The mansion felt colder than usual.
Not because of silence.
Because of truth.
Aeris didn't wait this time.
"…You were part of them."
No greeting.
No hesitation.
Eron didn't turn immediately.
"…Yes."
The answer landed—
heavy.
"…Say it properly."
Now he faced her.
Not as a butler.
As something else.
"I was one of The Null."
Silence.
"…And my family?" she asked.
A pause.
Then—
"They were targeted."
Her jaw tightened.
"…By you?"
A long silence.
Then—
"No."
Another breath.
"But I didn't stop it."
That—
hurt more.
Not betrayal.
Choice.
"…Why am I alive?"
A step closer.
"Because I broke the only rule that matters."
A beat.
"I chose you over them."
Silence.
Aeris's voice dropped.
"…And now?"
His gaze didn't waver.
"Now I'll stand with you."
Too late.
Or maybe—
just in time.