A 7th Child of a 7th Child - Lucian’s and Leon’s 12th Birthday

It was May 1668, and the Daiwik estate was alive with the sounds of celebration. Lucian and Leon's birthday had always been a cherished event, with the entire family gathering to mark the special day for the twin boys. It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and surprises, a break from the usual routine of life on the estate. But this year, as the sun rose over the River Aire, something felt different—something Lucian couldn’t quite put into words.

The day began early, as it always did. In the attic room where the twins shared a small space under the sloping beams, the soft light of dawn filtered through the dormer windows, casting a golden hue over the room. Lucian stirred first, blinking sleepily at the beams above him before turning his head toward Leon, who was already awake and grinning at him from his bed across the room.

“Happy birthday!” they both said in unison, their voices filled with excitement. They laughed at how perfectly they’d timed it, the bond between them as strong as ever.

In a flash, the two boys jumped out of bed, their bare feet hitting the cold floorboards with a thud. They scrambled to pull on their clothes, eager to get downstairs to see what surprises the day held for them. Their minds were already buzzing with anticipation.

“Come on, Leon!” Lucian shouted as he bolted toward the door, his blond hair still wild from sleep. Leon was right behind him, matching his pace step for step as they raced down the narrow stairs. Their footsteps echoed through the quiet house as they rushed toward the kitchen, expecting the usual sight of breakfast laid out for them.

But when they reached the kitchen, they stopped in their tracks. It was empty.

Lucian frowned, exchanging a puzzled glance with Leon.

“Where is everyone?” he muttered, the excitement of the morning fading into confusion. The kitchen was never empty at this time of day.

Without missing a beat, the twins sprinted through the ground floor, checking each room for signs of life. But the dining room, the sitting room, even the entrance hall—all were deserted. Their voices echoed through the empty halls as they called out for their parents, their siblings, anyone.

Just when they were about to give up, Lucian caught a glimpse of something through the back door. His heart leaped as he saw the garden table, set with food and decorations.

“There!” he shouted, pointing toward the backyard. Leon’s face lit up, and together they ran toward the table, the mystery of the empty house forgotten in their excitement.

As they burst through the door and into the backyard, a chorus of voices erupted around them.

“Surprise!” their family and the servants shouted in unison, leaping out from their hiding places behind the hedges and trees.

Lucian and Leon jumped, startled but thrilled, before bursting into laughter. They ran forward, their faces beaming, and threw their arms around their mother, who stood at the front of the group with a proud smile on her face.

“Happy birthday, my darlings,” Mrs. Daiwik said, hugging them tightly. She wore her usual warm, gentle expression, though there was a flicker of something behind her eyes—something Lucian didn’t quite notice at the moment.

After hugging their father, the twins were swarmed by their siblings, who rushed forward to join in a big group hug. Everyone was cheering, their joy contagious, and for a moment, the world felt perfect.

The garden table was overflowing with delicious treats, pastries, fruits, and all flavours of juices. No eggs or omelettes were in sight—a thoughtful gesture from Mrs. Daiwik, who knew how much Lucian hated them.

As the festivities began, Mrs. Daiwik disappeared briefly into the house, only to reappear carrying the massive chocolate cake adorned with candles that Lucian had been secretly hoping for. The children gathered around the table, their eyes wide with excitement as the family sang a joyful birthday song. The twins’ eyes lit up when they saw the cake, their stomachs rumbling in anticipation.

When it came time to blow out the candles, Lucian and Leon leaned in together, just as they did every year. Their faces were illuminated by the soft glow of the candles, their smiles wide.

“Make a wish!” someone called out.

The twins glanced at each other before blowing out the candles in unison. But as Lucian exhaled, something strange happened. The candles went out far too quickly, the flames flickering unnaturally before being snuffed out in a swirl of light. Lucian blinked, his heart skipping a beat. He was certain he had seen the flames twist in a way they shouldn’t have, the light dancing as if alive.

No one else seemed to notice, but Lucian’s pulse quickened.

As the morning wore on, the backyard buzzed with energy. The smell of freshly baked bread and the sweet scent of wildflowers filled the air, carried on the breeze from the nearby woods. The children raced through the estate’s yard, their laughter echoing off the stone walls of the house as Mrs. Daiwik and the maids prepared for the feast.

Lucian stood for a moment, watching as Leon and their other siblings ran through the yard, chasing one another. As he ran after them, his heart swelled with a mix of happiness and something else—something he couldn’t quite place.

And then, it happened again.

Halting suddenly, Lucian felt it before he saw it—a shift in the air, subtle but unmistakable. It was as if the world around him was responding to his emotions, the wind picking up slightly, the leaves rustling more vigorously. As he looked around, his eyes fell on the garden. The flowers seemed to bloom more vibrantly under his gaze, their colours deepening, their petals stretching toward the sun.

He froze, his breath catching in his throat. Had he done that?

From across the yard, Lena’s eyes widened in surprise. She was standing near a patch of columbine, a plant that normally wouldn’t bloom so brightly at this time of year. Yet here it was, flourishing under the warm May sun, its blossoms more vivid than they should have been. She glanced at Lucian, her gaze sharp with curiosity and something else—something like awe.

They locked eyes for a brief moment, and Lucian shrugged, trying to act as though nothing unusual had happened. But inside, his heart raced.

The moment passed quickly, and the siblings carried on with their playing, the family with their celebrations. But Lucian couldn’t shake the feeling that something was different. Something inside him had shifted, and he wasn’t sure what it meant.

As they all sat around the garden table for the feast, Lucian’s unease lingered. Mrs. Daiwik served the chocolate cake, cutting it into large pieces for everyone. The candles and flowers that adorned the cake were a beautiful touch, but Lucian couldn’t take his eyes off the backyard.

Martha, one of the family’s long-time maids, stood near the kitchen door, her eyes fixed on the blooming flowers. There was something off in her expression—something like suspicion. Mrs. Daiwik noticed it too, her gaze lingering on the flowers for a moment before she looked away, pretending nothing strange had happened.

