed quietly, swirling the straw in his drink.
“Then you already know she deserved it. Little Teacher Perfect always preaching like she’s a saint.”
“She’s just a kid! She is only 14, how can you do such things to her, dont you have heart? Chaerin’s voice shook.
“We were teaching her a lesson, I do have a heart once but it was lost in the garden” he said flatly.
“Don’t act like you’re innocent, Chaerin. You were there too. You hit her first.”
Chaerin’s heart stopped. The café grew silent around them.
“You… you monster.”
He leaned closer, voice low, venomous.
“You think crying will change what you did? You’re one of us, Chaerin. Always were.”
Her eyes widened.
The guilt, the fear, the disgust — all at once.
And before she could stop herself, her hand flew —
The sound echoed across the café.
Everyone turned.
“You disgust me,” she whispered, tears spilling down her face.
“How can you say that? She almost died because of you!”
“Because of us,” Ricky sneered. “Don’t forget that.”
“No,” Chaerin said through her tears. “I’m not like you anymore.”
Ricky smirked, standing up.
“People don’t change, sweetheart. They just hide better.”
He tossed a few coins on the table, leaned close to her ear.
“And when Erika finds out you’re talking like this… let’s see how long your little redemption lasts.”
Chaerin " we are breaking up, i cannot love a murderer"
Ricky with smirk " Haha..dont care "
After chaerin leaving the cafe, Ricky got furious and called Erika " Erika, derek its derek he told everything to chaerin, he is traitor" Erika " okay" .Erika " Chaerin ..Chaerin "
The Visit to Nora
On her way home, Chaerin suddenly remembered Nora.
But she didn’t know where Nora lived.
She tried calling Erika several times, but Erika didn’t pick up.
Growing impatient, she dialed Derek’s number instead.
“Chaerin?” Derek answered, his tone cautious.
“Derek,” Chaerin said quickly, “do you know where Nora lives? Please—give me her address.”
Derek hesitated for a moment. “Okay… I’ll send it to you.”
Once she received the address, Chaerin didn’t waste a second.
She went straight to Nora’s place.
She knocked on the door softly. “Nora?”
The door creaked open. Nora stood there, looking surprised.
“Chaerin? How do you even know I live here?”
“Derek told me,” Chaerin replied. “And I heard from Erika that you were sick, so… I came to see you.”
Nora’s heart softened. She opened the door wider.
“Oh—come in, Chaerin. Sorry, my place is a bit messy… I’m not rich like you guys.”
Chaerin smiled gently. “It’s okay, Nora. So, how are you now? Are you feeling better?”
“Yeah… thanks, Chaerin, for caring about me,” Nora said softly. “To be honest, you’re the first person who came to check on me.”
“Really? Erika never visited you?”
Nora looked away, silent.
Chaerin hesitated, then changed the topic. “Where are your parents? Do you live alone?”
“No,” Nora murmured. “My parents work night shifts. So… I’m alone most of the time.”
“I see,” Chaerin said, glancing around. “Oh— I brought ramen. Let me make it for you.”
Nora immediately shook her head. “No, no, Chaerin—let me do it. You sit down.”
Chaerin smiled. “It’s okay, Nora. You’re my friend too. Let me take care of you for once.”
Those words hit Nora like warmth she hadn’t felt in years. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Chaerin noticed. “Nora… is something wrong?”
Nora wiped her eyes quickly. “No, it’s nothing. Maybe it’s just the fever.”
“You should rest,” Chaerin said softly. “Once the ramen’s ready, I’ll bring it to you.”
When the ramen was done, they sat together, quietly eating.
But Nora’s eyes looked distant.
After a while, Nora said in a trembling voice,
“Chaerin… I’m sorry. Even though you have such a good heart, you had to go through so much.”
Chaerin set her bowl down. “Nora, Derek told me everything. About Leni… and Erika.”
Nora froze. “He told you all that?”
“Yes,” Chaerin said, her tone darkening. “And I’m going to kill Erika for it.”
