Marik’s words carried a hint of impatience, mixed with a touch of childishness, like a boy who couldn’t wait to taste the candy he had been eyeing for so long.
But Sisi didn’t catch on. She was busy thinking about what to say to Jojo, since he seed to have a deeper understanding in so areas while lacking in others.
anwhile, Jojo was horrified by the idea that Sisi would leave him and find her own mate. He clung to her tighter than before and yelled, "Then I won’t leave! If Sisi wants to find her own mate, then she can stay with Daddy!"
Sisi and Marik held their breaths at the sa ti. Sisi fell into deep thought, as she never expected Jojo to suddenly "offer" his own father.
She knew the boy didn’t understand the weight behind his words, but she couldn’t help feeling stunned, sinking into contemplation.
Marik, on the other hand, snapped back imdiately. "No way."
"Why not?" Jojo shot back just as defensively. "Jojo’s Daddy is very strong, handso, and tall! He can hunt lots of deer for Sisi too!"
"No, he can’t!" Marik insisted.
He imagined Sisi being consud by the cursed Dusk Star; her innocence shattered, her body torn apart until her body was limp and lifeless, like a rotten fruit in the autumn.
The Dusk Star might act like a gentleman at first, like any ordinary male beastman. But once his thirst for control and power surfaced, he would inevitably lose himself and hurt Sisi.
Marik knew exactly what kind of fate would await her if she ever ended up with that monster. The image of Sisi’s tornt was so vivid that he snapped completely.
"SHE CAN’T BE WITH THAT EVIL WRETCHED BASTARD!"
His voice thundered through the cave, echoing violently. Jojo went pale within seconds.
"Marik!" Sisi imdiately covered Jojo’s ears and glared at him. She had no idea what caused his sudden outburst, he was usually calm and composed. "What has gotten into you?!"
A few seconds later, Marik realized what he had done. He stared at Sisi and Jojo with a conflicted gaze, unsure of what to do next.
Should he tell them the truth that Jojo and his father were cursed beings ant to be eliminated?
If he did, Jojo would be heartbroken, and Sisi would be furious. Worse, she might refuse to believe him and accuse him of lying.
After all, aside from a conspicuous birthmark few people knew about, Jojo showed no other signs of being cursed.
After spending so ti with him, Marik ca to the conclusion that Jojo was indeed, an innocent, perceptive little boy who simply wanted to stay with his mother figure and deeply missed his father.
"U-Uncle, I’m sorry..." Jojo whispered.
He didn’t know what he had done wrong, but seeing Uncle Marik’s reaction, combined with Sisi’s stern expression, he knew sothing was wrong and apologized imdiately.
As long as they weren’t fighting anymore, he didn’t mind apologizing as many tis as needed.
"Don’t apologize, Jojo. This isn’t your fault," Sisi said firmly, her gaze still fixed on Marik, who was now at a loss for words.
She waited patiently for him to explain himself.
Marik opened his mouth, then closed it again. After a mont, he shook his head. "I’ll be outside if you need ."
He left the cave without looking back and perched on the familiar tree nearby.
There was no snowstorm anymore, and spring was approaching, but Marik felt colder than ever.
So cold that he shivered on the branch.
He replayed the scene over and over, wondering if he should finally tell Sisi the truth about Jojo’s origins.
I should.
The answer was obvious. Telling her would prevent future trouble and make it clear that Jojo was never ant to be her companion. It would be best if she could actually let go of that wolf boy, though the answer was obvious.
But... can I?
That thought froze him in place, like a statue helplessly watching soone he cared for draw closer to danger.
Besides, Jojo had already latched onto Sisi too tightly to be separated now.
From afar, Marik watched the cave entrance, his heart growing increasingly restless.
"Why is it so complicated with you, Sisi?" he murmured, not to her, nor to himself, but to fate, which had bound them together like untangled vines.
*
"Sisi... I’m sorry," Jojo whispered again.
"What are you apologizing for? That’s the tenth ti already," Sisi replied, forcing a smile to soften her frown.
As Jojo’s guardian, she was supposed to be a source of stability and comfort. But Marik’s words continued to weigh heavily on her mind.
It seed Marik knew a thing or two about Jojo’s father, sothing he had deliberately kept hidden. That troubled her more than anything else.
Was Jojo’s father truly the "evil, wretched bastard" Marik described?
Then why did Jojo speak of him with nothing but affection?
In Jojo’s stories, his father was a lone wolf with no companions except his son. He hunted, cared for Jojo, rested, and nothing more.
Still, Jojo had ntioned that they moved frequently because many beastn sought to fight his father.
Should I trust Jojo... or Marik?
The question felt absurd.
Of course she should trust Jojo. A child his age had no reason to lie, at least not about sothing so personal.
But Jojo was still young. What if his mories were incomplete, clouded by innocence and affection of his loved one, unable to see the darkness his father carried?
"I-I didn’t lie, Sisi," Jojo said softly. "My Daddy is good. He’s kind and never hurt ."
Well, I don’t think any parent would hurt their own child, Sisi almost said. But the mory of Mr. Piker, her adoptive father who wanted to sleep with her, flashed through her mind, and she swallowed the words instead.
Jojo noticed the conflicted look on her face. Even though he didn’t understand her thoughts, he sensed her doubt—and it hurt.
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