Feronia paced through her garden, her treasured Coprosma stirring restlessly in sync with her emotions. Their glistening leaves reflected her distraught expression, waiting for her command. Yet. Feronia wasn’t ready to resume her observation of the Deverells. Aeonara had shared Mirathrend’s Mirror’s omenious revelation, and she had reluctantly agreed to minimize their interference in the mortal realm until the turmoil subsided. Though Feronia consented to this plan, she despised sitting idly. To resist the urge to act, she avoided her Coprosma, shutting off any mortal visions until Aeonara’s return.
The last few days were unsettling for Feronia, as she battled her instinct to watch Garrett and the Deverells. Hiding in her abode, safeguarded by her plants, was agonizing. Maris had approached many times, and Feronia had to resist running to her for answers and updates on the mortal realm. Her plants kept them apart, leaving Feronia hidden and alone in the garden’s quiet. The birds’ songs felt dreary, the garden’s luster muted, and her pacing had left the usually lush grass trampled into the soil.
Aeonara had warned that further action might draw the attention of the Celestial Tribunal, a mysterious group of deities meant to preserve balance between realms. Maris had faced trial by this usually forgotten Tribunal, reminding all deities of the importance of maintaining balance. Maris had cautioned Feronia, but she had chosen to disregard her friend’s advice. Now, she was left hiding in the dark, clueless about the changes unfolding around her.
Feronia’s mind swirled with conflicting emotions. She longed to act, to protect and aid those she watched over, but fear of drawing the Tribunal’s attention held her back. Though she believed her intervention was just, Aeonara’s wisdom resonated with her. Each glance at her Coprosma tempted her to peek into the mortal realm, gnawing at her resolve. She felt trapped, a prisoner in her own sanctuary, her powers rendered useless by her own hands. Yet, she held hope that the seeds she had sown would bear fruit.
The sudden shuffling of her plants stopped Feronia’s pacing. Rushing to her halls, she sighed in relief at Aeonara’s appearance. “Finally,” Feronia exclaimed, her impatience evident. Aeonara’s arrival brought not only companionship but news of the mortal realm’s activities. “I’ve been waiting for you.” She quickly ushered Aeonara into her garden, and they sat together on a living oak bench. “What news have you brought me?”
Aeonara observed the trodden paths and the muted garden, reflecting the ragged state of Feronia, who was usually lively. Shaking her head, her voice rustled the leaves as it blended with the gentle breeze. “Feronia, my friend,” Aeonara began, “these days have been difficult for you. I apologize for my delayed return. The mortal realm has been active with changes. Even Aelius has acted…” Her voice trailed off into the songbird’s melancholic tunes.
Surprised, Feronia glanced at the sky, silencing the birds. “Why?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Why are they all acting against me? Those I thought were steadfast friends have abandoned me, and those who normally stayed hidden have emerged.” Feronia met Aeonara’s eyes, reaching for her hand. “Thank you for not abandoning me, for hearing me out and finding my cause just.”
Aeonara smiled, gently grasping Feronia’s hands. “Not all of us believe mortals are bound by their family lineage,” she explained, her clear eyes reflecting the cosmos. “Aelius, for example, is the gentlest of deities, embodying tranquility from knowledge and healing. His interest in the De Kure family, Adeline’s maternal side, comes from their commitment to education and health for humanity’s betterment. He cares not where they reside or pursue their goals.”
Feronia nodded, her heart comforted by Aeonara’s counsel. Her gaze urged her friend to continue.
“As you said, Maris believes Adeline’s fate lies beyond the walls of Golden Rivers. I disagree. Family ties strain over distance and time. The O’Cean family has always stayed in the city; they will struggle if they leave the safety of their history,” Aeonara stated. “I do not wish to sway their destiny, only set them on the right path to build upon their ancestors’ foundation. I do not want to witness the crumbling of a great family. I have seen too many families destroy themselves when they have stray too far from their roots.”
“I agree with you,” Feronia assured Aeonara. “But for now, what do you advise is our best course of action?”
Aeonara nodded, her clear blue eyes glistening with knowledge. “I believe we can continue with subtle actions through our mortals’ subconscious,” she began, her voice soft but insightful. “The pond has been accurate in its message –changes are near,” Aeonara repeated. She recounted for Feronia the recent developments in Adeline’s life since the pond’s omen. She described the De Kure patriarch’s reconciliation with Adeline and her mother Aria, and the impact of Aria’s pregnancy on the O’Cean and De Kure families. This revelation brought hope to Feronia’s eyes that perhaps the roots would be enough to tie Adeline to Golden Rivers.