Lucian glanced around the table, his heart heavy with the weight of the strange feeling that had settled over him. This birthday felt different—marked by something unseen but undeniably present.

And as the day wore on, Lucian knew deep down that this was just the beginning.

A 7th Child of a 7th Child - Into the Woods

The days after Lucian and Leon's birthday celebration drifted by with an odd undercurrent of tension, like a string pulled just a bit too tight. Lucian found himself on edge, his mind replaying the strange flicker of light during the birthday candles. At first, he shrugged it off as nothing more than a trick of the wind, something easily explained away. But as the days went on, small oddities began to appear with increasing frequency.

A door would close on its own, a gust of wind would sweep through the attic despite no windows being open, and the chickens in the yard scuttled away from him as if he carried some invisible force that repelled them. Each new occurrence felt like a puzzle piece that didn’t quite fit, something he couldn’t understand but couldn’t ignore. Yet, despite the growing unease, Lucian said nothing to Leon. He didn't want to worry his twin. Besides, the whole family was busy preparing for the weekend—a special family tradition that Lucian had always looked forward to: the birthday camping trip.

This camping tradition was one of the few that had been passed down from Thomas Daiwik’s own childhood, a legacy of his being the seventh child in a family of ten. It was a special event reserved for family alone, away from the townspeople, a cherished secret known only to the Daiwiks. Every year, after a birthday, they would venture into the woods behind the estate and spend a night by a small, hidden lake. The spot was secluded and quiet, complete with a towering cliff overlooking the water and a small treehouse the family had built together when the children were younger.

Lucian always loved the trips, but he noticed that his mother, Mrs Daiwik, seemed uneasy whenever they prepared to leave for the woods. She never showed it outwardly, but he could sense her tension. She had grown up with a superstitious family who feared the dark woods, especially under the full moon, and though she did her best to keep up appearances, she was always nervous. Still, she didn’t let her discomfort stop the tradition. As long as Mr. Daiwik led them on the trail, his keen tracking skills making the path through the thick trees almost invisible to any outsider, Mrs. Daiwik would feel safe enough.

On the Saturday after the twins’ birthday, the household bustled with excitement. The servants had been given the weekend off, returning only on Monday morning to prepare breakfast, so the family was free to enjoy the trip without interruption. Lucian and Leon, full of energy, rushed down the stairs into the living room where Leopold was packing the bags. They were too excited to sit still, and Leopold, ever the responsible eldest brother, was instructing them on how to properly pack the camping gear.

“I’ll be right back,” Leopold said, stepping out to gather some oils from the cellar. “Don’t make a mess.”

Lucian and Leon exchanged mischievous glances the moment their brother left. Together, they worked on stuffing fire-making tools into the bags—flint, candles, and matches. Leon laughed as he tried to fit too many things into one small pouch, but his laugh quickly turned into silence when Lucian picked up a candle.

It lit—instantly and without warning.

A small flame danced on the wick, flickering gently in the air. Leon’s eyes widened in shock.

“How did you do that?” he whispered, his voice a mix of awe and confusion.

Lucian, equally surprised, let the candle drop. The flame extinguished as quickly as it had come. He looked at Leon, his heart racing, but before he could speak, Leopold returned, crossing paths with the twins.

“Lads! Stop lighting the candles! Just pack the bags, please” Leopold chided them, unaware of the moment that had just passed.

As soon as Leopold left the room again, Leon leaned in closer, whispering urgently.

“Lucian, how did you do that?”

Lucian shook his head, his voice unsteady.

“I... I don’t know.”

The moment left both boys unsettled, but before they could dwell on it for too long, their mother called from the hallway. It was time to leave for the woods.

The entire family gathered in the front yard as they prepared for their journey into the hidden depths of the forest. Eleanor Daiwik handed each child a small bag filled with snacks and water.

“Stay close together, and don’t lose your way,” she reminded them gently.

Meanwhile, Thomas Daiwik and Leopold double-checked the camping materials, going over each item methodically. Lucian glanced at his father, who stood tall and steady, every movement confident. Mr. Daiwik had an air of certainty that made the children feel safe, no matter where they were going.

The family set off across the backyard, passing through the familiar grounds of the estate and crossing a small wooden bridge over the River Aire. The trail they followed was carefully hidden, with thick undergrowth concealing the entrance, a trick Mr. Daiwik had learned from his years of hunting and exploring. The children laughed and chattered as they entered the woods, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves above, creating a dance of light and shadow along the narrow path.

The trail behind the Daiwik estate that led to the secret camping place had always been a source of wonder for the children, especially Lucian and Leon. In every family trip, they spent countless hours exploring its hidden paths, racing each other through the tall trees, and listening to the gentle murmur of the River Aire winding through the dense forest. But this time, the trip to their family’s secret camping spot felt different. Something lingered in the air that only Lucian could sense.

The family was dressed for the outdoors, each wearing simple, sturdy clothes designed for walking long distances through the woods. Mr. Daiwik, in his practical woollen vest and trousers, led the way, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the afternoon light. He carried a leather satchel filled with camping tools, ropes, and a small axe for firewood. Mrs. Daiwik followed behind, her long skirts tucked up for ease of movement. Her sunhat shaded her kind face as she kept a watchful eye on the children. Lucian, in his dark tunic, walked just behind Leon, who had a mischievous grin plastered on his face. Linda trailed them, her sharp eyes occasionally glancing toward Lucian, as if expecting another strange occurrence.

Leopold, the eldest, walked beside Mr. Daiwik, carrying their camping supplies with Lewis, each of them taking turns with the larger bags. Lena, the second oldest daughter, held a woven basket filled with snacks and extra water for the journey, and Luke, ever the daydreamer, meandered beside her, more interested in the patterns the sunlight made through the trees than the path ahead.

