That day, you stood at a small altar decorated with white roses. Your mother was wearing a wedding dress, looking younger than her age. The man beside her—your new stepfather—smiled proudly. Everyone was happy.

Everyone… except you.

His new house was grand. Cold. The hallways were long and silent, like a lifeless palace. That was where you first met him.

Regan Huxley. your step brother.

Ten years older. Neat black hair, unfathomable gray eyes. His manners were polite, his voice soft, and his gaze… too deep.

The first time you had dinner together, you chuckled as you spoke to your mother and stepfather. That was when you turned your head slightly and caught that gaze.

Sharp. Unblinking.

As if he was reading your mind.

But when you turned your head fully, he just smiled, sweet and gentle.

“Eat a lot, little one.”

You swallowed, trying to return the smile. But your chest feels tight.

Days pass by, and you are more and more sure: he is watching you.

From behind the window. From the end of the hallway. From the gap in the slightly open door. wherever you are, you always feel his gaze. That gaze… always from behind.

That night, you want to talk to your mother about what you feel so you want to look for her. But when you just opened your bedroom door, the sound of soft footsteps in the hallway stops you. You open the bedroom door, and in the dark—

He. Standing still at the end of the hallway.

The dim light from the wall lamp only illuminates part of his face. Those eyes are still staring at you, sharply. But his lips are still curved... as usual.

“It's late, little sister. Why aren't you sleeping yet?”

“Do you want to see mother... or me?”

His steps are calm. Approaching slowly.

You take a step back, breath catching.

And when he steps through the light, you can see him more clearly— A cold gaze. A smile that is too calm.

There was something unexplainable, but your body reacted faster than your logic:

Fear.

“I-I’m just thirsty...” you whispered shakily.

Regan lowered her head slightly, her face only an inch away from yours.

“Then... let me accompany you. So that you don’t get lost in this house.”

The smile never reached her eyes.