Blue Butterflies

"Sister, are you all set?" Raven asked by the door, not entering Adriana's room while preparing herself for the party.

"Give me a few more minutes."

The day finally arrived when the annual meeting of the four families would happen. The day Leena Bryfiel will be kidnapped by Issac. Which lead to her fall.

"I can't believe my eyes. Lady Adriana has been beautiful, but she looks more gorgeous today," expressed a maid who was combing her hair.

"What do you mean? Whatever the miss wears, she looks gorgeous. As expected of the poison beauty. She does live up to the name."

Do you know what is funny? Adriana could hear the mutters of the servants, but she did not call them out. But she secretly thanked the maids for making her look different from the usual.

Adriana looked like an actual villainess. She wore a dark blue dress, light blue heels, and a ruby necklace. Her hair was not tied but combed until perfection. And her lips looked pinker than usual from the makeup.

The ruby necklace made Adriana stand out as it wasn't just one huge piece of ruby. And two more medium-sized ruby on the side.

It wasn't like the past when she had worn a bright red dress to match her family color. But this time, she chose her favorite color, which was blue. Seeing it makes her calm which gives her assurance.

Adriana walked out of her room, and her face lifted, seeing Raven all dressed up. He looked like a fine young man, which somehow made her proud. A fully black suit and a few ornaments make him shine a bit. His hair was combed, which made him look neater.

When Raven saw Adriana, his ears turned red, "You look gorgeous, sister."

"Thank you, and you look different today," Adriana teased.

"I hate wearing ties," groaned Raven loosening his black tie.

"You'll have to get used to it one day."

"Not now. I want to be a kid for a while."

To be a kid for a while. His words made Adriana feel jealous as she never had a chance to act like one. But it was alright. As long as Raven was happy, it didn't matter to her.

This year the annual meeting was being held in the estate of the Skydane family. Each year it rotates depending on which family is willing to host it.

From the Belladonna estate, it would take at least an hour. Which was why Adriana and Raven were running a bit late.

In the Skydane estate, the three families except for the Belladonna family had arrived. They were all having their leisure time before the villains came.

"Look at the next heir of the Skydane family. His visual is unbelievable."

"As expected of the Skydane family. It is a family full of perfection."

"Let's go and greet him," said a lady hoping he would be kind enough to converse with them.

"Greetings, Your Grace. Thank you for inviting us to the annual party of the four families," the lady bowed.

A smile drew across his face, making the two ladies' heart skip a beat.

"Thank you, ladies, for coming. Without you, the party would not be like it is."

Platinum blonde hair and blue eyes like aquamarine. Anyone would know where this handsome young man came from.

It was the one and only heir of the Skydane family, Astell Skydane. A man who is known for inheriting light magic, which was on another level. At the same time inherited purification, which is what Adriana needed.

Everyone liked him because of his personality. Unlike the Belladonna family, the Skydane family was known for their gentle presence. Which made it easier for others to talk to.

They are called the perfect family, which anyone admires. A close and loving family.

However, despite their gentle nature. No one should underestimate them.

"Brother, come and play with me," nagged his sister, Luna Skydane.

"Luna, you can't act like this. We need to greet the guests," scolded Astell, looking at the two ladies. "I apologize for my sister's behavior."

"No, please don't be. It's nice to see you two act like this."

"What makes this lady say so?" questioned Astell, fully not understanding them.

"Well, you see. Not all siblings have a close relationship?" explained the lady.

"Isn't it normal to love your family members?" asked Astell while Luna sighed.

"Brother, you're so naive. Not all families are close to one another. For instance—"

"Announcing Lady Adriana Belladonna and His Grace Raven Belladonna."

"Them," continued Luna.

Suddenly the whole room turned silent, leaving the orchestra playing. They witnessed a beauty walking down the aisle. Each step Adriana took blew their faces.

It had been a long time since they saw the appearance of Adriana. And everyone agreed that Adriana grew into a fine lady. Though it was a shame, she came from that family.