Nora let out a weak laugh. “Chaerin… you can’t kill Erika.”
Chaerin frowned. “And why not?”
Nora’s expression turned strange—half sorrow, half wisdom.
“Because everything that happened… happened in the Garden. It wasn’t Erika who accepted us, Chaerin.”
“Then who?”
“It was us,” Nora whispered. “Sin doesn’t accept us. We accept sin.”
Her voice grew fainter, almost prophetic.
“People say that if you die, your sin will die with you.”
Chaerin stared at her, realization dawning like a storm in her eyes.
All the symbols… the garden… the serpent… the whispers of the past—they began to connect.
“Nora,” Chaerin asked quietly, “is Erika afraid of anyone?”
“I don’t know,” Nora said after a pause. “But… I think there is someone.”
“Who?” Chaerin pressed.
Nora looked up, her eyes clouded.
“I call him… The One.”
Chaerin “The One? Who is it?”
Nora smiled faintly. “You have a good heart, Chaerin. Only those with a pure heart can find The One.”
Chaerin frowned. “Then why are you friends with people like Erika and the others? They’re evil, Nora.”
Nora sighed, her eyes tired. “For the same reason you once were, Chaerin. You see... I’m not like you — rich, loved, or protected. I’m poor. Erika helped us. She gave us everything we wanted. That’s why I’m loyal to her.”
She paused, then added softly, “But I’m telling you all this because, as a friend... I’m loyal to you too.”
Chaerin looked down, conflicted. “I see... okay, Nora. I’ll leave now. I’ll see you tomorrow at school. Take care.”
Nora smiled weakly. “Thanks, Chaerin. You too... take care.”
Later That Night — Chaerin’s House
Chaerin walked home, her thoughts tangled in everything she had heard.
The One… The Garden… Sin.
The words echoed like whispers in her mind.
When she reached home, she sat at the dining table, her hands trembling slightly as she poured herself a glass of water. The house was quiet, but her thoughts were loud.
She finally picked up her phone and called Asumi.
Asumi: “Hey, busy girl! You forgot about me, huh? And is that your new number?”
Chaerin (voice low, tired): “Asumi… I want to talk about something.”
Asumi: “Whoa, you sound serious. What’s going on?”
Chaerin: “I met a friend named Leni. She’s a victim of bullying and abuse. When I look at her… she reminds me of you.”
Asumi (teasing lightly): “Maybe it’s because she’s as pretty as me.”
Chaerin: “She told me strange things, Asumi. About the Garden, the Serpent… and today, two of my friends mentioned something else.
One said, ‘It’s better if we were never in the Garden,’ and the other spoke about The One.”
Asumi fell silent for a moment. Then her tone changed — calm, but serious.
Asumi: “Chaerin, listen carefully. What they’re talking about isn’t just some story. It’s from the beginning — the Garden of Eden. The Serpent tricked humanity into disobeying the truth, and they ate the forbidden fruit. That’s when sin was born. The One they’re talking about… is God Himself.”
Chaerin’s eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat.
Her mind flashed back — to the classroom.
Erika smiling, holding out an apple.
“Have a bite,” she had said.
And Chaerin had taken it.
Her hand trembled as she realized what that moment meant.
Chaerin (whispering): “The apple…”
Asumi: “What is it?”
Chaerin: “Nothing… and Asumi, my friend Leni saw a dream where two serpents were in the Garden. But she said it wasn’t the first one who did evil — it was the second.”
Asumi: chuckling softly “I hope your friend isn’t high,
Chaerin. There’s no such thing written in Scripture. But if you’re asking what it could mean… I’d put it this way — the first serpent trains the human to become the second serpent, so that when evil spreads, the first one never gets the blame.”
Chaerin didn’t say anything. The silence between them felt heavier than words.
Chaerin: “Okay, Asumi. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
She hung up.
On the other end, Asumi just stared at her phone, worry tightening her chest.
She whispered to herself, “Something’s not right with her… she’s becoming someone she was never meant to be.”
