Bad Dream after the shadows

"Father requests a private meeting with you in his office."

Mattias let out a sigh of surprise. He was going to place the book Tekyo had given him on his nightstand when Hestia barged in and said. Mattias had anticipated this, yet he was powerless to stop his heart from racing. It's like a nightmare when you make a mistake (which, according to the kingdom of fire) until King Michael—Mattias and brother's father intercede.

It's impossible to tolerate mistakes. (For them)

Mattias turned to his sister after inhaling deeply. "This was a foregone conclusion. I know."

Mattias said and Hestia keep quiet and did not depart after a few minutes.

Mattias looked displeased at Hestia with an annoyed sigh. "What brings you here? You know that no one, whoever it is, can dispute Father's request? Don't worry, I'll be there straight away—"

Mattias' words were cut short when his sister hugged him. Mattias was at a loss for words. He raised his hand, intending to hug Hestia back, but his hand remained suspended in mid-air, unable to hug his sister.

"Sorry..." Hestia relaxed her grip on her hand. His vision is blurry. "I can't talk to you; even when our stepsisters corner you, I just keep quiet."

Mattias was unfazed. He wore a glum countenance. When Hestia's sweet words left her mouth, however, his heart was struck terribly. Mattias' heart was stabbed by the words.

Mattias gently stroked his sister's cheek with his hand lifted. "Nothing appears to be wrong. I am the reason. For the umpteenth time, I apologize for not being able to do anything to make you and Tybalt happy and comfortable."

As he peered into his sister's dark eyes, Mattias bowed his head, remorse engulfed him. He was acutely aware that he was the one who had caused his two younger siblings to suffer, to feel unwelcomed, and unsafe. "I love you and Tybalt, Hestia. Will always be."

Mattias quickly exited the room after saying that, not wanting to hear Hestia's response. He shed a few tears unintentionally. Even though he still felt terrible, being able to express himself was a comfort. As Mattias walked along the corridor, several maids, guards, and other royal personnel glanced at the prince, greeting him.

Mattias continued heading up the golden stairwell, which was covered with a red carpet. Her tears had dried up, but the memories of Hestia and Tybalt being cornered by Lapetus and his brothers, as well as the terrible treatment they had received in the palace, remained fresh in his mind.

Last year, Hestia did not receive a dress at the royal party. Although Allyson received a new, beautiful, classy, and expensive gown. As a result, Hestia wore the same dress from the previous year. When Tybalt wished to leave the palace for some fresh air, he was not accompanied by a single bodyguard, in contrast to Fiorenzo, who was accompanied by ten guards.

"Mattias!"

When Mattias noticed Tybalt on the steps one floor below him, he came to a halt and turned around. His brother swiftly stepped forward and arrived in front of him.

"Father has summoned you."

Mattias just said, "I already know, from Hestia."

Tybalt gave a stumbling nod. He put his hand on the shoulder of his older brother. "I'll always be there for you, whatever happens. Fear not."

Tybalt then raised his right hand, his hand exploded a fire. Three young children were formed by the reddish-yellow flames on his hand, they ran from a woman in a white dress, chasing them across the flower field. Tybalt's fiery illusion made Mattias chuckle. His younger brother did have the ability to use the power of fire to dupe him into believing a lie based on a mind. Mattias, Hestia, and Tybalt were the three younger children in the fire on Tybalt's hand.

And that woman was Mina, her mother, who had died of an illness five years before.

"I often construct illusions when I miss Mom. But I refuse to fabricate illusions when I miss you." The illusion vanished when Tybalt extinguished the fire in his hand. "Mother is no longer alive, and the only way I can satisfy my desire to create illusions. When I miss you, however, I refuse to conjure up images of you. Because I still sincerely hope you will come to hug me—"

Mattias drew Tybalt into his arms as he slid forward. For a brief period, Tybalt was taken aback. Tybalt noticed his brother's body trembling and knew he was crying. Tybalt hugged Mattias back.

"I will always and forever love you. Tell Hestia that I love her as well."

●●●●●

"Don't forget your mother, Sweetheart."

" I love you so much, always and every time."

"Don't forget your mother, Sweetheart."

"I love you so much, always and every time."

"Nyx, keep going! Bring her to the humans!"

The female voice The sweet, tortured voice was heard once more. Dysabella couldn't see anything because it was pitch black. Because there was no light, Dysabella couldn't even see her own body. Black as night. In his thoughts, the voice kept ringing and buzzing. Once more, and then again. The girl was transported to another dimension until she awoke.

Dream.

"Dysabella, kid, wake up."

Dysabella gasped for air as she opened her eyes. Her entire body was drenched in sweat. With a troubled expression on her face, she gazed up at Ma and Baba, who stood above him. On her moist body, the girl felt limp. Dysabella saw she had been in the same spot since the morning. Dysabella fell asleep repeatedly while waiting for her father to drop Savannah off this evening. He awoke with the full moon directly overhead the three of them.

"Who is she, Ma... Baba?"

Amely and Jonathan exchanged a glance.

"Who do you mean by 'she,' Dysa?" Jonathan inquired, his face befuddled.

Dysabella inhaled deeply and stroked her temples. It was the woman, speaking in hushed tones. It was only a dream that had earlier troubled him as a weird shadow.

"Never mind." Dysabella stood up and took a look around the dimly illuminated room. She raised his eyes to the night sky, the moon, and the stars that adorned her vision. "I've been sleeping for how long? And when is Baba going to return?"

"I've been back for about a half-hour. Savannah and I made it out of Doli safely. Now I'm concerned about you!" With a worried expression, Jonathan gestured to his daughter.

"Me?" Dysabella aimed her finger at herself. "What's the matter with me?"

"What exactly happened to you, sweetheart?" Amely inquired this time. "You've been sleeping for some hours. When darkness falls, however, you begin to panic. In your sleep, you cry, your breath stops, and your head moves left and right. Your father was fortunate to be present when it occurred. What are your exact feelings?"

Dysabella silent. "I... I have a question," she says.

Jonathan and Amely inquired once again.

"Do you know who a tall woman is? She's dressed in a navy blue ensemble."