THE WILD FAMILY

Laughter Before Storm

The Wild Family – Episode 4

Hana POV

I slowly opened my eyes, stretching as a quiet yawn escaped my lips. The warmth of my bed almost convinced me to stay a little longer, but reality hit me almost immediately.

Oh no... I forgot about today's event.

My heart skipped a beat as I threw the blanket aside and hurried into the bathroom. After brushing my teeth and taking a quick shower, I stepped out, drying myself with a soft towel. I walked over to the closet, searching for something comfortable enough to wear. After a few seconds, I settled on a pair of baggy trousers and a sleeveless shirt.

I blow-dried my hair before gathering it into a high ponytail. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I gave myself a small nod.

"Not bad," I whispered.

Just then, the bedroom door opened.

Areum walked in, balancing a tray with two steaming cups of coffee and slices of toasted bread.

"Good morning, Areum," I greeted with a smile.

"Good morning, Hana" she replied, placing the tray on the table. "Breakfast is ready. We have to get to the General Hall before the bell rings."

The reminder made my smile disappear.

"Oh..." I sighed, lowering my head. "I almost forgot about today's event."

A lump formed in my throat.

"I hate this. I really wish Mom were here. If she was... I wouldn't have to do this."

I quickly wiped away the tears threatening to fall.

Areum stepped closer and gently patted my hair.

"Everything will be fine, Hana. You're stronger than you think."

I forced a weak smile.

Without another word, we ate in silence. I sipped my coffee while nibbling on the toasted bread, trying to calm the storm inside me. Once we finished, I wiped my mouth with a napkin and stood up.

"We should leave now," I said.

Areumnodded. "Okay."

Together, we headed toward the General Hall.

The hall was enormous, elegant, and intimidating. People were already gathered, whispering among themselves. At the front sat Master Daeshim, his legs crossed as he calmly smoked. Beside him sat a breathtakingly beautiful woman whose expression remained unreadable.

The entire hall fell silent as Master Daeshim spoke.

"You all know an intruder has insisted on joining us," he said coldly. "She will go through the required process. If her abilities fail to impress us..."

His icy gaze swept across the room.

"...we'll kill her."

A chill ran down my spine.

"Master, why don't we just kill her now?" one of the men blurted out. "She's of no use to us."

Master Daeshim slowly turned his head toward him.

"And who gave you permission to speak while I was speaking?"

The room instantly became tense.

"I-I'm sorry, Master," the man stammered, lowering his head.

"Get back to your duty."

"Yes, Master."

Silence returned.

Feeling uneasy under everyone's gaze, I nervously adjusted my baggy trousers.

That was when it happened.

Laughter erupted throughout the hall.

Some people covered their mouths, others openly pointed at me, while a few couldn't stop laughing at all.

Confused, I looked around before glancing down at myself.

My face turned crimson.

The laughter grew louder.

I wished the ground would open up and swallow me

I quickly pulled my trousers up, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Master Daeshim didn't laugh.

Something about that look made my heart race.

And somehow...

I had a feeling my humiliation was only the beginning.

Tbc

Dropping episode 5 soon