The two siblings worked in tense silence, scrubbing blood from floors and walls.
"There's more over here." Runa said, pointing to a crimson spray across the plaster.
Rowan grimaced, wiping sweat from his brow. "What the heck did she even use to kill him? There's blood everywhere."
"Don't forget to pry out his gold tooth." Runa reminded him. "We can sell it for a fortune."
"Got it." He said with a nod.
Once the interior was spotless, they dragged Goldtooth's body to the backyard and began digging. The grave was shallow, but deep enough.
Runa paused, shovel in hand, staring down at the lifeless corpse. "You sure about this, big bro?"
"He was still our boss," Rowan said quietly. "even if he was a good for nothing." He pulled a bottle of whiskey from his coat.
It was Goldtooth's prized reserve, the kind the man had bragged on about endlessly. A single bottle cost enough to buy a modest house, but its true worth lay in rarity.
One of the ingredients used to make it grew only in the barren wastes—the deadliest place on the continent, and the distillation took a full decade under precise, guarded conditions.
Much to the siblings' ignorance, Goldtooth had somehow stolen it from his own superior and vanished before she could even noticed this act.
Rowan poured two small glasses, clinked them in a silent toast, and drank with his little sister. Then he upended half of the bottle over the corpse.
"I thought you were going to pour it all." Runa said.
"I was, but i changed my mind. It's too good and expensive to waste."
"Alcohol's bad for you."
"I know, but it's not like I drink it daily. After all, this is my first sip." he reasoned.
She studied him a moment, then nodded. "Fine, just don't make a habit of drinking it."
"I won't."
Runa touched his back gently. "Let's head inside. She could come back any minute."
Rowan managed a small smile. "Alright. I'll make your favorite for dinner."
Inside, he prepared mac and cheese with chicken nuggets—simple and comforting. They were halfway through the meal when the front door creaked open.
The petite girl stepped in, a small pouch dangling from her left hand.
"Looks like the place is clean," she said, scanning the room. "Good job."
"Thanks… I guess." Runa muttered, returning to her plate.
Rowan offered a warm smile. "We're having dinner. There's plenty if you want some." he suggested.
She glanced onced, then responded. "No thanks." She turned toward the hallway. "I'll find a room to sleep in."
Rowan's shoulders sagged slightly as she disappeared.
Runa reached over and patted his head. "Don't take it personally, big bro."
He exhaled a laugh. "Yeah. As long as you're here with me, then I'm good."
They finished eating in companionable quiet, then prepared for bed.
Rowan found silk pajamas that looked like a suit. It was Goldtooth's taste, apparently.
Runa slipped into one of the dead man's oversized long-sleeve shirts. On her small frame, it fell like a nightdress—sleeves swallowing her hands, and the hem brushing her thighs.
She went barefoot, having given the only pair of slippers to her brother.
Rowan had tried to deny the offer, but she was adamant about it. Her stubbornness exceeded his own. Once her mind was made up, there was almost no stopping her, even for Rowan.
Knowing this, Rowan reluctantly took the slippers. Still, he let her wear a pair of sock so that she wouldn't feel cold from the surface of the floor.
They climbed into the same bed.
Uhh, what?
The siblings had shared a bed like this since childhood—when blankets were scarce and nights were cold.
Even after Goldtooth gave them separate rooms, Runa would slip into Rowan's at midnight every so often. He never turned her away—telling himself she just hated sleeping alone.
Given her age, their upbringing, and the situation they were in, Rowan felt it was acceptable.
Yeah... Nice try buddy, but I'm not buying that weak excuse.
"Good night, big bro." she whispered, curling against him. One leg draped over his, anchoring him in place.
I knew this would be the case. You know what? You got it author, let's just move on from this.
He smiled into the dark. "Good night, little sis."
They fell asleep wrapped in each other's warmth, braced for whatever tomorrow would bring.
—Morning—
Over breakfast, the siblings tallied coins and notes, planning their next steps. Rowan wore the same rumpled pajamas while Runa still swam in the oversized shirt.
The petite girl appeared in the doorway, dressed exactly as she had been the day before.
"Good morning." Rowan said with a small wave.
"Morning." She glanced away.
"Want some breakfast?" He gestured to the spread—eggs, toast, fruit, and fresh juice.
Rowan had cooked all of it, being helped by Runa of course. Rowan was an excellent chef—a genuis even.
Back when he still had a home, he would often help his mother cook dinner, enjoying what little time he got to see her—given how busy she was at work, which was to the point where she was hardly present at home.
"No thanks." The petite girl responded flatly.
"You haven't eaten anything, have you?" Rowan pressed gently. "Just have a bite."
Runa shot him a warning look.
Rowan's kindness was boundless, sometimes dangerously so. She was fiercely protective of it. She especially hated those who would take advantage of his kindness—this included Goldtooth, and a certain red haired tyrant.
"It's not poisoned." Runa added, taking an exaggerated bite of the French toast to emphasize the point.
The petite girl stepped forward without sitting, lifted a slice, tasted it, and set it back down in less than 10 seconds.
"It's bland. Just like always." she murmured, her voice low—as if the words had escaped on their own.
From how low her tone was, it wasn't clear whether she unintentionally thought aloud, or simply spoke the truth as is. Though, given her blunt nature, one would think it was the latter.
"Hey!" Runa slammed her palm on the table.
A juice glass wobbled, almost spilling.
Rowan caught her wrist. "It's okay, Runa."
The petite girl turned and left without another word, her soft footsteps fading toward the village.
After breakfast, the siblings ransacked the mansion for any valuables. Eventually, they found Goldtooth's vault behind a false panel in the study. The vault was tall as a doorframe, and twice as wide.
