Kian, still grappling with the weight of his father's betrayal and the looming threat of the debt collectors, found himself caught in a strange balancing act. He was determined to be a good brother to Cassiopeia, determined to make up for his initial coldness. He'd started offering to help with chores, cooking simple meals, and even attempting to strike up conversations.
His actions surprised Cassiopeia. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, her brother was finally accepting her. She had always felt like an outsider in their own family, and seeing Kian make an effort to connect with her warmed her heart.
"Thanks, Kian," Cassiopeia said one evening, a shy smile on her face. "It's nice to have you around."
"No problem," Kian said, forcing a smile. He was still adjusting to being a teenager. The warmth he felt for Cassiopeia was genuine, but it was mixed with a confusing sense of responsibility.
He knew, deep down, that this was all a facade. He was a fake, a grown man trapped in a child's body. But his memories of the novel were becoming clearer, and he knew that the true villain of the story was yet to appear. This gave him a glimmer of hope. He could change the story. He could prevent the tragedy that awaited them.
Kian retreated to his room, a familiar ritual unfolding. He had taking notes, one he had used to jot down important details from the novel he was studying, "The Villainess's Blessing." He flipped through the pages, searching for clues about the future.
His eyes scanning the page. He remembered the scene vividly: a twisted, dark, ritual that would shatter Cassiopeia's world and send her spiraling down a dangerous path. He had to prevent that.
He looked at his phone, a sudden reminder of his other commitments. School. Friends. He still had a life, a life that felt strangely real, even though it was based on a fabricated world.
He walked to the kitchen, where Cassiopeia was preparing dinner.
"Hey, Cass," he said. "I'm going to school. Want me to pick up anything?"
Cassiopeia smiled, a touch of warmth lighting up her face. "Thanks, Kian. That would be great. Could you grab some milk?"
"Sure," Kian said, his heart a little lighter. He knew that he had to act quickly, to learn more about the what change happened to Cass to turn in to villainess , but for now, he could enjoy this newfound closeness with his sister.
At school, Kian was a popular figure, an honors student known for his sharp intellect and easygoing charm. He had reconnected with his old friends and was quickly regaining the social status he had enjoyed before his father's disappearance.
His teachers were impressed with his academic performance. His history teacher, Ms. Johnson, often praised him for his insights and research abilities.
"You're a natural, Kian," Ms. Johnson said after class one day. "Have you considered applying to some of the top universities?"
Kian smiled politely. He knew he didn't have a future in this world. But he could play the part, could use his intelligence and charm to navigate this unfamiliar reality.
"I'll think about it, Ms. Johnson," he said.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class. He grabbed his backpack and walked out of the classroom. He had to meet Felix. They had a plan to meet at the library after school. Felix was the only one who truly knew about his struggles, about his secrets. They were an unlikely pair, a popular student and a quiet, quiet boy, but they had formed a strange bond.
"Hey, Kian," Felix said, a small smile on his face as Kian walked towards him. "Ready to hit the books?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Kian said, forcing a smile. He was still a little distracted, his thoughts flitting between Cassiopeia's concerns and the secrets hidden within the pages of his diary. But he was learning to compartmentalize his life, to navigate the complexities of this double existence.
He knew that he couldn't reveal his true identity to Felix. He couldn't risk jeopardizing their friendship. But he was starting to rely on him, to see him as a source of comfort and support. Felix was a good listener, and he never judged Kian's strange outbursts or inconsistencies. He was a safe haven in a world that felt increasingly chaotic.
"So, what's on the agenda today?" Felix asked, as they walked into the library.
"I've been studying for the exam," Kian said, pulling out his textbook. "But we can work on that science project, too. We should get started on the research paper."
"Sounds good," Felix said, pulling out his own notebook. He was a quiet boy, but Kian found that he was a dedicated student. Felix was always willing to help, always eager to contribute.
They settled into a corner of the library, the smell of old paper and dust filling the air. Kian, his mind racing, tried to focus on his studies. He kept flipping through the pages of his diary, searching for clues. But he couldn't seem to concentrate.
"Hey, Kian," Felix said, nudging him gently. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Kian said, forcing a smile. He tried to hide his anxiety, but Felix was a perceptive boy.
"You seem… distracted," Felix said, his eyes full of concern.
"It's nothing," Kian said, trying to dismiss it. But he knew it was a lie. He was scared. He was overwhelmed.
"Want to take a break?" Felix asked. "We could grab some coffee or something."