As they ventured deeper into the woods, Mr. Daiwik began to share stories from his childhood. He was the seventh of eight children, born to sheep farmers who had lived off the land.

“My parents used to bring us all here when we were kids,” he said, his voice warm with nostalgia. “We’d camp out just like we are now, away from the world, under the stars. My brothers and sisters would run through these very woods, chasing one another until we collapsed in laughter. It was a different time back then. We didn’t have much, but we had these woods, and that was enough.”

The children listened intently, even Leon, who was normally more interested in playing than in family history. Lucian felt a pang of jealousy as he listened to the stories of his father’s carefree childhood. Things had been so simple for his father, so ordinary. But for Lucian, everything was changing, and he didn’t know why.

A 7th Child of a 7th Child - The Dark Woods

The deeper they ventured into the woods, the quieter it became. The sounds of birds and rustling leaves faded, replaced by a heavy silence that seemed to press in on all sides. The trees stood tall and close together, their branches forming a thick canopy that blocked out much of the sunlight. The air grew cooler, and the scent of damp earth filled their lungs.

Lucian kept close to Leon as they ventured deeper into the forest, the familiar scent of pine and earth filling the air. The anticipation of reaching their secret camping spot made their steps lighter, but something gnawed at Lucian’s mind. His thoughts wandered back to the candle and the strange flame that had appeared out of nowhere. How had it happened? Could he control it? Or was it just a fluke?

It wasn’t long before Lucian fell behind, lost in his thoughts. He trailed further and further away from the rest of the family, his feet moving slowly, his gaze drawn to the ground. Near the edge of the path, a small patch of wildflowers caught his eye, their petals vibrant against the earthy browns and greens of the forest floor.

Without thinking, Lucian knelt beside them, his fingers brushing lightly against the soft petals. The moment his skin touched the flowers, they bloomed—vibrant, radiant, full of life, as though coaxed into growing by some unseen force. Lucian froze, his breath caught in his throat. The flowers weren’t supposed to bloom, not this time of year.

Startled, Lucian pulled his hand back and looked around to see if anyone had seen it, but he was alone. His heart raced as he hesitantly reached out again, his fingers trembling. This time, when he touched the flowers, they bloomed even more brilliantly, their colours almost glowing in the sunlight.

His pulse quickened, a mixture of fear and exhilaration coursing through him. What was happening? Was this some kind of trick? He didn’t understand it, but the power that surged within him felt real, undeniable. His hands trembled as he tried to make sense of the strange force that had awakened inside him.

“Lucian?”

He jumped at the sound of a voice behind him and spun around, his heart pounding. It was Linda, her wide eyes fixed on the flowers in front of him.

“I… I saw what you did,” she whispered, her voice full of wonder.

Lucian opened his mouth to speak but found he had no words. He couldn’t explain it, not even to himself.

Linda knelt beside him, a grin spreading across her face.

“I noticed something at your birthday too, when the candles went out. It’s like… magic!”

Lucian’s eyes darted to hers, fear creeping into his chest.

“You can’t tell anyone,” he whispered. “Promise me.”

Linda smiled softly and nodded.

“It’s our secret. I think it’s really cool.”

She stood up and offered her hand to him. Lucian took it, pulling himself to his feet, though his mind was still spinning. As they walked back towards the others, Lucian glanced back at the flowers, now blooming in full splendour.

The weight of his secret had grown heavier, but at least now, Leon and Linda knew, and maybe he wouldn't have to go through it, whatever it was, alone.

As the family walked, Linda and Leon kept a close eye on Lucian. They hadn’t forgotten the strange things they’d seen over the past few days—the flowers that bloomed out of season, the candles that lit themselves. Both were curious, but neither wanted to alarm him. Lucian, for his part, tried to act as though nothing was out of the ordinary, but inside, his mind raced.

Since his birthday, Lucian had felt different. The once familiar woods now felt alive in a way they hadn’t before. It was as if the very trees were watching him, waiting for something. Every now and then, he would catch a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye—a shadow that didn’t belong, or a flash of light that disappeared before he could turn his head. The further they went, the more he felt a strange energy coursing through the ground beneath his feet.

It was late afternoon by the time they reached the heart of the forest. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows through the trees. The world felt suspended in time, as though the woods were holding their breath. Lucian’s steps slowed as they passed an old oak tree, its gnarled roots twisting into the earth like ancient fingers. He pressed his hand against the rough bark, closing his eyes.

That’s when he felt it.

A pulse.

It was subtle at first, like the heartbeat of the earth itself. Then it grew stronger, a hum of energy that travelled up through his fingertips and into his chest. His eyes snapped open, and the forest around him seemed to shift. The trees bent toward him, their leaves rustling with a strange urgency, as if drawn to his presence.

Startled, Lucian stepped back, his pulse quickening. The trees swayed as though they were alive, their branches stretching out toward him. Panic rose in his throat, and for a moment, he wondered if he was losing his mind. The once familiar woods now seemed foreign, even threatening.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the trees, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and something else—something darker. Lucian’s chest tightened, fear gripping him as the wind circled around him. It wasn’t natural. It wasn’t right. And then, through the dim light of the forest, he saw it—a shadowy figure moving between the trees, its glowing eyes locked onto him. The figure was wolf-like, its fur bristling in the wind, and it crept closer, its movements slow and deliberate.

Lucian stood frozen, unable to move. His heart pounded in his chest, the blood rushing in his ears. The wolf’s eyes glowed a deep amber, watching him with an intensity that made Lucian feel exposed, as if the creature could see through to his very soul. There was something familiar about it, something that called to him in a way he couldn’t explain.

He felt compelled to move toward it.

But just as he took a step forward, Leon’s voice broke through the haze.

“Lucian! Where are you? We’re almost there!”

The sound of his brother’s voice snapped Lucian back to reality. The strange energy that had filled the air vanished, and the shadowy figure melted into the trees. Lucian blinked, his breath coming in short, uneven gasps.

