Cayden's POV #2

"This is for you, sister..."

The words I mumbled under my breath as I faced my sister. Father told me if I win, I will be able to protect her. I was confused about his words. Protect? What did he mean? Father explained this fight would prove who will be heir. To be heir would give the ability to protect the other.

As mother shouted to begin, I watch her face. Confusion coloring her beautiful face. She was used to me charging towards her. Used to me acting as an idiot. I'm sorry. I can't be like that now. I have to prove I can protect her.

She made the first blow. I let my instincts take over my body. Each blow, I remind myself to not hurt her. Instead... I aimed at the sword. If I break it, it will end faster. I aim at the same spot on her sword. Over and over... I swung with each strength. It was already beginning to chip.

Anemone must've realized how I had fooled her. I'm sorry, Anemone. My whisper to my heart as I continued to barrage her. Watching her snap was heartbreaking but I had to be calm. Her angry screams echoed in my heart. But... I keep going forward with each strike.

This is for you, sister.

Her wooden sword finally broke. I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking it was over. My sister... Anemone... She could not get up from where she fell. I go to her, trying to get her to look at me. All she did was laugh insanely. A hand touches my shoulder and I see father. He shakes his head and pulls me away.

I did it for you, sister!

Father takes me up the stairs. "Well done, Cayden. You have proven your worth."

I nodded as I see mother approach sister. Anemone had stopped laughing and seemed to listen to mother. Everything will go back to normal, right? She will play and laugh with me again, right? Deep down, a part of me realized it. Realizing the fact too late...

I had broken my sister's dream.

-----

It's been three days.

I keep coming to her bedroom door and knocking for a response. With her continued silence, it felt like she was angry at me. I regret that I didn't let her win.

No...

Father was right. If I had let her win, she would not see me as someone who can protect her. I had to show her I can!

My mind wavers.

I didn't want to see her face like that again. I sit down, my back against her door. Next time, I promised myself. Next time, I will let her win. Cheering myself, I don't hear the door open behind me.

"Cayden?"

I stand and turn at the familiar sweet voice. My eyes stare at her beautiful face. My heart is beating so loud, in excitement and happiness. My lovely older sister came out. I can feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment. I didn't want her to catch me sitting like an idiot at her door.

"A-anemone! You finally came out!"