There were too many people that Adriana couldn't distinguish who was who. And unconsciously had passed Astell.

Her trail left an impression on Astell, who couldn't help but follow until she disappeared into the crowd. It felt like his eyes were deceiving him, seeing trails of blue butterflies with each step she took.

"That was Lady Adriana? When was the last time I had seen her appear?"

"I don't know, from what I recall, eight years ago."

"Eight years ago? Since then, she did not show herself to the public. But still, rumors and news flowered about her."

"They said that she was sick."

"Sick? But she looks fine."

"Well, I guess so."

Adriana was sick, and it wasn't entirely a lie. Since she still had major attacks from the poison in her body. Though she had managed to sustain it recently.

For others, it was eight years since they last saw Adriana. But for her, it was just yesterday.

"Sister? Are you alright?" Raven asked.

"Yes, I'm alright. It's been a while since I've appeared in front of everyone."

"Would you like to eat or drink something? I'll get it for you," offered Raven.

"Then a glass of water is enough for me."

"That's it? No, I'll grab you a few foods to eat. I can't let you wonder with an empty stomach."

Now that Adriana was left alone. She did not know what to do at all. Either she waits for someone to approach her, or she approaches someone. Which she is not going to.

Who would want to talk to her? The answer was simple. No one. Only those who wanted to have a relationship in the underground market would find her. But it wasn't like she'll grant them access.

Now what Adriana had to focus on was the kidnapping of Leena. Her eyes search for Leena, talking to a group of ladies.

"Faris, keep an eye on Leena. Tell me where she heads," Adriana ordered. Having Faris is useful. Her skill can monitor two or more at the same time.

"You've arrived?" Asked Madam Ebony while Adriana glanced at her, not saying a word back. "I thought you would arrive later. What are you? Trying to act like Cinderella?"

"I have to say that Cinderella is not like me," Adriana flashed a smile so that others may think they were having a fine conversation. "Maybe it is you. It seems like you're waiting to drop your glass shoes."

"Adriana, Adriana, what a lovely child you are," mocked Ebony. "Why are you trying to stand in the same position as me? You've lost, and you know that."

"Yes, I lost. But that doesn't mean I can't act all high and mighty," Adriana answered, which made Ebony bite her lip. "Position in the family does not really matter, right?"

"What are you doing here?" Raven asked as he stood in between them. "Please get out of our sight."

"You rascal. Show your stepmother some respect," barked Ebony, who pointed her finger at him.

"Stepmother, my ass. If you want our respect, please respect us first," Raven rolled his eyes and pulled Adriana away from Ebony. "How did I do?"

"Raven…" sighed Adriana, who gave up. "You did well."

"Of course I did. I was raised by you."

"Are you implementing that I'm old?" Adriana teased, which made Raven panic.

"No, no. I'm just saying I learned from the best," cleared Raven, who saw Adriana gently laughing at him. Seeing her laugh and smile was the best accomplishment he had done.

"Thank you."

"Anything for you."

"Master, Leena Bryfiel went out alone," whispered Faris.

"Raven, stay here and do not do anything rash. Do you understand?"

"Where are you going?" Raven asked, worried about seeing Adriana suddenly act differently. As if she was panicking.

"Getting air," answered Adriana, who grabbed onto his shoulder. "Listen to my words. Do not act rashly. Do you understand?"

Raven nodded his head and watched his sister walk out of the ballroom. He did not know what was going on, but he stuck to Adriana's words.

Adriana walked to the back of the garden where Leena was.

This was the exact place where Leena had gotten kidnapped. The only way to keep Leena safe was not for her to be alone.

Even if it was Adriana. Issac would not make a move on Leena.

"Lady Adriana?" gasped Leena.

"It's great meeting you, Lady Leena," smiled Adriana.

"Eh? This voice. If I'm not mistaken… it's Elphina?"