Chaerin placed her phone down, the room dimly lit by the streetlight outside.
She turned toward the window — and froze.
Her reflection in the dark glass didn’t look like her anymore.
Its eyes were hollow, its smile faintly curved.
The shadows behind her seemed to move — slow, deliberate — like they were breathing.
And somewhere deep inside her, beneath all the guilt and fear, the echo of that first bite still lingered.
The Next Morning — Two Days Before Christmas
Chaerin woke before dawn. The white lily on her windowsill looked fragile and pale; she filled a small bottle and gently watered it. She dressed in her school uniform with hands that felt too steady for the weight on her chest.
Down in the hall, her parents fussed over the Christmas tree — ribbons, lights, a soft, domestic glow. They looked up when she came down.
“Hey, Chaerin — going to school?” her mother asked.
“Yeah,” Chaerin said.
Her mother paused, folding a ribbon. “Honey… what’s wrong? You’ve been so quiet lately.”
Chaerin’s mouth tightened. “It’s nothing, Mom.”
Her mother didn’t let go. “No. There must be something.”
Chaerin took a breath. “Mom… what do you think about me?”
“What kind of question is that?” her mother said, surprised.
From the ladder, her father climbed down slowly and walked over. “You’re good, Chaerin. You always have been.”
Chaerin looked at them both. “What would you do… if I turned into something evil?”
Her parents exchanged startled glances. Her mother’s voice went thin. “If you turned into someone evil… then we would have to—” she stopped, the words clumsy on her tongue.
“We’d have to let you go.”
“Okay, Mom,” Chaerin answered softly.
Her mother recovered her smile, trying to smooth the morning.
“Do you want to come shopping with me later?”
“Yes,” Chaerin said, and they left for school.
On the way she passed Leni’s store. A sign on the door made her stomach drop — but she kept walking.
At school, Chaerin took her usual seat and glanced at Erika’s desk. Erika wasn’t there; Nora slid into the chair behind her.
“Good morning, Chaerin,” Nora said.
“Morning, Nora. How’s your fever?”
“Better. Thanks.”
“Is Erika not coming today?” Chaerin asked.
“I don’t know,” Nora answered. “I’ve never been to her house, so I don’t know where she lives.”
The classroom door swung open. Erika walked in, moved straight to her seat, and sat without meeting either of them. She didn’t look up.
At break, Erika came over. “Let’s go to the roof,” she said. “I have something to tell you.”
Fear tightened Chaerin’s spine, but she stood and followed. Nora came after them.
On the roof, the cold wind cut through uniforms. Chaerin’s voice trembled. “What do you want to talk about?”
Erika stepped closer and, with a gentle hand, touched Chaerin’s cheek. “Why are you going asking about me, my beloved
Chaerin?” she murmured. “I’m always with you. Why seek others when I’m here?”
Chaerin blinked, surprised. “How do you know that? Did one of your friends tell you about me?”
Erika let her hand fall from Chaerin’s face and smiled slowly.
“Chaerin… Chaerin. You never really knew me. I know you because I’ve always walked beside you. I’m with you even in your sleep.”
Chaerin swallowed. “Who are you, exactly?”
Erika’s smile grew softer, like something meant to soothe and to poison at once. “I’m here to fulfill the desire of the heart.”
“No,” Chaerin said, voice rising. “You are nothing but evil.”
Erika’s smile didn’t break. “Why do you say that, in every situation, I give you freedom, money, power, fame. Tell me what you want and I’ll give it.”
Chaerin’s words came out like a plea and a command all at once. “I want you to die.”
Erika’s face changed, but not with fear — with a quiet, steady arrogance. “Chaerin, I will not die,because I was born from you”
Chaerin pressed on, clinging to a fragile hope. “My good friends said, ‘If I die, my sin will die with me.’”
For the first time, a flicker crossed Erika’s eyes — a tremor of something unreadable. She leaned closer, voice low and dangerous.
“Who told you that? It’s foolish. Don’t think this way. You’ll live as long as you stay with me.”
