Chapter 71: Echoes of a Forgotten Life
The evening sky was painted in hues of deep purple as Ethan wandered the academy courtyard, lost in thought. His conversation with Yun-ho had stirred memories he had long buried. He clenched his fists, staring at the setting sun as if it held the answers to his past.
"I never asked for this life," he muttered under his breath.
---
Sitting on the edge of his bed later that night, Ethan hesitated before pulling out a sleek communication device. It had been months since he last spoke to anyone from his old life, but tonight, the memories of his troubled childhood were too loud to ignore. He scrolled through his contacts until he landed on a familiar name: "Uncle Garrett."
Bzzz... Bzzz...
The line buzzed for what felt like an eternity before a gravelly voice answered.
"Well, well, look who decided to call. Thought you were done with us, Ethan." Uncle Garrett's voice held a mixture of sarcasm and warmth. "What's brought this on?"
Ethan swallowed, unsure how to start. "I've been... thinking about the past. About the family. There are things I don't understand."
A low chuckle came from the other end. "Still the same kid, always wanting answers. What's eating at you now?"
Ethan hesitated, then spoke carefully. "I want to know about Mom and Dad... their disappearance. I'm tired of running from it."
There was a long pause on the other side of the line. "You're opening old wounds, kid. Are you sure you want to go down that road?"
"I need to know. The nightmares won't stop," Ethan admitted, his voice shaking slightly. "What really happened to them, Uncle?"
Garrett sighed deeply, as if weighing his words. "I don't know everything. But your parents... they weren't just some normal folk, Ethan. You've heard the rumors about our family, haven't you? The nobility? The... other business?"
Ethan's heart raced. "I thought it was just stories. My life was anything but noble."
"Well, kid, the truth ain't pretty. They were involved in something dangerous. Something bigger than you or me. It's what got them taken."
"Taken?" Ethan's eyes widened, the word striking a deep chord.
"I've already said too much." Garrett's voice dropped to a whisper. "If you're digging into this, watch your back. You're not the only one looking for answers."
Ethan gripped the device tighter, his mind racing. "What do you mean?"
"There's more to your parents' disappearance than you know. And if you keep asking questions, you might find yourself tangled up in their mess. Stay low, Ethan."
The line went silent for a few moments, then Garrett added, "You're not alone in this, kid. But you're gonna have to be careful who you trust. Even in that school of yours. Not everyone is who they seem."
---
As the call ended, Ethan sat in silence, the pieces of his life falling into place, but not quite forming a complete picture. His parents... taken? The shadow of his family's past was much darker than he had imagined.
"I've been running for too long,"Ethan whispered to himself. "It's time to stop."