Runa worked the complex lock with practiced fingers. When it finally clicked open—an hour or so later, paper bills and gold coins spilled out in a glittering cascade.
They both stared in stunned silence, glanced at each other, and grinned as wide as their mouths would allow them to.
With the windfall, they bought new clothes, medicine, and proper meals—basic necessities they had gone without for years under Goldtooth's meager wages and treatment.
For the first time in three long years, the siblings felt human.
The petite girl returned that afternoon to find Runa packing. She stood in the doorway, her blank expression directed at Runa as if demanding an explanation.
"We're leaving," Runa said evenly. "There's nothing left here for us."
"Okay." The petite girl tilted her head. "Where's Rowan?"
Runa froze.
"Why are you looking for him? Are you planning to apologize?"
She shot the petite girl a suspicious look, her mind already working out theories.
Why do only bad women like my brother so much? First the crazy red head, now this psycho loli. Only a morally good and decent woman is suitable for my big bro. If none appear, then I'll just stay by his side forever.
Uh, could you be more specific. the female silhouette voiced, as if anyone could hear it.
Rowan was in the bathroom—having just finished dealing with his messy hair. He had just given himself a taper fade.
"I need him to tell me where to find the Hero."
Runa blinked. "The Hero? Why?" Guess it wasn't about Rowan after all. I do feel relieved about knowing that she isn't after Rowan, that said... Does she think that he's not good enough for her? Wait, that's not important right now. Why would she be looking for The Hero? What could she possibly want from him?
Rowan appeared in the hall, having overheard the last bit of their conversation.
"He's traveling the continent." Rowan answered. "Last I heard, he was headed to the Sacred Church in the capital city."
"Big bro?!"
Rowan met her eyes. "It's the least we can do for someone who spared our lives."
The petite girl nodded once. "I see."
"You know where that is, right?" Rowan asked carefully.
"I'll figure it out." She turned to leave. "You can do whatever you want with the house, I no longer need it."
"Is that okay?" Rowan asked.
"It makes no difference to me. I'll be leaving tomorrow anyways."
"No, I meant about going to the Sacred Church." he clarified.
"As I said, I'll figure something out."
"Wait." Rowan stepped closer. "I can guide you there... If you'd like."
Runa grabbed his arm. "Big bro—"
"It's fine," he said softly, cupping her hands in his. "This way, I can send you to the magic academy, as well as repay our debt."
"But it's dangerous." she cautioned, glancing at the girl. "She's dangerous."
"I'll be careful. I'll come back to you when it's done."
Runa's eyes shimmered. She held out her pinkie. "Do you promise?"
He hooked his around hers. "I promise."
The girl watched the exchange with complete indifference. One could easily tell how little she cared, which was strange given the fact that she was still standing there the entire time.
Rowan extended his hand to her. "What do you say?"
"Fine by me."
They shook.
Her hands are extremely soft... he thought. ...and cold?
—Night—
The room was quiet, lit only by the faint silver glow of moonlight slipping through the curtains.
Rowan lay on his back in the large bed, one arm loosely draped around his sister. Runa, like always, was on top of him, her small body pressed fully against his chest.
But Rowan was wide awake.
His eyes stared at the dark ceiling, thoughts churning. She's finally going to the magic academy, huh...
The thought should have brought relief, yet it only stirred deeper worry. He remembered the years under Goldtooth—all the times she nearly died, all the filthy men that nearly took her virginity, the nights she cried silently when she slept alone.
He had done what he could, stepping in front of her whenever possible, taking the harshest punishments himself. But he couldn't help thinking how it was all his fault.
I should've protected her better. I should've found a way out sooner. No—rather, I should have never gotten us in this mess in the first place. If only I had been more careful, more aware. All of this could've been avoided.
He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, careful not to wake her, his fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary against her soft cheek.
At least now she'll learn how to use magic. She'll grow strong, make friends her own age, and live without constantly looking over her shoulders.
A soft, bittersweet smile touched his lips.
She deserves to live carefree for once. To laugh without fear, to chase dreams instead of just trying to survive.
His chest tightened with a deep, protective affection. Without thinking, the words slipped out in a barely audible murmur into the dark.
"I love you so much, Runa… So much so, that I'd die for you if I had to." he declared, his voice absolute. "That said, I'd rather live. That way, I can see the kind of woman you'd become when you grow up."
He exhaled slowly, the tension in his body easing a little. A few minutes later, his eyelids grew heavy, and sleep finally claimed him.
Runa, however, had never been asleep.
She had felt every shift of his breathing, every subtle movement of his hand in her hair, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her.
When his quiet words reached her ears, a warm flush crept across her cheeks. She bit her lower lip gently, a secret, fluttering happiness blooming inside her as she nestled just a fraction closer, savoring the familiar weight and warmth of him.
Big bro…
Her small hand clutched the front of his silk pajama top a little tighter, fingers curling into the fabric as if anchoring herself there. She stayed perfectly still, letting the quiet thrill settle in her chest.
Closing her eyes at last, she whispered so faintly that even he wouldn't have heard it.
"…I love you too, Rowan."
Well, I guess those two ended up being wholesome in the end. That said, there still a few instances that hinted otherwise but, I'll overlook it.
The female silhouette was seated on a chair across the room, watching the two siblings in bed.
Actually, now that I think about it, there was no reason for me to make a fuss earlier. I mean, after all, whether these two have sex or not make no difference to me in the slightest. Well, I guess that's never going to happen now, so there's no point in being here anymore.
And with that, the female silhouettevanished from the room.