Kian nodded, grateful for Felix's offer. He knew he needed to step away, to clear his head. He had to find a way to manage his anxieties, to keep his secret hidden. He had to focus on his mission, to protect Cassiopeia and prevent the tragedy that awaited them.
They left the library and walked to a nearby coffee shop. Kian felt a sense of relief as he inhaled the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
"What are you thinking about?" Felix asked, his eyes fixed on Kian.
Kian hesitated, unsure how to answer. He couldn't share his secret with Felix. But he felt an urge to confide in him, to seek his advice.
"It's nothing," Kian said, his voice a low murmur. "Just thinking about the future, about what's coming."
Felix smiled, a touch of understanding in his eyes. "The future is what we make of it, Kian," he said, his voice surprisingly reassuring. "We'll figure it out together."
Kian nodded, his heart warming at Felix's words. He knew that he couldn't face this alone. He needed his friends, his family, to help him navigate this complex and challenging path. He had to believe in the power of their connections, the strength of their friendship.
Kian nodded, surprised. Felix was just a boy, but his words held an unexpected depth and wisdom. It was okay.
That evening, as Kian walked into their small apartment, Cassiopeia stood in the middle of the living room, a small cake on the table, surrounded by candles. She was singing, her voice clear and sweet, a melody that filled the room.
"Happy birthday, Kian," she sang, her eyes filled with affection.
Kian, caught completely by surprise, stared at his sister. He had forgotten it was the real Kian's birthday. He had been so caught up in the drama of the debt and the secrets of the novel that he had completely forgotten about it.
"You… you remembered?" he asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.
Cassiopeia smiled, her eyes twinkling with happiness. "Of course, I remembered," she said. "It's your birthday. It's a special day."
They shared a simple birthday celebration, eating pasta and bread with soft drinks. Kian felt a warmth spread through him. He felt cherished, loved, and understood for the first time in what felt like forever.
But the moment of joy was quickly shattered. The doorbell rang, and as Cassiopeia opened the door, a group of men, led by a tall, imposing figure with a menacing smile, entered their small apartment.
"Happy birthday, Kian," the leader said, his voice deep and gravelly. "It's time to celebrate."
The men, their faces hardened and their eyes glinting with a predatory gleam, surrounded Kian and Cassiopeia. They sang a distorted version of "Happy Birthday," their voices a chilling chorus that sent shivers down Kian's spine.
Kian, still in shock, looked at his sister. Her face had gone pale, and her hands were trembling. He saw the fear in her eyes, the fear that he knew she had been battling for so long.
The leader of the men, a hulking figure with a menacing scar across his cheek, grinned, revealing a chipped tooth. "We're here to collect," he said, his voice a low growl. "We know about your debt, and we're not going to leave until it's paid."
Cassiopeia, her voice trembling, stepped forward, placing herself between her brother and the men. "Please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We're trying. We'll pay what we can."
Kian could see the fear in her eyes, the terror that shook her frame. It enraged him. He had to protect her. He had to do something.
He looked at the leader of the men, his gaze unwavering. "I understand you need to be paid," Kian said, his voice surprisingly steady. "But give us five months. We'll pay it all."
The leader laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Five months? You're dreaming," he said. "We don't have time for dreams. We want our money, and we want it now."
Kian, his mind racing, recalled a story he had read about a man who had been in a similar situation, facing insurmountable debt. The man had gambled, a desperate, reckless act that had unexpectedly resulted in a fortune.
Kian's heart started to pound. He knew he had to try. He had to take a chance. He had to find a way out of this mess.
"I have a plan," Kian said, his voice gaining a newfound confidence. He looked at the leader, his eyes unwavering. "I'll make a deal with you. Give us five months. We'll pay the entire amount."
"And if you don't?" the leader asked, his smile widening.
"If we don't pay in full after five months," Kian said, his voice firm. "I'll come work for you. I'll work my ass off to pay off the debt."
The leader's eyes narrowed, considering the offer. He looked at Kian, seeing a glint of defiance in his eyes. The boy, a mere child, was willing to sacrifice himself to save his sister. He had a certain grit, a certain resolve, that intrigued the leader.
"Five months," the leader said, his voice deep and gravelly. "That's all you get. Five months. Make sure you're ready to work when the time comes."
He turned and walked away, his men following closely behind.
Kian, his heart pounding, watched them go. He had gambled, had taken a chance. But he was determined to win. He would not let his father's debt destroy his family, his sister.