章 4: A Sibling's Promise

Adrian, burdened by the weight of the unsettling rumors he overheard, felt a responsibility to shield his younger sister, Aurelia, from the harsh truth. Days turned into weeks as he did his best to maintain a facade of normalcy, engaging her in games and laughter, attempting to preserve the innocence of their childhood.

As the whispers among the servants persisted, Adrian's concern deepened. He spent sleepless nights contemplating how to protect Aurelia from the impending reality he feared.

However, fate was unkind.

After three months of anxious anticipation, a solemn messenger arrived at the Lighthaven castle, bearing news that would shatter the fragile peace he had managed to preserve.

The castle's servants gathered in the courtyard, their expressions reflecting the somber gravity of the announcement. Adrian, standing protectively beside Aurelia, braced himself for the impact of the messenger's words.

"By order of the Royal Family," the messenger declared, his voice echoing through the courtyard, "Lady Eleanora and Lord Harry have met an unfortunate end during their mission. Their sacrifices will forever be remembered, and their children, Adrian and Aurelia, shall be placed under the care of the Royal Family until they come of age to inherit the responsibilities of the Lighthaven Family territory."

The news hung heavily in the air like a storm cloud casting a dark shadow over the castle. Adrian felt a lump form in his throat as the harsh reality sank in.

Lady Eleanora and Lord Harry, his beloved parents, were gone.

His last hope of their survival crumbled with the official announcement from the Royal Family.

Aurelia, sensing the weight of the atmosphere, looked up at her brother with questioning eyes. "Brother, what are they talking about? What happened to Mom and Dad?"

Adrian, struggling to find the right words, gently squeezed her hand. "It's okay, Aurelia. Everything will be ok. I am always with you..."

Aurelia's eyes welled up with tears, and she clung tightly to her brother. "But... I want Mom and Dad. Why did they have to go?"

Adrian hugged Aurelia close, his heart breaking for both of them. "I wish I had all the answers, Aurelia. But right now, we need to trust each other..."

_______ ____

Five years slipped away quietly, and the Lighthaven castle underwent subtle changes, much like the twins, Adrian and Aurelia. Adrian devoted himself to studies and training, seeking solace in knowledge and honing his skills. He became more calm, collected, and reserved, carrying the weight of his responsibilities with a quiet determination.

Adrian took on the role of protector for his sister, shielding her from the harsh realities of the world outside the castle walls. In the first years, Aurelia bore the weight of sadness and loneliness, yearning for the presence of her departed parents. However, as time passed, she transformed into a cheerful and independent young girl, finding strength in the bond she shared with her brother.

However, fate had prepared another twist for the twins.

As they approached their fourteenth birthday, an unexpected announcement from the king sent shockwaves through the kingdom.

The king declared that Aurelia Lighthaven would become the fiancee of the crown prince, a revelation that echoed with both surprise and unease.

However, the focus wasn't on her but on the marriage and the crown prince.

Because the prince was sick since his birth.

However, the thing which angered Adrian and made everyone pity the young girl was the date of their wedding.

The Awakening Day.

The year both the prince and Aurelia would turn 16.

The twins, now fourteen years old, found themselves caught in a web of royal intrigues and political alliances that they could barely comprehend.

The Awakening Day was a sacred and annual event, a day when individuals with magical abilities manifested their powers.

It was a day of celebration for the world, but for Adrian and Aurelia, it became a harbinger of unforeseen challenges.

______ ___

One year later.

Aurelia sat down on her bed after arriving from the Royal Academy.

She didn't want to go there since she would be surrounded by rumors and whispers about her impending marriage to the ailing crown prince. Basically, she was the talk of the school, but in a bad way.

However, there was a reason why she went to the academy despite all the difficulties and scorn she had to face.

And it was...

Knock! Knock!

'Ah, here he is.'

"You can enter, brother." She quickly collected herself and spoke.

The next moment, the door opened and Adrian, her brother entered the room, concern etched across his face. "How was your day, Aurelia?"

Aurelia sighed, looking down. "The same as usual, brother. Whispers, stares, and the weight of a future I never asked for." This was what she wanted to say, however she chose not to. She couldn't.

'He already has countless things on his shoulders... Let's not add to the burden.'

"It was ok, brother. You don't have to worry about anything." She lifted her head and said with a smile.

Adrian sighed as he looked at her, then he approached and sat beside her on the bed. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a comforting presence. "Aurelia, I know it's not easy, but we'll get through this together. I promise to solve everything, you will be free, and we will stay as a family. Please, wait for just a little longer."

The room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the soft sighs of the two siblings. Adrian, burdened by the weight of responsibilities and promises, gazed at his younger sister with determination etched in his eyes.

Aurelia, despite the challenges she faced, managed a small, genuine smile. She appreciated her brother's efforts, and even in the midst of uncertainty, his presence provided a reassuring anchor.

"Brother, I know you're doing your best and I believe in you," Aurelia spoke, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and determination. "We will face whatever comes our way together. I trust you..."

Adrian's expression softened, and he pulled Aurelia into a gentle embrace. "Thank you, Aurelia. Your trust means everything to me. No matter what the future holds, we'll navigate it side by side."

"We will always be a family..."