Siblings

Sebastian must have informed the Count about the altercation between Melisa and me, as I noticed a distinct absence of her presence lately. I assumed she was being disciplined for her outrageous behavior, and to be honest, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Her actions had inadvertently brought Sebastian and me closer while tarnishing her own reputation, leaving me in a more favorable light.

Currently, I was having tea with my brothers and Inez, who was still reeling from the shocking revelation of Melisa's aggression. She couldn't help but blame herself, although I reassured her that it wasn't her fault. Our conversation took an unexpected turn as Isaac spoke up.

"I don't understand why Melisa would do such a thing," Isaac exclaimed, his voice laced with concern, as he sipped his coffee. "Perhaps we should consider teaching Lilith self-defense techniques and magic," he suggested, glancing at Sebastian for confirmation.

Sebastian nodded in agreement, a serious expression on his face. "It's important for Lilith to be able to defend herself," he replied. "We can't have her facing such threats without any means of protection."

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage to reveal a part of myself that I had kept hidden. "Actually," I interjected, my voice steady. "I have some experience with both magic and swordsmanship."

Their eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting such a revelation. Isaac's eyebrows shot up, and Inez leaned forward, her curiosity piqued.

"You've used magic before?" Inez asked, her voice filled with awe.

I nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Yes, I have," I replied.

Sebastian's gaze held a mixture of pride and concern. "And what about swordsmanship?" he inquired, his tone gentle.

A surge of confidence coursed through me as I recalled my training sessions. "I've been trained in the art of swordplay as well," I answered. "I may not be a master, but I can hold my own in a fight."

Isaac grinned, clearly impressed. "That's incredible, Lilith!" he exclaimed. "We should utilize your skills and train together. It will not only enhance your abilities but also strengthen our bonds as a family."

I felt a warmth spread through my chest at his words. The thought of training with my brothers filled me with anticipation and a renewed sense of purpose. It was a chance to prove myself and demonstrate my capabilities.

As we gathered in the training grounds, a mischievous glint sparkled in my eyes. While my brothers and Inez believed that my combat skills were limited, I had intentionally concealed my true strength. It was all part of my plan to appear harmless and unsuspecting. With a coy smile, I nodded in response to Isaac's instruction.

"Alright, Lili. You can attack first," he said, unaware of the calculated strategy that lay behind my actions.

In a swift motion, I lunged forward, my sword feigning a clumsy strike. Isaac easily deflected the attack, underestimating my true capabilities. I continued with a series of well-rehearsed moves, carefully holding back my strength and deliberately leaving openings for him to exploit.

Isaac grinned confidently, believing he had the upper hand. Little did he know that every strike, every parry, and every retreat was a meticulously calculated maneuver. I allowed him to gain ground, building his confidence while subtly studying his weaknesses.

As our spar intensified, I began to reveal glimpses of my true skill, executing precise counterattacks that surprised even Sebastian and Inez, who were observing our match. The realization that I had been holding back washed over Isaac's face,

a mix of astonishment and admiration.

"You've been hiding your true strength, Lilith," Isaac acknowledged, his voice filled with both awe and intrigue.

I flashed a cunning smile, relishing in the revelation. "Appearances can be deceiving, dear brother," I responded, my voice dripping with a playful tone.

From that moment on, our training session took on a different dynamic. Isaac and I engaged in a strategic battle of wits and skills, each move carefully calculated to maintain the illusion of my supposed limitations. My true strength remained shrouded in secrecy, a hidden arsenal that I knew would prove invaluable in the future.

As our session came to a close, the satisfaction of my ruse lingered within me. I had successfully manipulated the perceptions of my family, allowing them to see only what I wanted them to see. The trust and camaraderie that had been fostered in that training ground were crucial to my plans, and I reveled in the knowledge that I held the strings that bound us together.

As we left the training grounds, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. My brothers and Inez believed they had witnessed my true potential, yet little did they know the depths of my cunning and strategic prowess. The façade of innocence and vulnerability I had meticulously crafted would continue to serve me well as I navigated the complex web of relationships and secrets that enveloped our family.