Clara huffed, still glaring at her older brother as she spoke up again. "Alex may not be the strongest fighter or mage... but he's always been really smart! He's helped me with my studies whenever I needed it, and he's good at thinking on his feet." She paused for a moment before adding, "And he's also very protective of me. He would never let anyone hurt me if he could help it."

"Y... yeah," Alex mumbled, looking away uncomfortably. "I just want to take care of her, is all." He glanced back at you, a hint of hope in his eyes. "I'll do my best for you too, Caín."

The ride to your home continued in silence, with both siblings lost in their own thoughts. As they took in the sights and sounds of the city around them, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the world that was opening up before them.

Clara looks at you warily, then glances over at her brother. "It means... it means he's one of the heroes that protect us." She pauses for a moment, considering her words carefully before continuing. "Not all heroes are good, though..." she trails off, unsure if she should trust you or not.

Alex nods slowly in agreement with his sister, still studying your face intently. "There are... bad ones, who hurt us and make us do things we don't want to."

Clara looks at you with surprise, her eyes filling with tears as she realizes that the tattoo isn't just some meaningless mark on your back. "It means... it means you know about us," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the running water. Alex nods slowly, his expression softening as he takes in your story.

"T-thank you for telling us that," Clara stammers, wiping away a tear with the back of her hand. "I-I never would have guessed...

The siblings are lying on their backs in the grass, staring up at the cloudless sky. It's been three weeks since they've joined you, and every day feels more like a dream than reality. Clara lets out a contented sigh, her fingers lazily trailing through the blades of grass beside her. "Do you think we'll ever get to go on an adventure with Master Max?" she asks, glancing over at Alex.

He shrugs, his expression a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "

"Maybe someday," he replies thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the floating clouds above them. "I'd like that... to explore new places with Master Max." He glances at her, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "What about you, Clara? Would you want to go on an adventure?"

"We promise," Clara added, sniffling as she wiped her nose on her sleeve. She glanced around nervously, still unsure of this new place and the man who had saved them. Alex nodded in agreement, his gray hair swaying slightly. "We'll do whatever you say," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Despite their outward submission, both siblings were still cautious, not trusting easily after all they had been through.

Clara perked up slightly at the mention of food, her stomach growling audibly despite herself. She glanced shyly at her brother, who nodded in agreement. "Yeah... we're starving," Alex admitted, his cheeks tinting red from embarrassment. Clara shifted nervously, unsure if it was appropriate to ask for food so soon after being saved.

"It's alright," Alan said reassuringly, his voice gentle and kind. "You both must be hungry."

"Yes, Master," the female demon replied shakily, her eyes darting between Alex and Clara. Clara could see the fear in her expression but also a hint of determination. She wondered if they had made the right choice in sparing her life.

Looking back at her brother, she saw that he seemed to be wrestling with his own thoughts as well. Finally, he met her gaze and nodded slowly. "We'll do whatever it takes," he said softly. "To protect this realm."

As they followed you back through the forest towards your home, both Alex and Clara found themselves lost in thought. The weight of their decision hung heavily over them, but they knew that it had been necessary if they were going to have any chance of stopping the Demon King. They glanced at each other occasionally, silently reassuring one another with their shared determination and courage.

When you finally led them back into your home, Clara looked around curiously, her eyes taking in all the details she had missed during their first visit.

Clara glanced nervously at Alex, who nodded slightly in agreement. They both knew that they had no choice but to follow the man if they wanted to avoid more pain and suffering. With trembling legs, they began to slowly trail after him out of their cell. The unfamiliar surroundings only served to heighten their fear and unease, but they clung together for comfort and protection as best they could.

"We'll do whatever you say," Clara repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just please don't hurt us."

As they followed the man deeper into the labyrinth of cells, Alex and Clara held onto each other tighter, their fear growing with every step they took. The monstrous creatures that lurked behind the bars sent shivers down their spines, but they forced themselves not to look at them as they concentrated on keeping pace with the man leading them.

"Where are you taking us?" Clara whispered softly, her voice trembling with fear.