Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Torin’s revelation

sent ripples through the comment section .

[ She didn’t just betray her non – biological sister – she turned on her own brother ]

[ Whatever , they’re all victims .

Elysia deserves worse than hell .

]

[ To think Torin loved her so much , and she subbed him in the back .

)

The bright and warm family scene dissolved into darkness , leaving viewers momentarily disoriented .

Only the steady rumble of an engine provided any sense of place or time .

As confusion filled the chat with questions , a small voice broke through the darkness .

In the studio , Torin’s lips curved into a bitter smile as the familiar sounds washed over him .

Through the specialized VR glasses , he was experiencing that moment again , feeling every sensation just as clearly as he had years ago .

“ That’s where she abandoned me , he said quietly .

“ If the driver hadn’t been distracted , I might never have made it out .

”

His raw pain touched everyone present .

Even Fenwick , who rarely showed his older brother sympathy , softened .

“ Let it go .

Torin .

” Fenwick said .

“ Evil brings its own punishment .

She doesn’t deserve to be called our sister – we have Rowena now , ”

“ You’re right , Fenwick ,” Caellan jumped in “ That little snake got what she deserved .

Karma caught up with her in the end ”

The memory continued unfolding in darkness .

A second voice joined in – Torin , just regaining consciousness

“ Don’t be afraid , Elysia , ” he murmured .

“ Im here ”

I had been Torin’s righth birthday .

The kidnapper had taken advantage of the crowded celebration to snatch Elysia .

Torin had spotted them and given chase

“ Tim so sorry ” Elysia sobbed , her words echoing in the darkness , “ If I hadn’t gotten caught , you wouldn’t have followed .

You wouldn’t have gotten hartighting him ”

This but your fault , he avoured her .

“ I’ll get us out of here ”

The darkness gave way to dim yellow light after a series of sharp impacts .

Metal scraped against metal as Torin worked a wrench from the truck into the door’s seam .

His hand reached through the gap , searching for the outside lock

“ What’s that noise ? ” The driver’s voice carried clearly to Elysia’s ears .

“ Better check it out before those brats try anything

Despite the driver’s seat bring so far from them , Elys could hear every word with crystal clarity .

The viewers held their breath watching that sliver of light .

In the studio , only Torin frowned .

Something wasn’t right – these sounds , these words from the driver , they were completely foreign to him .

The door’s open , but look at Torin’s hand ! ]

[ That cut looks nasty .

Hope he got it treated .

]

[ The truck’s stopping – run “ ]

The latch clicked open .

Through the VR technology , the viewers were experiencing exactly what four – year – old Elysia had heard and seen , yet it differed drastically from Turin’s recollection

Even now , watching the scene unfold , he still couldn’t understand the discrepancy – why he hadn’t heard the driver’s approach , why he’d simply assumed it was just a routine stop for a break .

The memory continued to play

Torin , you’re bleeding .

” Elysia said , her small hands grabbing his sleeve

Here comes the betrayal – watch the little snake abandon Torin ! ]

[ She should have been the one to disappear that day : ]

Don’t worry , karma got her in the end .

Talk about justice .

]

“ What’s wrong ” Torin turned toward his sister .

“ We need to run first .

We’ll get help after ”

Footsteps crunched on gravel , drawing closer .

1/2

Chapter 2

“ No ! ” Four – year – old Elysia shoved Torin with surprising strength , then leaped down herself .

The chat erupted in outrage as the memory reached its pivotal moment .

Torin , watching this scene , remembered that particular moment — his baby sister in her pretty dress , tumbling through the din before stumbling away .

An inexplicable ache gripped his heart .

The next moments silenced every voice in both the studio and chat .

Instead of seeking cover in the roadside brush , the screen showed Elysia’s small figure running straight down the center of the road , fully exposed .

The viewers watched , stunned , as she deliberately fought her way across traffic to the opposite side , then turned back to face her pursuer .

Has she completely lost it ! ]

[ Not just heartless – she’s actually stupid I

[ Hold up – gr taking a wrong turn , but she lit

literally saw the kidnapper and 1 still I ran straight at him ” Like why ?

A passing car bought Elysia precious seconds .

She used that moment to look back at her brother , now running to safety .

Through her tears , she smiled .

Tim sorry , Torin .

I can’t can’t keep going much longer .

”

She drew a ragged breath and squared her tiny shoulders .

“ No.

Can’t let him catch Turin .

Have to keep running , ” she whispered to herself .

The exhausted child pushed forward on trembling legs

[ Wait .

.

did she push Torin away and run off on her own to deliberately lead the kidnapper away ? ]

That comment silenced the stream .

Viewers stopped typing , collectively holding their breath , willing Elysia to escape – though the decade – old headlines about the missing Drayton heiress had already written this ending

In the studio , Torin’s heart clenched as understanding dawned .

He remembered his sister’s eyes when she pushed him — not guilt over abundonment , but resignation over her choice .

was wrong , he realized .

“ So terribly wrong .

She was only four – how could I have believed she meant to hurt met

Without Stellan’s device , he would have carried that misunderstanding to his grave

Back in the memory stream , Elysia’s strength finally gave out .

She collapsed to her knees , gasping for air

“ Quite the runner , aren’t you ? The kidnapper’s voice held cruel amusement .

“ Once I’ve put you .

I’ll get your brother too .

”

Terror widened Elysia’s eyes .

She barely glanced at the blood staining her arm from the jump , ton focused on seeking help

car passed by some even

She quickly scanned her surroundings, desperately waving at the passing cars , trying to flag one down .

But car after car pa honking warnings at the small figure in their path , as if to war her off

She yelled her voice breaking “ Please , someone help us ! Please help my brother ! ”

Only the harsh glare of passing headlights answered her plea .

In the studio , pain flashed across both Torin and Fenwick’s faces .

How can these drivers be so heartless ? Just drive by like that ? ]

[ Poor little Elysia ….

…… .

my heart breaks seeing her childhood ]

Carllan’s uncer echoed through the studio .

“ So she saved Torin once .

Look at all the evil she did later ”

His words sparked agreement in the chat .

[ Torin only got kidnapped because of her .

She owed him this much ]

[ Those drivers were smart not to stop .

The kidnapper could have been armed .

]

色