Shortly after, Gerard procured a vibrant Winter Wood plant and handed it to Miranda, who swiftly used it to concoct a life-saving antidote.

Within two days, Cyrus was rescued.

On the day Cyrus regained consciousness, sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the room where everyone had gathered around his bedside.

“What's going on?" His voice was hoarse, tinged with a difficult-to- place melancholy. “How's Lilah?"

Xavier, tears flowing freely, hurriedly wiped them away. "Thank goodness you're awake! Lilah is still out cold, but Dr. Hanson's been giving her acupuncture. She should wake up soon."

Devonte shot Xavier a glare. "You've said it all. What else is there for me to add?"

“It's alright, as long as she's okay," Cyrus sighed deeply, and then drifted back to unconsciousness.

“cyrus!" Xavier exclaimed so loudly it startled everyone.

Devonte smacked him on the back of his head. "Quiet down! Let him rest. Dr. Hanson said he'll be fine."

In the next room, Miranda closed the door, preparing to administer acupuncture to Lilah.

As she helped Lilah remove her shirt, Miranda noticed a small red mole on her lower back and stared at it for a long moment, recognizing it as identical to her own.

Miranda's certainty grew as she realized Lilah must be her sister.

Watching the girl who bore a striking resemblance, Miranda felt a warmth surge in her chest.

At last, she knew. She wasn't alone in the world.

There was another, bound by blood.

Miranda gently touched Lilah's pale cheek, tears of empathy welling in her eyes.

“You've been through so much, too," she murmured. “So young, yet so marked."

As she spoke, Miranda retrieved a black bottle from her medical kit- a scar removal cream she had developed.

Using a plastic spoon, she carefully applied it to Lilah's gruesome bullet wound on her shoulder, her expression hardening.

Who did this to Lilah?

Was it Darian, or someone else?

Miranda's brow furrowed deeply, hands clenching within her sleeves.

Time passed swiftly, and before they knew it, ten days had slipped by.

Miranda diligently administered acupuncture to Lilah, visibly improving her complexion.