Chaerin stood frozen, the rooftop wind moving through her hair. Inside, something she could not yet name trembled and rearranged itself.
“You destroyed me.”
Chaerin’s voice cracked as tears glistened in her eyes.
Erika tilted her head slightly, a cold smile curling on her lips.
“I didn’t destroy you, Chaerin. I just showed you the path... you’re the one who walked it.”
Then, without even turning, she said softly,
“Nora, come out. I know you’re there.”
From behind the door, Nora stepped out, trembling. “S-sorry, Erika...”
Erika’s tone changed—sweet, poisonous.
“Listen to me, my dear friend. You don’t have to die. Stay with me… and you’ll live longer than anyone.”
Chaerin didn’t respond. She turned and started walking away, her shoes echoing in the silence.
“Erika, please!” Nora cried. “Don’t do this to her! She has a pure heart!”
Erika laughed, low and cruel. “Pure? Oh, Nora… purity doesn’t survive in this world.”
She stepped closer, her voice turning into a whisper that slithered like venom.
“I can give you money. As much as you want. But do me one little favor...”
Nora froze as Erika leaned close to her ear.
“Expose Chaerin. Show everyone who she really is. Post her videos. Let the world see her.”
Nora’s breath caught. Poverty weighed on her heart heavier than guilt. Slowly, she nodded.
“Yes... I’ll do it.”
Erika smiled wickedly.
“Good girl. Now... let’s see if Chaerin still believes in redemption.”
The next day, whispers filled the school halls.
Phones buzzed. Screens lit up.
Chaerin’s face. Her secrets. Her shame. All over the internet.
During class, the teacher’s voice broke through the noise.
“Chaerin, the principal wants to see you.”
Confused, Chaerin stood and walked through the silent hallway. When she entered the office, the principal slammed his phone on the table.
“What is this, Chaerin?”
Her hands shook as she saw the video.
Tears streamed down her face.
“Sir… I… it’s not—”
“Enough!” the principal’s voice thundered. “You’ve shamed this school. I can’t allow your filth to stain our name. You’re expelled. Get out.”
“Please, sir! Don’t do this! I beg you!”
But he turned away. “Take her out.”
When Chaerin returned to the classroom, every eye was on her.
Bottles, papers, and curses flew.
“Disgusting!”
“Sodomy queen!”
Chaerin grabbed her bag, crying, and ran from the room.
The echo of laughter followed her down the hallway.
Outside, she found Nora standing by the gates.
“Nora… it was you, wasn’t it?” Chaerin’s voice trembled with rage. “I’ll never forgive you!”
Nora looked up, guilt shadowing her eyes. “I don’t need your forgiveness.”
“You ruined me!” Chaerin screamed, grabbing Nora’s collar. She pushed her to the ground and hit her again and again.
Nora coughed blood, laughing bitterly.
“See? That’s the real you, Chaerin. You’re just scared of being exposed.”
Chaerin froze, her fist mid-air.
Her heart ached, confusion clawing inside her chest.
“Go back to Erika,” Nora whispered darkly. “She’s your only savior now.”
Chaerin’s eyes burned with fury and guilt.
“You’re all evil!”
Nora smirked. “Including you.”
Chaerin ran. Ran until her lungs screamed.
Past Leni’s store. Past the streets.
Until she reached home.
That night, she cried until she couldn’t breathe.
She didn’t know when she fell asleep.
The next morning.
Her mother called, “Chaerin, hurry! We’re late!”
They went shopping. For a moment, things almost felt normal… until a voice pierced the air.
“Hey, look! It’s the sodomy queen!”
Boys surrounded them, laughing, phones pointed.
Chaerin’s hand tightened around her mother’s.
“Mom, let’s go…”
“What’s happening? Who are these boys?” her mother demanded, but their words cut deeper than any blade.
Then a message beeped on her phone.
The principal’s message.
“We regret to inform you, Mr. and Mrs. Lee, your daughter Chaerin has been expelled due to immoral behavior. We had to protect the school’s reputation.”
