Lucina woke up drenched in a cold sweat. She gasped for air, looking around her. She didn't understand why and how she got herself into her bed. She was sure she had died. Claude's smile as he rocks her to death comes into her mind. She shuddered, trying to convince herself it was all a dream. She sighed, slowly cowering on herself. This dream was so realistic.
"_Hm... Sis?"
The young girl looked next to her to see a younger version of the devil. Her own murderer and adopted brother.
"_Did you have another nightmare? It's okay; your big brother is there."
Claude looked way younger than in her dream. Unlike in her dream, he was warmer. His eyes shone with pure love and care. His silver hair and eye made him look like an angel. Far different from the Claude in her dream.
Claude hugged her, completely obvious on her terrified face.
How old were they? Lucina looked at their reflection. She was twelve again. Unlike others, she and Claude still slept together. No one questioned it at that time. It was... Just a "twins" thing. But now she knew she wasn't his real twin. They weren't even siblings.
"_Claude... We should start sleeping in our own room.
_My room is where you stay and sleep.
_Claude, we are twelve years old now. We must sleep apart.
_Why? I don't wanna!!!
_Our tutor said that girl and boy shouldn't!"
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw his face. His usual warm look became glacial for a few seconds.
The young boy pursed his lips in a pout before letting the subject go.
"_Hm? Lucy are you alright? You look pale.
_I'm... Fine... "
It was when she noticed a small bird tweeting in a cage. She recognized it. When she was twelve, she forgot to close the door, and Claude had a cat. Long story short, the damn thing ate her little Canaria. She hates that animal now.
Claude frowned, looking at her. Soon after, they took their breakfast with the parents. She looked at her dad, remembering what Claude had said. "Father confirmed it." Since when did he know? Why make her Claude's twin sister? Was it why the nanny always favoured her brother?
She ate with a gloomy face and had so many questions. But no answer.
She spent so much time with them only to discover she wasn't their daughter. She still hoped the love was real.
A few days later, things were a little strange. At first, Claude tries to sleep with her as they used to, but after a while, he finally gives up. Or so she thought.
She finished her etiquette lesson sooner, thanks to her memories. This was when she saw it.
At first, she wondered why her bird was crying like that. Lucina was going to open the door when she saw the silver-haired boy. Humming happily, he was mincing the poor animal.
The little girl could only shake. She never thought her older brother could do that at twelve. But she understood something; from the start, he was cruel and cold-blooded.
She accidentally dumped against the shelf. Too scared to be discovered, she threw herself behind a corner. She didn't dare to breathe when she heard the door open.
"_Hm? I thought someone was there."
Lucina let out a sigh when she heard his step going farther away. She didn't notice the silver head peeking at her in the corner before leaving silently. He had an emotionless face before beaming. With that, she may even understand.
Once she was sure he was away, she shakily stood up and entered the room. Her bird lay in his cage, lifeless. His beautiful wings were torn and twisted horribly. His poor neck was broken.
The white-haired girl scooped the little animals in her hand. Tears trailed down her cheeks. From the start, he was a monster.
"_Sister? There you are! I was looking for you."
She had a strong shiver as she looked at him. His eyes shone aware of the situation. He knew she saw him, and he was barely hiding it. Lucina opened her mouth to say something, but she couldn't. Claude glanced at the bird in her hand before smiling. He hugged her tightly, caressing her hair.
"_Poor sis, your bird is gone now. But it's okay. Your big brother is here! I will take care of you. You don't mind sleeping together again, yes?
_Ah... Yes..."
This time she didn't dare refuse. She heard his warning loud and clear.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later that night, her body was too exhausted. After all the crying and horror, her child's body had no force left. She slept right next to the young boy. With his arm around her waist, he had her in a big spoon. He played with her hair lifting himself.
"_Sis? Are you awake? Sister~!"
He tugged her hair gently before smiling. She was fast asleep. Claude had a broad smile. He lifted her head softly before kissing her lips.
"_This time, you're mine."