Volume 1. Chapter 58

Ken and Lily sat in a secluded spot, hidden beneath the dense branches of towering trees, with only faint shafts of sunlight slipping through the leaves. They had been discussing the plan for some time — Ken patiently explaining every detail, while Lily asked clarifying questions. Their voices were soft, yet filled with determination.

“All right, we’ll go with your plan,” Lily finally said, folding her hands on her lap and giving Ken a small, confident smile.

“Yeah, and don’t forget: if Plan A doesn’t work, we move to Plan B, then to Plan C, and so on,” Ken reminded her, holding out his hand as if to emphasize the point.

Lily let out a short laugh.

“Got it. I’m counting on you, Ken.”

She fell silent for a moment, her eyes drifting to the side before she quietly added, “You know… if things don’t go as we hope…”

Ken abruptly raised his hand, cutting her off.

“No ifs!” he said firmly, his eyes flaring with intensity. “We’re getting through this together. I believe in you — and you believe in me!”

Lily was speechless. His words, spoken with such fire, hit her like a bolt to the heart. Her face flushed slightly, a strange but comforting warmth rising in her chest.

“There you go again,” she thought, biting her lip to stifle a smile. “Ken, you never stop surprising me.”

She took a deep breath, gathered her thoughts, and met his gaze.

“Thank you, Ken. Yes… we’ll get through this.”

Ken gave her a sly grin.

“You’ll have to cook something special to celebrate when we do. So get ready,” he added with a wink.

Lily laughed.

“Deal. And there you go again — cheering me up without even trying.” She didn’t say it aloud, but in her heart, she was thankful. She stood up, dusted off her dress, and said with resolve:

“Okay. I’m heading out.”

“Good luck. I’ll catch up with you soon,” Ken replied with a casual wave.

Lily headed toward the Pur family’s house. Her steps were steady, but there was a tension in her movements — alert and ready. Ken waited a few minutes, then followed at a safe distance. This was part of their plan, and every step mattered.

As Lily approached the Pur house, she suddenly quickened her pace. Her steps turned rapid, uneven, and soon she was running. Her breathing grew heavy, but she didn’t slow down — it was all by design. Reaching the door, she pounded on it with urgency and shouted:

“Help! Something strange is happening! Please, help!”

The door opened, revealing a startled Kiki. Her round face showed a mix of fear and curiosity. Behind her, her younger sister Julie peeked out.

“Lily? What’s wrong?” Kiki asked, stepping aside to let her in.

Lily stumbled inside, barely staying on her feet, as if it was difficult to even stand. In the living room, the Pur family had gathered — Kiki, her sister Julie, and their parents.

“I… I don’t know what’s going on!” Lily began, her voice shaking. “I woke up in the living room… my parents… they went crazy! Then some stranger appeared… he carried me out… but I came to, knocked him out, and… and ran here! Please, help! I don’t understand any of it!”

She rattled off the story as if afraid no one would believe her. The Pur family exchanged glances, their faces etched with concern and confusion. They began talking over each other, trying to make sense of the situation — when suddenly, a loud voice rang out from outside:

“Hey, Lily! I saw you run in there!”

It was Ken. His voice was sharp and strained, teetering on desperation.

“It’s a trap! You’re in the illusion of the demon!” he shouted, his words echoing through the air. “Hey, demon! Come out, you coward! Or are you too much of a weakling to face me one-on-one? Pathetic!”

Lily flinched inwardly but kept her expression neutral. She thought to herself:

“Ken, you’re absolutely insane. Completely reckless.”

Yet beneath her exasperation was a tenderness, mixed with admiration.

Outside, Ken continued to shout, taunting his imagined enemy. The Pur family’s attention shifted away from Lily, drawn to the commotion outside.

Lily clenched her fists, mentally preparing for the next step of their plan. The trap had been set — and the bait was in place.