Aeonara’s next statement made Feronia smile. Aeonara had observed Adeline learning about her inheritance at twenty-one, news had forced Adeline to rethink her future plans. Feronia stood up, pulling Aeonara towards her Coprosma plant. “This is wonderful news,” she said, her footsteps light with joy. “Adeline will be forced to remain within Golden Rivers!”
“We shall see; the mortal girl is still conflicted,” Aeonara revealed. “A new wall has formed between her and the Landin boy, but under her De Kure grandfather’s counsel, Adeline may still surprise us all.”
“Nonsense,” Feronia said, her voice hopeful and enthusiastic. “This news is not something she can walk away from. This is a chance to bring Garrett back into her circle.” Feronia called upon her Coprosma and immediately the leaves sprang into action, revealing a mirror showing the Deverell estate. “Let us see how the Deverells react to this change.”
Taking a seat next to Feronia in front of the mirror, Aeonara tried to temper her friend’s enthusiasm. “The Deverells do not know of Adeline’s inheritance. It was to be revealed to all only on Adeline’s twenty-first birthday.”
“That matters not,” Feronia insisted, her gaze focused on the Coprosma’s image. “My mortal is wise; he will weather any storm, even when everyone else is against him.” The image zoomed from the Deverell estate to the house and into Garrett’s room. Kaylynn and Garrett were in a heated argument, a sight that made Feronia uncomfortable because the siblings rarely fought, though it had become all too common lately.
Garrett was seated on his bed, his eyes tracking his pacing sister Kaylynn as she spoke. Her words flowed in a torrent, not giving Garrett a chance to respond. Though the late hour weighed on him, he felt compelled to listen. Observing this, Aeonara relented and chose to support Feronia’s curiosity. Together, they focused on the mystical mirror delving into the Deverell brother-sister bond.
Garrett sat on the edge of his bed, his posture rigid, eyes following Kaylynn’s back-and-forth pacing. Her frustration was obvious, each step echoing her agitation.
Grateful that their family had long retired, Kaylynn paced the length of her brother’s room, her mind racing with worry and annoyance. Watching Garrett become increasingly consumed by his feelings for Adeline was heartbreaking. She had always admired her brother’s loyalty and dedication, but lately, it seemed he was losing himself in his quest to be there for Adeline.
“Why can’t he see what this is doing to him, to us?” she thought, her heart aching for their shared past with Adeline. “He’s always been so strong, so sure of his direction. But now, he’s a shadow of who he used to be.”
She remembered the days, not too long ago, when Garrett was full of energy, always ready to help out at the farm or in her greenhouse with a smile. But those days felt distant now. He no longer volunteered his assistance on the farm, focusing instead on Adeline’s family’s grocery store. Rather than helping her with the greenhouse, he used it as an excuse to approach Adeline. His focus on her best friend had become all-consuming, affecting every aspect of his life and spilling onto the rest of the family. Adeline had stopped visiting their home, stopped bringing joy into their lives, and ceased most communication with their family. She couldn’t stand by and watch their relationship with Adeline continue to spiral out of control.
“Gar, you can’t keep doing this!” Kaylynn’s voice was sharp, cutting through the silence. “Adeline has made her choice clear. You need to stop focusing on her and clinging to hope that her feelings for you have changed! This isn’t healthy!”
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Garrett’s expression remained calm, but his eyes flickered with irritation. “Kay, you don’t understand. I love her. Adeline needs me, especially now with everything that’s happening. She may not show it, but I know my presence brings her comfort.”
“I know he cares about Adeline, we all do, but this obsession is going too far,” she mused, her pacing slowing as she searched for the right words. She stopped pacing and faced Garrett, hands on her hips. “What about what you need? What about your own life and your family’s? You’re sacrificing so much for someone who might not even feel the same way about you.”
Garrett sighed, running a hand through his long, sun-bleached hair. He knew his sister night be right, but he wasn’t ready to admit it. “It’s not just about us. It’s about doing what’s right. Adeline is as much a part of our family as you and me. We can’t abandon her when she’s going through so much!”
