Raymond’s face fell, and he turned away, his shoulders sagging with defeat. “I don’t expect you to understand. Just know that everything I’ve done, I did for you.”

I watched him, feeling a mix of anger and sorrow. “You might believe that, Raymond. But you’ve only pushed me further away.”

As Raymond walked away, I felt a cold sense of isolation wrap around me. I glanced back at my injured brother and then at the mysterious map, determination hardening in my heart. Whatever the truth was, I would find it, with or without Raymond’s help.

---

I managed to open my eyes despite the severe pain in my head, seeing...