Her mother’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Chaerin… what is this?! What did you do?!”
Chaerin fell to her knees. “Mom, please! I didn’t do anything! Please believe me!”
But her mother stepped back. “I’ll tell your father.”
“No! Please, don’t!” Chaerin begged, her tears falling fast.
When her mother turned to leave, voices from the street echoed again.
“Look! It’s her mom! The hoe’s mother!”
Laughter. Cruel. Endless.
Her mother couldn’t bear it and walked into a dark alley, covering her ears.
Chaerin followed her, trembling.
“Mom, please don’t tell Dad! Please!”
“I said enough, Chaerin!”
And then… something snapped.
There was a steel rod lying nearby.
Chaerin’s hand trembled as she picked it up.
“Don’t make me do this…”
“What have you become, Chaerin?!” her mother shouted.
But the voice that came from Chaerin wasn’t hers anymore.
It was darker. Colder.
“I’ll kill you.”
The sound of metal. A cry of pain.
Laughter that didn’t belong to a human.
Her mother escaped, bleeding, crying for help.
“Save me! This isn’t my daughter!”
At home, her father rushed to her aid.
What happened? Who did this to you?”
“It’s Chaerin,” her mother whispered.
When Chaerin arrived, her father slapped her hard.
“You monster! You laid your hands on your mother?! Get out! You’re no daughter of mine!”
Chaerin dropped to her knees. “Papa, please… I’m sorry! Mama, please forgive me!”
Her father’s eyes were full of rage.
“There’s no forgiveness for you, Chaerin. Get out and never come back!”
And so she did.
Tears streaming, body trembling, soul broken.
Behind her, her parents cried.
Her mother whispered, “Our Chaerin… she’s gone.”
Her father, holding her close, said,
“She’ll reap what she’s sown.”
Chaerin sat on the curb outside Leni’s closed shop, the afternoon heat doing little to thaw the frost in her chest. People passed, whispering and pointing.
“Hey, look — it’s the sodomy queen. Want to make some money tonight?”
A drunken dare, a rude laugh. A boy stepped closer, leered.
Chaerin picked up a brick from the gutter with hands that barely felt like hers. The moment the crowd saw her move, they scattered, laughing and jeering as they went.
She waited until the street emptied, then slipped behind the shop where the alley swallowed sound. Her phone trembled in her hand when she dialed. Erika answered on the second ring, her voice smooth and casual.
“Chaerin. How are you?” Erika purred.
Chaerin’s voice broke. “What have I done? Why are you doing this to me?”
There was a faint, amused pause. “Are you crying? I didn’t do anything, Chaerin. You did this to yourself. Don’t blame me.”
“Then… please,” Chaerin whispered, pleading. “Save me. I beg you—please.”
Erika’s tone softened into something almost tender, but the tenderness had teeth. “Okay. I’ll save you. But there’s one thing you must do first. After that, I’ll make you new. You took a bite of my apple, remember? Everything follows that bite.”
Chaerin’s breath hitched; Asumi’s old words came back to her like an accusation. She swallowed and asked, voice small, “What do I have to do?”
Erika’s laugh was a slow, velvet sound. “Give me your soul and I’ll give you everything in this world. Can’t you see? With me you have freedom — money, power, whatever you want. With Leni, with your parents, you choke. Come back to me. I’ll make you into someone everyone recognizes.”
Chaerin’s tears fell without sound. “Wh—what is it? Tell me.”
Erika’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, a smile carried over the line. “There’s one thing you must do for me — for yourself.” She let the silence stretch, tasting it. “Kill Leni.”
For a long moment, Chaerin did not move. The alley seemed to tilt; the brick in her hand felt suddenly unreal. Her eyes went blank, as if someone had erased the world and left only that command humming in the air.
The phone warmed against her ear. On the other end, Erika’s voice was steady, certain. “Decide, Chaerin. Live with me and be reborn — or walk away and let the world have you.”