Kaylynn’s frustration wasn’t just about Garrett’s obsession with Adeline. It also affected her friendship with Adeline. She missed the brother who used to confide in her, who kept his feelings for Adeline locked away so everything could stay the same. Now, it felt like Garrett didn’t care about their feelings and was determined to rekindle something that was never meant to be. “Why am I the one trying to hold everything together? Garrett needs to see that this unrequited love is not worth his time,” she resolved, her determination hardening. “He needs to remember who he is and where his responsibilities lie as the Deverell heir.”
Softening her gaze, Kaylynn’s voice remained firm. “I get that you care about her, we all do, but you’re letting it consume you. You’re not acting like yourself anymore. I don’t recognize you. It’s like nothing else matters to you, and all you can see is Addy. It’s not just affecting you; it’s affecting all of us.”
Garrett looked away, his jaw tightening. Her words hit him like a punch. “I know, I feel different. These nightmares I keep having about Adeline are driving me crazy. I can’t stop thinking about her,” he thought, trying to find words to explain his recent change. “I can’t even explain it myself; how can I tell her why I’ve become this way?”
Garrett’s gaze returned to Kaylynn’s, his eyes filled with determination and vulnerability. “I’m not the only one who has changed! Every time we speak, every time I approach Adeline, you act like I’m the bad guy. I’ve kept up my responsibilities for the family, but you’ve turned to working with Eric,” he accused, his anger mirroring Kaylynn’s. “Instead of focusing on my motives, why not look at your own? You say you care for Adeline, but from what I see, you’ve forgotten who your real family is and where your alliances should lie.”
Kaylynn’s frustration boiled over. She took a hesitant step closer, her voice trembling with emotion. “You’re losing yourself, Gar. You’re not the brother I used to know. You’re not the friend you used to be to Adeline either. No matter how you justify it, you’re always on edge, worried about her. It’s tearing us apart. I hope you see it before it’s too late.”
The weight of Kaylynn’s words pressed down on them. Moonlight reflected through the window, bouncing off Garrett’s mirror onto Kaylynn’s trembling figure. Garrett’s shoulders tensed as he faced his sister, neither willing to back down. “I know what I’m doing,” Garrett began, his jaw clenched and tone stern. “You’ve changed, Kay, ever since you signed that contract with Eric. It seems to me that you’re more concerned with his relationship with Adeline than with her or our family’s well-being. I don’t know what caused such a change, but instead of accusing me, maybe you should take a look in the mirror!”
Kaylynn’s anger dissipated into hurt from Garrett’s cold words. She had come to reason with him and reconcile their recent conflicts, but her efforts were in vain. Not only had they not reconciled, but their animosity had increased. Resigned, Kaylynn stepped back, ready to leave. “I believe it’s time for me to go,” she muttered, her voice betraying her confidence.
Garrett nodded. “It’s late, and I have a lot of work tomorrow morning,” he affirmed, watching Kaylynn turn away. “These arguments are tiring. I hope you’ll trust that I know what I’m doing and stop meddling in my affairs.”
Surprised by his bluntness, Kaylynn hid her unshed tears as she exited his room. The strain between them was obvious, but Garrett had made it clear he wasn’t interested in listening to her or mending their relationship.
As Garrett watched Kaylynn disappear behind his closing door, his thoughts whirled in a chaotic mix of guilt, love, and confusion. He believed he was doing the right thing and that his change was necessary for the betterment of them all.
Pulling out a picture of the three of them sitting on the barn’s roof, Garrett touched Adeline’s face in the photo. It was taken several years ago, a moment he cherished before lines were drawn between him and Adeline. Returning the picture to his hidden drawer, Garrett curled up in bed, falling asleep under the guidance of deities who haunted him with dreams of losing Adeline.
The next day, Kaylynn ignored Garrett during their usual breakfast in the dining hall. Her usual bubbly personality was muted, drawing concerned looks from their parents. Kaylynn brushed their concern aside, citing that she’d been busy finishing the greenhouse and rushed off to school. Her classes with Adeline had been awkward and despite Kaylynn’s attempts to talk to her best friend, Adeline remained distant, chatting only about superficial topics. Their usual walks to the mall were replaced by Kaylynn’s lonely drive to her greenhouse, while Adeline rushed from class without a look back.
