Chapter 19 - Siblings

As Seraphina and Telphina walked through the grand halls of the main house, Seraphina couldn't help but marvel at the decorations adorning every corner as she moved. Each step they took echoed softly in the empty hallways, creating a delicate sound that filled the spacious corridors.

Finally, they reached a large set of double doors that led to Telphina's courtyard, and they came to a stop.

Telphina released the girl's hand, which she held to lead her here, and pushed open the large doors to reveal a beautiful garden filled with a variety of vibrant flowers, neatly trimmed hedges, and a small fountain that trickled water softly.

Partially covered by a layer of glass to keep the flowers safe from the outside environment—and a set of simple chairs and table that adorned the side.

"Come, the children should be around here somewhere."

Telphina said as she led Seraphina further into the courtyard, showing her around as they moved.

It wasn't long before Seraphina spotted two young figures playing near the fountain, a boy and a girl. Their laughter filled the air with a sense of joy that made Seraphina's heart ache slightly—childhood freedom she never had the chance to experience in this life.

She missed out on so much, confined to her small residence for so long—how she wished she could've seen them grow and play with them as children.

"Hayley, Louie, come here!"

Telphina called out to them once she had spotted them. The two children stopped their playing and looked over.

Upon seeing their mother, they quickly ran over, their faces lighting up with excitement. Seraphina stood slightly behind their mother—and observed them for now.

Hayley Rowe Willows, Seraphina's younger half-sister and the older of the two children. She took her mother's striking silver hair and slightly pointed ears; however, she had her father's dull silver eyes.

Her delicate face and gentle nature, combined with her young age of only 15 years old, made Seraphina wish to protect her. She viewed the girl like any sibling would—someone who deserved to be safe.

Louie Clements Willows was similarly her younger half-brother. And despite being the younger of the two children, he had a more rugged appearance than his sister. He took a lot after his mother, with short white hair and deep blue eyes that seemed to reflect the ocean.

Unlike his mother, however, he did not have pointed ears—instead, his ears were much like his father's. He was only 14 years of age at this point, but he had already begun to train as a knight.

With Seraphina observing them, they observed her as well until finally, the boy decided to speak up.

"Mother, who is this?"

Louie asked, his eyes curiously looking up at Seraphina from his mother's side.

"This is your older sister, Seraphina."

Telphina said gently as she patted the two children's backs and pushed them towards the girl slightly.

"She hasn't been able to visit much because of her health, but she's feeling much better now. You should remember her from when you were younger, right?"

Hayley looked up at Seraphina with wide eyes, a shy smile forming on her lips.

"It's nice to meet you, Seraphina."

Seraphina smiled warmly at the children, feeling a sense of closeness she hadn't expected.

"It's nice to meet you both as well. I've heard a lot about you; you've grown up so much."

Louie was much less reserved than his sister, so he stepped forward and grabbed Seraphina's hand. His grip was surprisingly strong for his age, but Seraphina attributed it to his knight training.

"Will you play with us, Seraphina?"

Before Seraphina could respond, another voice cut through the air, a colder voice that held an air of haughtiness as it rang out.

"What's going on here?"

Seraphina turned to the source of the voice and saw her younger sister, Daisie Jaxmaim Cruz Willows, standing at the entrance of the courtyard with a maid following behind her.

Daisie had always been a striking contrast to Seraphina. She had her mother's dark hair and sharp features; her piercing golden eyes always seemed to hold a hint of contempt in them.

The girl wasn't much younger than Seraphina, only 16 years of age, and for whatever reason, she always seemed to hate Seraphina. Even though they had rarely interacted—which Seraphina could never understand.

"Daisie."

Seraphina greeted, trying to keep a polite tone and smile on her face.

"I didn't expect to see you here."

Daisie's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Seraphina, then she glanced at Telphina and the younger children. Clicking her tongue, she smirked as she spoke.

"I see you've decided to finally leave your little cave and join us at the main house. How unusual."

Before Seraphina could say anything in response, Telphina, who could sense the tension, quickly spoke up to intervene.

"Daisie, your sister is feeling much better now. Let's all try to get along, shall we?"

Daisie didn't even give Telphina the time of day as she simply ignored her and stepped closer to Seraphina. Her voice dropped to a lower whisper, yet everyone could hear her clearly.

"What are you really doing here, Seraphina? Trying to play the dutiful daughter all of a sudden?"

Seraphina's eyes lowered to meet the girl's before her. She felt a spark of anger rise slightly within her, but the thought of being strung along by a child made her calm down.

"I'm here to study and learn. However, I suppose that would be hard for you to understand."

Seraphina rolled her eyes slightly as she made the comment and then turned around to leave, deeming the girl a waste of her time.

Daisie's lips curled into a slight sneer as she hissed out her words in a bitter tone.

"I'll believe it when I see it. Just don't think you can waltz in here and act like you belong—crawl back to your cave and die like the rat you are."

Seraphina took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. It took quite a bit of effort to not turn around and kick the girl where she stood—but she wasn't fit enough for that yet.

"I'm not here to prove anything to anyone, especially not you. I'll do what's best for myself. Just stay out of my way."

She didn't even bother to turn around as she spoke. Instead, she walked towards the two children who had been hiding behind their mother all along and motioned for them to follow her deeper into the garden.

The tension between the two sisters was palpable, and trying to stop the situation from escalating further, Telphina placed a hand on Daisie's shoulder and spoke up.

"Daisie, please. Let's not do this. Your sister has just begun to feel better, and you should respect that."

Daisie pulled away from Telphina's touch, her eyes locked on Seraphina's back for a few more seconds before she turned around in a huff.

"Whatever, this is a waste of my training time anyway."

With that, Daisie walked away with her maid, leaving a heavy silence in her wake. 

Seraphina heard the girl leave. She felt a bit regretful that her own sister had acted in such a way, but she quickly pushed such a meaningless thought aside.

Telphina caught up to the children and sighed softly, looking at Seraphina with concerned eyes.

"I'm sorry about that, Seraphina. Daisie has always been... protective of her position in the family. I guess she sees you as a threat to that."

Seraphina shook her head and replied with a steady voice.

"It's alright. I understand, I didn't pay it any mind."

Hayley and Louie, sensing the tension had passed, quickly moved to grab Seraphina's hands once more, their youthful energy a welcome distraction to the girl.

"Come on, Seraphina! Let's play!"

Louie insisted, his eyes bright with excitement.

Seraphina gave in and allowed herself to be led by the children, grateful for the siblings she had who were willing to be nice to her. As they played together in the courtyard, time flew by without her even realizing it.