“Lucian!” Leon’s voice came again, this time closer.

Lucian turned, his heart still racing, and made his way back to the path where his family waited. He caught up to Leon and Linda, his face pale.

“What happened?” Leon asked, concern etched on his face.

“Nothing,” Lucian replied quickly, trying to shake off the lingering fear. “Let’s just keep going.”

Linda, who had been watching him closely, frowned but said nothing. She exchanged a glance with Leon, but neither pressed Lucian for more.

As they reached the clearing, where the familiar camping spot awaited, Lucian forced a smile. But deep down, he knew that something had changed. The woods had shown him something—a glimpse of a power he didn’t understand. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the shadowy wolf wasn’t just a figment of his imagination. It had been real, and it was only the beginning.

The family settled into their usual routines at the campsite, laughing and talking as if nothing had happened. But for Lucian, the woods would never feel the same again. Something was waiting for him, watching him—and it wasn’t going to leave him alone.

The Oldest Siblings - Leopold Daiwik

The hidden camping spot of the Daiwik family was nestled in a clearing by the lake, surrounded by towering trees that shielded it from prying eyes. The air here felt fresher, untouched by the bustling world outside, with the scent of damp earth and pine filling the lungs of anyone who ventured this far. The lake, its surface still and dark, mirrored the sky above, reflecting the faint glow of the late afternoon sun. The waters were deep, with a small cliff on one side that overlooked the lake, a spot where the children dared each other to jump from when the sun was high and the air warm.

A cluster of trees surrounded the clearing, their branches thick and tangled, providing a sense of seclusion and protection. A well-worn path led to a small treehouse perched high in the branches, where the children often played. Its wooden frame, though weathered by years of exposure, still held firm, a testament to the many hands that had helped build it. The grass in the clearing was soft underfoot, dotted with wildflowers that bloomed brightly against the green backdrop. It was a place of peace, of family, a place where the outside world didn’t exist—at least for a while.

Leopold Daiwik, the eldest son, stood at the edge of the clearing, his sharp blue eyes scanning the surroundings. He was tall and lean, with a serious expression that rarely left his face. His dark brown hair, like his father’s, was neatly parted, and his formal attire—a woollen waistcoat and breeches—made him stand out among his siblings, who dressed more casually for the trip. There was an air of responsibility around Leopold, a weight he carried with pride. He had always been the one to follow in his father’s footsteps, taking charge of the family when Mr. Daiwik was away on business or too preoccupied with work.

Leopold’s sense of duty often put him at a distance from his siblings. He was more like a second father to them than a brother, especially to the younger ones. He wasn’t unkind, but his seriousness made it hard for them to connect with him in the same way they did with each other. His twin sister, Lena, was the only one who seemed to understand him, but even with her, there was a formality that kept them from being as close as they could be.

Lucian and Leon, the youngest of the Daiwik children, had always been a mystery to Leopold. Their playful nature and mischievous behaviour baffled him. Leon’s endless energy and Lucian’s quiet, daydreaming disposition were foreign to him, and though he tried to be patient with them, he often found himself frustrated by their lack of seriousness. Especially Lucian. His eccentricity and strange behaviour made it hard for Leopold to relate to him, and the distance between them had only grown in recent months.

As the family began to set up camp, Leopold followed his father’s instructions to gather firewood. Mr. Daiwik had promised Leopold that he could finally collect firewood alone, a task that was usually done under the supervision of their father. But now, at seventeen, Leopold was trusted to handle it himself. There was one condition, though—he had to take at least one of his brothers with him.

Leopold, eager to impress his father, chose Lucian and Leon to accompany him. He thought it would be a challenge to bring the youngest along, and if he succeeded, it would show his father how responsible he had become. The twins, however, were more interested in playing than in the serious task at hand. As they walked toward the other side of the lake, Leopold couldn’t help but notice how distracted Lucian seemed, his gaze constantly drifting toward the trees, as if he were searching for something.

Leon, ever the mischief-maker, kept nudging Lucian, whispering for him to “act normal” so they wouldn’t get into trouble. But Lucian’s mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t shake the vision of the shadowy wolf figure he’d seen earlier. It haunted him, a dark shape lurking in the corners of his mind. Every rustle of the leaves, every shift of the wind made him tense, as though the creature might emerge from the woods at any moment.

Leopold, growing impatient with their lack of focus, stopped and turned to face them.

“You two need to pay attention,” he said sternly, his voice sharp. “We’re in the woods, and it’s going to get dark soon. You can’t just wander around daydreaming or joking. You need to be alert.”

Lucian barely heard his brother’s words, his thoughts consumed by the strange occurrences that had been happening since his birthday. The woods felt different to him now—alive in a way they hadn’t been before. He glanced around nervously, half-expecting the shadowy figure to reappear.

Leopold, meanwhile, was frustrated. He had hoped this task would go smoothly, that he could return with enough firewood to prove his worth to their father. But the woods on this side of the lake weren’t yielding the results he had expected. The branches were either too damp or too thick, unsuitable for a good fire.

His father had taught him what to look for—dry branches, not too thick, with enough bark to catch a spark but not so much that it would smoulder. He remembered the lessons clearly, but here, on the other side of the lake, it seemed like there was nothing that fit the description.

As Leopold lectured his younger brothers on how to find suitable firewood, Lucian wandered a little farther ahead. He wasn’t really paying attention to the lecture, his mind still caught up in the strange things he had been noticing. He absentmindedly brushed aside two low-hanging branches that were blocking his path, and there, in the small clearing that appeared before him, was a pile of firewood—dry, perfectly suited for a fire.

Lucian stopped, staring at the wood in disbelief. It hadn’t been there a moment ago. He was sure of it. He knelt down, running his fingers over the smooth bark, as if trying to convince himself it was real. How had it appeared so suddenly?

Leopold and Leon caught up to him, and when Leopold saw the pile of firewood, his face darkened.

