Rika POV
Today, I finally abandoned all of this pain.
I woke up early, yet I kept my eyes closed, remembering all the times I longed to hear Shinji's voice. To see him again. To train with him.
All the disappointment I felt when I learned he had a lover.
When I realized there was a side of him I never knew.
All the confusion.
All the why.
I took a deep breath and released it slowly, feeling every second of it.
Then I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling.
"Shinji… you're really unfair," I whispered.
"Letting your little sister suffer."
I slowly sat up, stretched my arms, and walked toward the window.
Outside, the maids were busy preparing for the ceremony.
Relatives and members of other clans stood together, talking with my father.
I heard a soft knock on my door, but I didn't turn around.
The door opened.
"I see my beautiful daughter is finally awake."
Mother's voice was calm as she stood by the doorway, one hand still on the knob.
I glanced over my shoulder, then turned my attention back outside.
She smirked and stepped inside, closing the door behind her. Her heels clicked against the tiles as she approached and tapped my shoulder.
I felt her breath when she rested her chin on it.
"What do you think of the preparations?" she asked in a whisper.
Red roses were arranged in every corner.
Red and black tables lined the hall.
A perfectly organized stage waited for the ceremony.
I clenched my jaw and closed my eyes, imagining what I would do on that stage.
Then I turned to face her.
"Who is my sacrifice?"
Mother smiled and gently stroked my hair.
"You don't need to know who," she said softly.
She tilted my chin upward. I felt her nails press into my skin.
"Just do what we do," she whispered into my ear.
"Don't let your emotions control you."
I flinched, but I lowered my head and nodded.
"Of course, Mother."
She smiled, released my chin, and walked back to the door.
"Don't daydream. Start preparing."
I nodded as she left.
The moment the door closed, my legs gave out and I collapsed onto the floor.
My body shook. Sweat formed on my forehead.
I tried to stand, but my knees had no strength left.
I leaned against the bed and clapped my hands together, forcing myself to breathe.
When my breathing steadied, I looked up and let out a weak chuckle.
"Hahaha… damn it, Shinji. You're really unfair."
A tear slid down my cheek.
Moments later, I changed into my training gear and stepped outside.
As I descended the stairs, I saw Marlon waiting.
I ignored him and walked past.
"Are you really sure about this?"
His voice was calm, but tension wrapped every word.
I stopped and looked at him blankly.
He stood and met my eyes.
"You can still turn back," he said. "You still have time."
I sighed, tilted my head, and crossed my arms.
"I can walk my own path, Marlon. I don't need your advice."
My voice was calm.
He clenched his fists and stepped closer, but I didn't flinch.
"You really want to become a monster?" he snapped.
"Fine. I hope you enjoy my gift, my dear cousin."
I frowned but stayed silent as he brushed past me.
A sharp sting spread through my chest.
He had threatened me before many times, but this felt different.
I glanced outside and looked up at the sky.
"Monster…
Am I already one?"