It hurt Kaylynn that Adeline was putting a wall between them, especially since she felt she had done nothing to provoke such avoidance. Her attempts to connect with Adeline had been frustrating, dampening her mood and enthusiasm.
At her greenhouse, Eric met with her later in the evening. He had been a steadfast friend, supporting her work in the greenhouse and aiding her in pursuing her education abroad at the world-renowned UK-based floriculture academy.
“There,” Kaylynn said proudly, looking at her newly sprouted flowers. “We’re almost there! Thanks for all your help.” She turned to Eric, who was covered in dirt, and laughed out loud. “Eric, you’re a mess!”
Dusting himself off, Eric approached Kaylynn, who looked flawless in her gardening apron. “I should have taken you up on the apron,” he grinned. “Anyway, I’m glad this is almost complete. You can have the grand opening and leave instructions for your family on how to take care of it while you’re away.”
“Yes,” Kaylynn agreed, her gaze distant. “I still need to tell Addy about my plans. I haven’t been able to have a serious conversation with her in over a week. Do you know why she’s pushing me away? Is it because of Garrett?”
Eric shook his head, gesturing toward the garden’s table and chairs. “No, not exactly,” he said, offering Kaylynn a glass of water from the chilled thermos he had brought. “Garrett had been getting close to her, but she realized it caused him unnecessary hope and strained our relationship. She distanced herself willingly. It’s not you; she has a lot on her mind. I told her about what I found out regarding my brothers and how it may involve her.”
Kaylynn flopped down on the chair across from Eric, accepting the cool water with a big gulp. It didn’t relieve her aching body, but it quenched her thirst. “You mean she knows you may become the next Landin successor?” she exclaimed, shocked that Eric hadn’t warned her about his revelation.
“No, not exactly,” Eric replied, a hint of embarrassment flashing in his eyes. “I didn’t get to that. I discovered something even more life-altering for her and equally pivotal to Golden River’s political landscape. Unfortunately, my lips are sealed.” Eric paused, watching for Kaylynn’s reaction before continuing. “Adeline has been hit with a bombshell and needs time to resolve it on her own. I’m not at liberty to share the information, but I hope you will trust in your friendship and mine to give her the time she needs.”
Kaylynn nodded in understanding, contemplating Eric’s words. “She’s my best friend; I’ll always be on her side,” she resolved. “I, too, feel like I have a lot of upcoming life changes that I’d like to share with her…” Her voice drifted into the silence of the glassed dome.
Eric knew what Kaylynn was referring to, and he felt a wave of guilt wash over him. Although he knew it wasn’t his fault, he couldn’t help but feel he had turned their worlds upside-down with his involvement in Adeline’s life. The beep of Eric’s phone disrupted their reverie. His solemn expression changed to joy when he checked his message –a text from Adeline requesting a meeting.
Kaylynn could tell by Eric’s azure gaze that it was a message from Adeline. Over time, she had recognized this unique look he had whenever he thought of or saw her best friend. Attempting to break the silence, she teased him. “It must be Addy who just contacted you.”
Eric nodded, standing up and gathering his belongings. “Yes, she wants to meet up,” he said, his voice revealing his enthusiasm. “Kay, thanks for being such a great friend. I’m sure Addy will reach out to you soon. Until then, I’ll do what I can to fill in for her.” He patted Kaylynn gently on the back for support before rushing away with a wave.
Kaylynn watched as he disappeared into the parking lot, a wry smile on her lips. “I hope so,” she thought. “I miss her so much.” Not wanting to return home yet, Kaylynn turned on the music and proceeded to clean up the mess Eric left. She was grateful to him and decided to take his advice on Adeline. It’s only been a week or so; she was willing to wait if she had to.
As she swept away the last bits of dirt, her phone buzzed. Hoping for a message from Adeline, she glanced at the screen, but it was just spam. Sighing, Kaylynn put the phone back in her pocket, her thoughts drifting back to Adeline.
“Why is she pushing me away?” Kaylynn muttered to herself. “What could be so important that she can’t talk to her best friend?”
The question lingered in her mind as she finished cleaning. The greenhouse, once her sanctuary and reminder of their friendship, now felt empty and silent. Kaylynn walked to the door, determined not to let the distance between them grow any wider, she resolved to find a way to reconnect with Adeline. Garrett’s obsession would complicate everything, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was fundamentally wrong. Too many things have been changing, and she was not one to let it slide.