Last night, Amanda had been forced by Blake to return home since her parents were worried, and no one except Kyle’s family members was allowed to stay with him.

In the end, she put a boulder over her heart and reluctantly listened to him.

Still, she made Kyle promise to stay on call with him throughout the entire night, even if he was asleep. Just hearing the sound of his calm breathing was enough to ease her heart.

Fortunately, when Amanda returned home, her parents did not question her much. It seemed they still had no idea about the chaos Ava fucking Klaus had caused. Kyle being a Nightwalker had not come to light either, or her father definitely would have mentioned something.

While sitting at the dining table, Amanda noticed Melissa was absent, which immediately made her a little concerned.

However, her uncle casually explained, "She just had some work to take care of. That’s why we’re staying here for the night. We’ll probably leave by tomorrow."

Amanda hummed thoughtfully.

She had not forgotten what Kyle told her about the blessing Melissa had recently received. A blessing that was supposedly destined to become a disaster.

Amanda wanted to see for herself how exactly Melissa worked. Maybe that would help her reach some kind of conviction.

That was why she spoke up.

"I’ll accompany her and make sure she eats something."

Her uncle looked slightly uncomfortable hearing that, but he did not stop her.

Whatever Melissa was doing clearly seemed important to both him and his company.

And that only drew Amanda’s attention even more.

She walked through the hallway and climbed the stairs, heading toward the guest room where Melissa spent most of her time.

Without bothering to knock, Amanda pushed the door open.

The moment she stepped inside, she found Melissa slouched beside the wardrobe, knees drawn close to her chest, her eyes empty and unfocused.

Amanda immediately panicked.

"Milli? What happened?"

She hurried toward her and knelt down in front of the girl.

"Did you get hurt? Why are you sitting here like this?"

That was when Amanda noticed the phone lying beside Melissa, its screen still lit.

Frowning, Amanda looked at the news report.

[The small group of terrorists who entered Danitwin through the coastline caused massive chaos in the central region. Thousands of civilians were slaughtered on the spot, their bodies left completely intact, yet devoid of life, as though the very essence of their existence had been drained away. Nothing remained except hollow husks of their former selves.]

Amanda frowned deeply.

"Isn’t this that island country in the east? Why are you watching something like this and getting depressed over it?"

Yes, Amanda agreed the news was horrifying. So many innocent people had died.

But why would Melissa react like this?

"Milli..." Amanda hesitated before asking, even struggling to believe the words herself. "...did you know this was going to happen?"

Melissa finally reacted.

She flinched visibly at the question.

Her large eyes slowly shifted toward Amanda, and moments later, moisture began gathering within them.

Melissa leaned closer before finally lowering her head onto Amanda’s shoulder.

Amanda immediately hugged her back, her worry deepening.

"What is it, Milli? You can tell me anything."

Melissa took a moment to gather her thoughts before finally speaking.

"I...I created that weapon."

Amanda frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Melissa sniffled against her shoulder, her eyes tightly shut and fists clenched.

"A tool that can extract genesis from humans...I made it some time ago. B-But I was told..." Her voice trembled badly. "...I was told it would only be used for defense.."

Amanda froze.

"You mean...this terrorist attack..." Her eyes widened slightly. "...was carried out using something you created?"

Melissa did not answer directly, but the way she cried in Amanda’s arms made the truth painfully obvious.

Amanda could not remember ever hearing Melissa cry like this before.

The agony buried inside her poured through every sob and trembling breath. The guilt crushing her heart was so heavy it felt unbearable, as though her entire existence had been buried beneath it.

Amanda gently rubbed her back in silence.

Any hesitation Amanda still held regarding this matter vanished completely the moment she heard her little sister break down like this.

....

"So, it’s true. She really caused a disaster with her blessing."

"But Kyle...she didn’t know about it."

"Yeah, you’re right." Kyle immediately apologized, knowing Amanda was still emotional over the matter. "I shouldn’t have phrased it like that. Her father is the one forcing her to create those things. Melissa has no control over what those tools are eventually used for."

Amanda nodded slowly.

"Melissa said the equipment might have been stolen, but honestly..." Her expression darkened. "From the way I see it, Uncle could just as easily sell it to the highest bidder, even if the buyer turns out to be a terrorist."

Kyle frowned deeply.

"Then why hasn’t the government already taken her under their supervision? I mean, if a scientist capable of creating something equivalent to a nuclear missile existed, there is no way they would let a private company keep control over them."

Amanda hummed thoughtfully.

"Maybe they still aren’t fully aware of it yet. Melissa only joined the research and development department recently, and until now, she’s only created weapons for the central authority."

Kyle nodded in understanding.

"Then that’s actually beneficial for us. Once she joins the government, she’d become an untouchable asset." He paused before glancing toward Amanda. "Amanda...are you prepared for this?"

This time, Amanda did not hesitate.

She nodded firmly.

"After our conversation last night...the way she cried in my arms and eventually fell asleep while apologizing over and over again..." Amanda lowered her gaze slightly. "It broke my heart, but it also solidified my resolve."

Kyle felt relieved that Amanda stood with him on this.

Not only because she could help ease things with Melissa, but because emotionally, he needed her agreement as well.

"Then...how should we proceed?" Kyle asked, wanting to hear her thoughts. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Amanda hummed softly before asking, "After you extract the blessing, will she feel any pain? Or suffer any lasting damage?"

Kyle shook his head.

"She’ll probably remain asleep for a few hours, but that’s all. Other than that, she’ll be completely fine."

Amanda nodded before speaking again.

"Mine and Melissa’s parents are going out for golf this afternoon. Once they leave, I’ll head back home and find a way to knock her out somehow." She looked at him briefly. "Can you make it to my place on your own, Kyle?"

Kyle nodded.

"I’ll book a cab. Don’t worry."

He thought for a moment before asking quietly, "But what about Melissa, Amanda? What are you going to tell her once she realizes she can’t use her blessing anymore?"

"I’ll tell her the truth, Kyle," Amanda answered without even a moment of hesitation. "I won’t involve you in it or explain how it was done, but I will take responsibility for removing that curse from her."

Kyle fell silent.

He had no idea how Melissa would react to that, but since it was a matter between the two sisters, he chose not to interfere.

Holding her hand gently, he spoke softly.

"You’ll always have my support, Amanda. No matter what decision you make, I’ll stand by you."

Amanda’s tense cheeks relaxed slightly, a faint smile forming on her lips.

That was the true source of her confidence.

His support.