“How did you find this?” he demanded, his voice low and tense. “Why would so much wood be piled up in the middle of the woods like this?”

Lucian didn’t answer, his heart pounding in his chest. He had no explanation for what had happened, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that it had something to do with him. Leon, always quick to jump to conclusions, glanced at Lucian with suspicion.

“Did you do this?” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Lucian shook his head, but he wasn’t sure. Leopold, still frowning, decided to brush it off.

“It’s just luck,” he said, though his tone suggested otherwise. “We’ll take it back to camp. I’ll carry most of it. You two carry what you can.”

As they gathered the wood, Lucian couldn’t shake the feeling that something more was at play. The woods, the wolf, the firewood—it was all connected, but he didn’t know how. And as they walked back toward the campsite, his mind raced with questions, but he kept them to himself. For now, at least.

The Oldest Siblings - Lena Daiwik

Leopold, Lucian, and Leon arrived back at the clearing, their arms full of firewood. Leopold, with his chest puffed out in pride, led the way, and as they neared the campsite, his eyes darted towards his father. Mr. Daiwik, who had been inspecting the tent poles with a discerning eye, turned toward the boys as they approached. His brow lifted in surprise, impressed by the sheer amount of firewood they had managed to collect in such a short time.

“Where did you find all of this so quickly?” Mr. Daiwik asked, stepping forward to examine the pile. Leopold beamed, his usual sternness melting into a rare smile.

“We found a spot near the cliff,” Leopold explained, throwing a glance at Lucian, who was standing quietly beside the pile, his eyes focused on the ground.

Mrs. Daiwik, hearing the conversation, came over, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of the wood.

“That’s enough firewood for the whole night!” she exclaimed. But as her gaze shifted to Lucian, she noticed his odd behaviour—his silence, the way he kept his eyes downcast. Something wasn’t right.

“You did well,” Mrs. Daiwik said, though her tone was softer when she addressed Lucian. “Why don’t you go help Lena with the small fire? She’s setting up by the lake to boil some water.”

Lucian hesitated but nodded, walking away from the group toward the lake's edge, where Lena was crouched, already arranging stones in a neat circle for the fire pit. She was always methodical, always precise in everything she did.

Lena Daiwik looked up as Lucian approached, offering him a brief smile.

“Perfect timing,” she said. “I could use some help with this.”

The camping spot by the lake had always been Lena’s favourite place. The stillness of the water, the gentle breeze that stirred the air, and the way the trees seemed to form a protective barrier around them made her feel at ease. As the eldest daughter, she often took on the role of caring for her younger siblings, and here, in the woods, she found peace in the routine of setting up camp.

She gestured for Lucian to join her by the fire pit.

“We need to make sure this fire doesn’t spread. Father always said it’s best to dig a shallow pit first.” She explained, her hands moving swiftly as she scooped out the dirt with a small spade. “And these stones help to contain the heat.”

Lucian watched her work, his mind elsewhere. His fingers absentmindedly touched the stones, tracing their rough surfaces. Lena noticed his distraction.

“Lucian, what’s going on?” she asked softly, her blue eyes sharp and observant. “You’ve been acting strange since we got here.”

Lucian didn’t respond right away, his gaze fixed on the firewood he had brought over. Something about the woods felt different today, and the unease that had been brewing inside him since his birthday had only grown stronger.

Lena continued setting up the fire pit, sensing his hesitation.

“You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to,” she said gently. “But don’t let it ruin the day, alright? We’re here to celebrate, to enjoy ourselves. Let’s just focus on that for now.”

Lucian nodded, though his mind was still swirling with thoughts of the strange occurrences that had followed him these past few days. He glanced up at Lena, her dark brown hair tied back in a neat bun, her sharp features softened by the warm glow of the late afternoon sun. She had always been the one to understand him, the one who made him feel grounded. But now, even she felt distant.

With a soft grunt, Lena finished arranging the stones.

“Alright, we’re ready to light it,” she said, wiping her hands on her skirt.

“Why don’t you do the honours?”

Lucian hesitated, remembering how the candle had lit itself earlier that day without his doing. He swallowed, his fingers trembling slightly as he reached for the fire starter. But as soon as he touched the flint, the spark caught almost instantly, the flames leaping to life with an unnatural quickness.

Lena raised an eyebrow but said nothing, her attention shifting as she worked diligently on the fire, her sharp blue eyes focused on arranging the wood with precision, her practical nature evident in every movement. She tied back her dark brown hair into its usual neat bun, keeping it out of her way while she prepared the fire pit. Her expression was serious, her stern features reflecting her sense of responsibility as the eldest daughter. The star-shaped birthmark on her left cheek, a family trait, caught the flickering firelight, giving her an air of quiet authority. She placed a small metal stand over the flames. She moved with practised ease, setting up a system where they could hang the metal cans of water above the fire.

“We’ll use this to boil the water,” she explained, her tone businesslike; however despite her sternness, there was a warmth in her tone when she spoke to Lucian, the same warmth she reserved for her younger siblings, a rare soft side that balanced her usual seriousness. As she set up the holders for the water, she glanced at him, sensing something was still off. Lena's protective nature shone through as she tried to comfort Lucian.

“You don’t need to worry, whatever it is, we will be here for you.” Even with her practical demeanour, Lena’s care for her siblings was clear, her strategic mind always thinking about how best to support them.

“Once it’s done, we’ll fill the warmers to keep the tents heated through the night.” She added, deciding to act as everything was normal and let Lucian have his space.

Lucian’s mind was still on the fire. How had it caught so quickly? Was it him? He wanted to ask Lena, but something held him back. Maybe it was the fear of her reaction, or maybe it was the fear that she’d confirm what he already suspected—that something inside him was changing, and he couldn’t control it.

Lena, sensing his continued unease, called out to Lewis, who had been lounging by the lake.

“Lewis, can you fetch us some water from the lake?”

