CHAPTER 11 Blood Ties

It was a dark place, and everything around Veronica felt different. Keido turned to her, his expression heavy.

“My father died,” he began. “He married twice. From his first wife, I had a younger brother. From the second… a sister.”

Veronica’s cheeks warmed as she looked at him. “So… what does that have to do with me?”

Keido suddenly cupped her face, leaning closer until his lips brushed against hers.

“Do you know who my sister was?”

“Who…?” Veronica’s voice trembled.

“My sister was Elizabeth.”

Her eyes widened. “Sh-she… she’s your sister?”

“Yes, darling.” His voice lowered, almost bitter. “When I experimented on her, a huge explosion erupted. When I woke, she was gone—no Elizabeth, no doll. I searched everywhere. I couldn’t find her… but I did find the doll. My younger brother had it. I followed him, but before I could reach him, a building collapsed on top of him. When I tried to take the doll, it had already disappeared. I was furious.

That’s when I began repairing this clock. I knew the truth—when Elizabeth died, her soul would be sealed inside the doll for protection. And she would seek someone who could guard her. If she loved that person, no one would ever be able to harm her. And she did.

When they experimented on me, she destroyed an entire city. That’s when I realized Elizabeth was truly gone. She found you instead. And she loves you so much.”

Veronica pushed him back in shock and ran.

Something inside Veronica snapped. She shoved him away and bolted. Her feet carried her through corridors, heart hammering until she finally reached an empty classroom.

Elizabeth was already there, waiting as if she had known Veronica would come.

“Eli… Eli… Elizabeth…” Veronica’s voice cracked. “He… he said you were… his sister. He… kissed me, and—”

Elizabeth’s expression shifted, her eyes narrowing with a strange calm. She stepped forward, cupping Veronica’s face with unnerving gentleness..

“Sweetheart,” she whispered, her voice smooth as silk. “Stop crying. I will protect you. I’ll always be with you.”

Her hand lingered against Veronica’s skin, her touch soft, almost too soft.

Her voice was steady, her hands gentle as she held Veronica close.

And in that fragile silence… the truth of Elizabeth’s smile was left hanging, sharp and uncertain