Part 2The Dragon Egg Runaway

It wasn't until now, staring at the two identical "Kais" in front of me, that I realized I might have made a tiny mistake.

"Mommy! Who is he?!"

The real Kai was far less composed than I was. He looked at my hand, still holding the other boy's, his expression one of utter betrayal.

"When… when did you give me a little brother?!"

"..."

Seeing his dramatic flair, the over-the-top gestures and expressions, I knew instantly.

Yup. This one was mine.

"Don't be ridiculous! I was gone for a month. How could I possibly have a brother this big for you!" I gave him a light bonk on the head.

Kai yelped in pain but didn't back down. "Then why does he look exactly like me?"

Well… I didn't know the answer to that.

At first, I'd thought he might be a spirit who had taken on Kai's form. But thinking back, very few beings outside our valley had ever seen my son's true face. What kind of spirit would possess such powerful magic that they could even fool me?

I was baffled. But after a month together, I knew this boy meant no harm.

I cleared my throat. "Young friend, is there a reason you've taken on my son's appearance to follow me?"

The "fake" Kai, who I now called "young friend," was still reeling from the shock of seeing his double. Hearing my voice, he looked at me blankly.

"I didn't change my form. And… you were the one who called out to me first that day."

"..."

A murderous glare shot at me from my other side. I gently pushed the real Kai's face away, feeling a bit sheepish.