Lewis groaned, not bothering to hide his annoyance.

“Why don’t you send Lucian? He’s just standing there.”

Lena’s sharp eyes flicked to Lewis, and her tone was unyielding.

“If you don’t go now, I’ll tell Father and Leopold that you’ve been slacking off.”

Lewis huffed but got to his feet, clearly not wanting to face their father’s wrath.

“Fine, fine. But I’m taking Lucian with me,” he grumbled, grabbing two large baskets from the ground. He tossed one to Lucian, who caught it without a word.

As the two brothers made their way to the lake’s edge, Lena watched them go, her arms folded over her chest. She had always been the peacemaker in the family, the one who smoothed over conflicts and kept things running smoothly. But something about Lucian worried her. He had always been curious, always the adventurous one, but now… Now, there was something different about him, something she couldn’t quite place.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

The fire crackled softly beside her as Lena turned back to her task, but her mind was still on her younger brother. Whatever was bothering Lucian, she hoped he’d tell her eventually. As the afternoon wore on and the shadows lengthened across the clearing, Lena couldn’t shake the feeling that something more was coming—something that would change everything. But for now, they had a fire to tend to and water to boil. She would deal with the rest when it came.

The Oldest Siblings - Lewis Daiwik

The lake shimmered under the fading light of dusk, casting a silvery glow over the water as the day gave way to night. The woods surrounding the family’s secret camping spot were quiet now, the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds fading into the background. The clearing, usually a place of peace and retreat, felt slightly eerie in the dim light, the tall trees standing like silent sentinels guarding the lake’s edge.

Lewis Daiwik knelt by the lake, filling a bucket with the cold, clear water. His light brown hair, wild and untamed, fell into his eyes as he worked. Unlike his more formal siblings, Lewis never cared much about appearances. His simple woollen clothes were practical, designed for freedom of movement rather than neatness, giving him a rough, almost rebellious look. His wiry frame hinted at his constant energy, always on the move, always seeking the next bit of mischief. His blue eyes, usually full of playful curiosity, now sparkled with mischief as he watched Lucian sit quietly by the water’s edge, lost in thought.

Lewis, always the troublemaker of the family, couldn’t resist stirring things up, especially when Lucian was acting so strangely. His younger brother had been quiet, more withdrawn than usual, and for someone like Lewis, that was an invitation to tease. After all, what were brothers for if not to push each other’s buttons?

“Are you afraid of the woods, Lucy?” Lewis teased, his voice laced with mock concern. He stood up, shaking the water from his hands before wiping them on his trousers.

“I mean, it’s pretty dark out here. Maybe there are wolves lurking around, waiting to pounce.”

Lucian didn’t respond right away, his mind still replaying the events from earlier—his strange encounter with the dark figure in the woods, the way the air had shifted around him. His heart raced just thinking about it, but he forced himself to stay calm. He didn’t want Lewis to know he was scared, didn’t want anyone to know.

Seeing Lucian’s lack of response, Lewis smirked, crouching down next to him.

“You know, I heard something interesting the other day,” he said in a low voice, as if he were sharing a dark secret. “I overheard some hunters in town talking about a werewolf attack by the lake. They said it happened a few months ago, right around this time of year.”

Lucian’s heart skipped a beat. Werewolves? He glanced at Lewis, his blue eyes wide with uncertainty. He had never heard of any attacks near their estate, and he certainly hadn’t seen any wolves around, but the way Lewis spoke made it sound so real. Lucian shifted uncomfortably, the bucket slipping from his grasp.

Lewis noticed the change in Lucian’s demeanour and pressed on, eager to scare him.

“They said it was a full moon, of course,” Lewis continued, his voice dripping with mischief. “But we’re lucky tonight’s not a full moon. Otherwise…”

He let the words hang in the air, a sly grin spreading across his face.

“You’d better be careful, Lucian. You never know what might be out there.”

Lucian tried to laugh it off, but his thoughts were spinning. The dark figure he had seen in the woods earlier—it couldn’t have been a werewolf, could it? He had never seen one before, never even heard of one in these parts, but something about Lewis’ story made his chest tighten with fear. What if there really was something out there, watching them from the shadows?

Just as Lucian’s mind started to race with the possibilities, Lewis leapt at him, letting out a loud growl.

“RAWR!”

Lucian’s heart nearly stopped. Without thinking, he threw his hands up in defence, a small invisible burst exploding from his hands. The force of it knocked Lewis off balance, sending him stumbling backward and into the water with a loud splash.

For a moment, everything was still. Lucian stared at his hands, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He hadn’t meant to do that. He hadn’t even known he could. Lewis spluttered, emerging from the water, completely soaked.

“What the—!” he exclaimed, wiping water from his face. “What did you do?”

But Lucian didn’t wait for an explanation. Panic surged through him, and before Lewis could say another word, Lucian bolted from the lake’s edge, his legs carrying him as fast as they could. Tears welled up in his eyes as he sprinted toward the camp, his heart pounding in his chest.

He found his mother near the fire, tending to the boiling water.

“Mum!” Lucian cried, his voice breaking. “Lewis—he… he—” He didn’t know how to explain what had just happened, didn’t know how to make sense of the strange power that had erupted from him.

Mrs. Daiwik frowned, her gentle hands stilling as she turned to her son.

“What’s wrong, Lucian? Calm down, dear.” She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, but her eyes flicked toward the lake, where she saw Lewis stomping back toward the camp, dripping wet and furious.

Mrs. Daiwik’s eyes narrowed.

“I bet you were teasing him again, weren’t you?”

“He pushed me!” Lewis shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Lucian. “He pushed me into the lake!”

“Lewis, that’s enough. I told you not to tease your brother.” She shot him a warning look, her voice firm. “It serves you right! Go dry off, and stop scaring Lucian with your nonsense.”

Lewis scowled but didn’t argue. He trudged back toward the tents, muttering under his breath.

