RINEI
That night, I dream of my parents.
I dream of the night that they were killed. My father, who had worked his entire life to provide for our family. And my mother, who had taken care of Aemin and me all our lives.
Even when I'd been determined to be mute and worthless, both of them had shielded me from the whispers of the other villagers.
I'd always promised myself to repay them. That when I grew older and more capable, I would be the one to support them. That I'd make them live peacefully and comfortably, without worrying about work and food like they'd always done.
But now the silhouettes of their bodies haunt my mind.
"Rinei."
"Rinei!"
I jerk awake. And my eyes are wet as they land on Kaz, hanging over me like a protective shadow. He draws in a shallow breath as he presses
