A cold breeze swept through the open window, carrying the haunting hoots of owls on its midnight breath. I woke with a sudden thirst, my tongue dry as the moon hung low in the sky. Darkness suffocated me, its weight crushing my chest. The scent of old wood and decay filled my nostrils as I crept downstairs, my bare feet creaking on the wooden floorboards. The chill of the night air sent shivers down my spine.

The living room was dimly lit, with only the embers of the fire casting flickering shadows on the walls. I thought my parents might be up, waiting for me, but what I saw made my blood run cold. Their bodies lay motionless, blood pooling around them like spilled wine, dark and rich. The metallic scent of blood filled my nostrils, making my stomach churn. My voice caught in my throat, silencing my scream. I stumbled towards them, my heart shattering like glass.

"Mother! Father! Wake up, please wake up!" I cried, but they didn't stir. Tears poured down my face as I collapsed, the world spinning around me in a blur.

I must have passed out, because the next thing I knew, I was in a carriage, jolted awake by a heavy shake. The sound of horse hooves and creaking wheels filled my ears, and the carriage's leather seats creaked beneath me. Yeou Han, the man sitting across from me, had dark hair and pale skin. His stare made me feel like I was being dragged through my body. His eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness.

"Who are you?" I demanded, trying to hide my fear. "And why am I here?"

"Your parents, Joun and Neole, were my academy friends," Yeou Han replied, his voice cracking. "We shared a bond, and our wives, Leya and your mother, were close too. I failed to protect them, but I swear to protect you, Youn Lee."

Rage ignited a fire within me. "I won't go with you! I'll avenge my parents' deaths, no matter the cost!"

"I will help you," Yeou Han said, extending his hand. "I will take you to the Han family mansion. Have you heard of our family?"

"Yes," I responded, my voice firm. "I have heard of your family's reputation."

"I have two sons, and my wife passed away a few years back," Yeou Han continued. "You will stay with me, and I will adopt you as my son."

"Why must I be your son?" I questioned, my mind racing.

"We can't let others become suspicious of you, so I shall adopt you as my son," Yeou Han replied. "But if you wish, you can reject it after you come of age, and if you still want to keep it after that, it shall protect you."

"I'll be your son, for now," I said, my voice firm.

"From today onwards, you shall be called Youn Han," Yeou Han said with a smile. "And remember, this path we walk is full of thorns. You must be prepared."

"I'll walk this path of thorns until I avenge my parents," I vowed, determination burning within me.

As the carriage continued on its journey, I couldn't shake off the feeling that we were being watched, and that our path was fraught with danger. The trees seemed to loom over us, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching out to snatch us. I shivered, despite the warmth of the carriage, and felt myself drifting into a troubled slumber