“I didn’t mean to scare him that much…”

Mrs. Daiwik stroked Lucian’s hair, trying to calm him.

“It’s alright, Lucian. You can go help your brother Leon set up the treehouse with Luke. That’ll make you feel better.”

Lucian nodded, though his thoughts were far from calm. As he walked away from the campfire, he couldn’t stop thinking about what had just happened. Had he really pushed Lewis with his strange power? And what about the dark figure he had seen earlier in the woods? Could there really be something dangerous lurking out there?

His footsteps were heavy as he made his way to the treehouse. He passed by his family, each of them busy with their own tasks—his father securing the tents, his mother and Linda still tending to the small fire, and Lewis changing clothes near the big bonfire. But Lucian couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. Maybe it was too dangerous to sleep in the woods tonight. Maybe they should go back home.

But then again, it wasn’t a full moon. And that figure… it had looked more like a wolf than a werewolf, hadn’t it? Lucian wasn’t sure anymore. He had never seen either, but the fear gnawed at him all the same.

As he climbed up the ladder to the treehouse, the wood creaking beneath his weight, Lucian’s mind raced with thoughts of what could be hiding in the woods. When he reached the top, he found Leon and Luke spreading out blankets on the floor, preparing their makeshift beds.

Leon looked up, noticing Lucian’s expression and the redness in his eyes.

“What did Lewis do this time?” he asked, his tone full of brotherly concern.

Lucian hesitated, his heart heavy with the weight of his secret.

“It’s… it’s nothing,” he mumbled, though deep down, he knew it wasn’t nothing. It was something. Something big. And he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep it hidden.

The Middle Siblings - Luke Daiwik

The Daiwik family was gathered around the bonfire in the clearing after finishing the setup of their campsite. The clearing, illuminated by the warm, flickering flames, cast long shadows around the tents encircling the fire. The cool night air hung heavy with the scent of the woods, mingling with the earthy smoke rising from the crackling fire. The campsite was neatly arranged: one large tent for the parents, another for Leopold and Lewis, one for Linda and Lena, and the treehouse nearby for the younger boys—Lucian, Leon, and Luke. Above them, the stars twinkled faintly, barely visible through the canopy of trees that surrounded the secret camping spot.

Mr. Daiwik sat with his family around the fire, his voice rising and falling in rhythm as he told a story from his youth.

“It was many years ago,” he began, “when your uncle, the youngest of our family, got lost in these very woods. The day had started out much like this—sunny, cheerful, but as night fell, he wandered away from the campsite, chasing something he thought he’d seen in the distance. We searched all night for him.”

He paused for dramatic effect, his eyes scanning his children, who were rapt with attention.

“By morning,” he continued, “we found him, curled up between the roots of an ancient oak tree. He was tired, scared, but unharmed. The woods seemed to have protected him.”

His gaze lingered on Lucian for a moment longer than usual, as if to send a silent message.

Lewis, sitting beside his father, grinned mischievously.

“Lucky uncle didn’t run into a werewolf,” he whispered, just loud enough for Lucian to hear. Lucian stiffened but said nothing, his eyes flicking nervously toward the shadows beyond the firelight. Lewis smirked, enjoying the reaction, though no one else seemed to notice his teasing.

The fire crackled, sending embers spiralling upward, as Mrs. Daiwik announced it was time for bed.

The youngsters—Lucian, Leon, and Luke—made their way to the treehouse, their minds still filled with the stories of the woods and the mysterious uncle. They huddled under the covers, the cool night air seeping through the wooden planks of the treehouse floor. Above them, the leaves rustled gently in the breeze, and the occasional hoot of an owl echoed in the distance.

Leon, always the curious one, turned to Lucian, his voice barely above a whisper.

“What did Lewis mean earlier? Why is he teasing you?”

Lucian hesitated before answering.

“Ok I will tell you two, but you have to promise not to laugh!”

He looked at his older brother. Luke Daiwik sat quietly in the corner of the treehouse, he nodded looking at Lucian, his lean frame hunched slightly. At twelve years old, Luke was tall for his age, with dark blond hair that was always a bit dishevelled, giving him a perpetually windswept appearance. His round face, framed by his messy hair, was contemplative, and his deep-set blue eyes seemed to hold a quiet wisdom beyond his years. Unlike his more outgoing brothers, Luke was thoughtful and introspective, often lost in his own world of questions and ideas. He was the type to observe more than speak, his mind always turning over the mysteries of the world around him. He dressed practically, in simple woollen clothes that allowed him to explore the woods with ease. Though he often stood apart from the group, his quiet presence was a comfort to his siblings.

“It’s nothing big, really…” he mumbled, but Leon persisted.

“Come on, now, tell us. What happened?”

With a sigh, Lucian finally relented. In hushed tones, he recounted the strange events by the lake, how Lewis had tried to scare him, and how, in a moment of fear, something had happened—something he couldn’t explain.

“I… I think I did something,” he whispered. “It was like… magic. But I don’t know how or why.”

Leon’s eyes widened in disbelief, but Luke Daiwik, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.

“Magic?” he whispered. “Are you sure?”

“No, I’m not… I don’t know what it was,” Lucian admitted. “But it felt real.”

A heavy silence fell over the three boys, each lost in their thoughts. The darkness outside the treehouse seemed to press in closer, the sounds of the forest growing louder in their ears. Lucian glanced toward the trees, remembering the shadowy figure he had seen earlier. Was it still out there, watching them?

Luke, who had been unusually quiet throughout the conversation, finally spoke.

“You saw something, didn’t you? In the woods. Something… strange.”

Lucian nodded slowly, his heart pounding in his chest.

“Did you see it too?”

“No” said Luke in a whisper, “but I did notice you…, you were really pale and looked like you’ve seen, well,... a ghost!”

“I don’t know what it was. It was dark and It looked like a wolf’s shadow, but…”

“But it wasn’t a werewolf, right?” Leon interrupted, his voice shaky. “It can’t be. It’s not even a full moon.”

