Callum’s room was quieter, filled with books and soft light. He was sketching something at his desk, his platinum blonde hair falling into his eyes.
"Big brother Callum?" Evelisse called softly.
He looked up, his blue eyes widening. "Eve. Do you need something?"
She smiled, her tone gentle. "Can we have a tea party? I’ve been practicing, and I’d love it if you’d come."
Callum blinked, clearly surprised. "A tea party...?"
"Yes! I really want everyone to be there."
After a moment, he nodded slowly. "If it makes you happy... sure."
Evelisse felt warmth spread through her chest. ’He’s quieter than the others... but just as kind.’
[Task Progress: 3/7 Brothers Successfully Convinced! Keep Going, Host! You’re Doing Great!]
Next, she found Marcus in the garden, tending to some flowers. His calm demeanor immediately put her at ease.
"Marcus, can we have a tea party? I’ve been learning how to set the table and pour tea properly!"
He glanced at her, his expression soft. "Of course, Eve. I’ll help set up too."
She beamed. "Thank you!"
[Task Progress: 4/7 Brothers Successfully Convinced! Keep Going, Host! You’re Doing Great!]
She finally found the twins, Leo and Lance, in the training hall, sparring with wooden swords. When she approached, they dropped everything to crowd around her.
"A tea party?" Leo asked, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Yes! Will you come?"
Lance grinned, ruffling her hair. "Of course. Anything for you."
[Task Progress: 6/7 Brothers Successfully Convinced! Keep Going, Host! You’re Doing Great!]
Finally, she padded down the corridor, the marble floors cool against her bare feet. As she reached his room, she knocked softly.
"Come in!" Felix’s cheerful voice called.
Evelisse pushed the door open and peeked inside. Felix was sprawled on his bed, sketching in a notebook. His messy blonde hair fell into his bright blue eyes, and he flashed her a wide grin.
"Eve! You’re up early! What’s up?"
She smiled shyly, stepping inside. "I wanted to see what you were doing."
Felix blushed, quickly closing his notebook. "Oh, just... doodling. Nothing special."
Curiosity piqued, Evelisse tilted her head. "Can I see?"
He hesitated, but eventually, he handed it over. The pages were filled with adorable sketches of animals—mostly rabbits and birds, but one caught her eye. It was a drawing of the entire family gathered around her hospital bed, looking relieved and happy.
’He... draws us?’ Evelisse thought, her heart softening.
"These are really good," she whispered.
Felix’s cheeks turned pink. "Thanks. I just... wanted to capture how happy we all were when you woke up. We were really scared, you know?"
Evelisse sat on the edge of his bed. "Big brother Felix... can I ask you something?"
He looked at her curiously. "Anything."
She took a deep breath. "What... really happened to me? I know I was sick, but... is that all?"
Felix’s smile faltered. He bit his lip, looking conflicted. "I shouldn’t tell you... but I feel like you deserve to know."
Evelisse stayed quiet, giving him space to speak.
"Around eight months ago... you were kidnapped," Felix said softly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It was during a public event. You disappeared, and for weeks, no one could find you. When we did... you were..." This update is available on novèlfire.net
He swallowed, his hands trembling. "You were barely alive. They had... hurt you, starved you. You didn’t even look like yourself anymore. We thought... we thought we’d lost you."
Evelisse’s stomach twisted. ’Kidnapped? Starved? That’s why the real Evelisse was in a coma?’
Felix’s eyes filled with guilt. "We didn’t believe you before it happened. You kept saying someone was watching you, but we thought... you were just being paranoid. We failed you, Eve. I failed you."
Evelisse felt a pang of sympathy despite her fear. She reached out, squeezing his hand. "You didn’t know. It’s okay. I’m back now."
Felix’s eyes glistened with tears. "The whole kingdom was searching for you. When they finally found the people who did it, they were thrown into the dungeons. Father promised they’d be executed if you didn’t wake up... but since you did, their trial is in five months."
Evelisse reached out, placing her small hand over his. "Big brother Felix... thank you for telling me."
He sniffled, forcing a smile. "Sorry. I shouldn’t make you sad. I just... couldn’t keep it from you. I promise, none of us will let anything bad happen to you again."
Evelisse gave him a reassuring smile. "You’re the best, big brother Felix."
His cheeks turned pink, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Well... it’s what a big brother does, right? Protect his little sister."
She giggled. "Actually, I wanted to ask if you’d join the others to host a tea party."
Felix blinked. "A tea party?"
"Yeah. I... wanted to practice what Madam Hildegarde taught me. Plus, it would be nice to spend time together."
Felix’s face lit up. "That sounds awesome! I’ll help!"
Evelisse squeezed his hand. "Thank you."
Evelisse smiled as she headed back to her room. ’This tea party might just work.’
However, as she passed the hallway window, she saw something that made her freeze.
On the windowsill, in plain view, was the same doll she had hidden in the closet—its glass eyes staring out at the garden.
Evelisse’s blood ran cold.
’Who... put it there?’
Fluffy whispered, trembling, "Princess... someone’s definitely watching."
Evelisse took a step back, forcing a laugh. "I... I must have moved it without remembering."
But deep inside, fear coiled tighter, refusing to let go.
She walked to the windowsill, and looked outside the window, curious on what the doll was looking at.
Evelisse noticed something on a tree branch—a single, dark red ribbon, fluttering in the breeze.
’That wasn’t there before...’
Fluffy floated beside her, its eyes wide with fear. "Host... I don’t ."
Evelisse squinted her eyes, trying her best to make up the words woven in an arch and around the tree branches, her breath shaky.
Written in faded ink on the edge were the words:
"Did you really think you escaped?"
A chill settled over her as she realized—whoever had hurt the original Evelisse wasn’t finished yet.