“I don’t think werewolves exist,” Luke said thoughtfully, his voice calm despite the fear creeping into his mind. “But I’ve heard stories about wolves—real wolves. They were hunted down a long time ago, but some people say there are still a few left in the woods. Hunters have found evidence—deer with bite marks, strange tracks, things like that.”

Lucian shivered at the thought.

“But if they’re real… what if it’s still out there?”

Leon tried to sound brave, but his voice wavered.

“We’re safe up here, right?”

Luke, ever the thinker, hesitated before answering.

“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “But I don’t think it’s a werewolf. It’s probably just a big wolf. Or maybe…”

“Maybe what?” Lucian asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Luke’s eyes gleamed in the dim light as he leaned in closer.

“Maybe it’s a black dog. Or a shuck.”

Leon frowned.

“A what?”

Luke's eyes shone with excitement to tell them the story. He valued knowledge and understanding over action, and his curiosity about the world was matched only by his desire to protect his family. He was a deep thinker, often caught up in his thoughts, which sometimes made him seem distant—but his love for his siblings was unwavering. His voice dropped even lower, his words filled with a mysterious air.

“A black dog. They say it’s a ghostly creature—huge, with glowing red eyes. It’s a bad omen. People who see it… well, let’s just say they don’t always live to tell the tale.”

Lucian and Leon exchanged uneasy glances.

“And a shuck?” Lucian asked, his curiosity piqued despite the fear curling in his stomach.

“The shuck is similar,” Luke explained. “It’s a shape-shifter, a creature that can appear as a large, menacing dog. Sometimes it’s harmless, but other times… it brings death.”

Luke noticed he scared his brothers even more and even as fear tugged at the edges of his mind, he tried to reassure his brothers,

“But I don't think we are in danger.” he added, his steady voice offering a calm in the midst of the growing tension. The treehouse fell into a tense silence as the brothers processed Luke’s eerie words. The darkness outside seemed to grow thicker, more oppressive, as if the very trees were closing in on them.

Suddenly, a loud rustling noise broke the silence. Lucian jumped, his heart racing, as something brushed against the side of the treehouse. Luke froze, his breath catching in his throat.

And then, out of nowhere, something grabbed Luke’s leg.

He screamed, jerking back in terror, and the treehouse erupted in chaos. Leon scrambled to his feet, his eyes wide with fear, while Lucian’s heart pounded so loudly in his chest he thought it might burst.

In the panic, they heard a familiar voice from below.

“Got you!” It was Lewis, laughing uncontrollably as he climbed up the ladder holding up a lantern. “You should’ve seen your faces!”

Lucian’s heart slowly returned to normal, though his hands were still shaking. Lewis had pulled another one of his pranks, but this time, the fear it stirred was all too real.

“You are just the worst!” Said Luke, irritated.

“Whatever!! I got youuuu” Teased Lewis, still laughing, the lantern making their shadows look huge. “Mum sent me, she says you guys should quiet down and go to sleep, nighty night ‘tinytweenies’ and you too, ‘Luser’.”

As they settled back into their covers, the tension lingered. The boys exchanged nervous glances, the stories, the shadows in the woods, and the strange events suffocated them like a thick blanket. The night stretched on, filled with the unknown—and the unspoken fear that something more sinister might be lurking just beyond the firelight.

The Middle Siblings - Linda Daiwik

The morning light filtered through the leaves of the trees surrounding the Daiwik family’s secret camping spot. The camp was nestled by the edge of a lake, its waters calm and clear, reflecting the pale blue sky above. The treehouse that Lucian, Leon, and Luke had slept in creaked slightly in the morning breeze, and the fire from last night had burned down to embers, its warmth still lingering in the air.

Linda was already awake. She moved quietly, not wanting to disturb the rest of the family. Her dark red hair cascaded down her back, loose from the braid she’d worn the day before, catching the morning light and glinting like flames. Her blue eyes, bright with a mix of curiosity and contentment, surveyed the serene landscape. She always enjoyed these moments of quiet, the peacefulness of the woods before the rest of the world woke up. The fire from the night before had left a kettle of water warm enough for her to use. She carried it down to the lake, the steam curling in the cool air as she gently washed her face, refreshing herself for the day ahead.

Lucian, who hadn’t slept well, stirred in the treehouse. His dreams had been filled with unsettling images—dark shapes lurking in the woods, a black dog, and the strange energy he had felt since his birthday. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching him. Hearing movement below, he looked out and saw Linda by the lake. Her graceful figure seemed at ease, as if she were completely at home in the wild, a stark contrast to the restless night he’d had.

Quietly, Lucian climbed down from the treehouse and walked towards her. Linda noticed his approach and smiled softly, her striking blue eyes meeting his. She had always been perceptive, and it didn’t take much to see that Lucian was troubled.

"Couldn’t sleep?" Linda asked gently, dipping her hands into the warm water and bringing it to her face.

Lucian shook his head, his gaze shifting to the water.

"I had nightmares again. About the woods... and something in them."

Linda straightened up, wiping her face with the hem of her modest woollen dress, which was simple but had a touch of flair with a ribbon tied into her hair. Her expression softened.

"I never sleep well in the tents either, you know. But I love camping so much that I don’t complain. It’s the one time we all get to be together like this, away from the estate, away from everything."

Lucian looked at her, surprised. Linda had always seemed so confident, so composed. It never occurred to him that she might have her own fears and discomforts.

"You’re afraid too?" he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Not afraid," Linda said with a small smile. "Just... unsettled. But it’s worth it. Don’t you think?"

Lucian wasn’t sure if he agreed, but he nodded anyway. He wanted to enjoy the trip like the rest of his family, but the strange occurrences since his birthday made it hard to feel at ease.

Linda reached out and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Come on, let’s go gather some firewood. It’ll give us something to do while everyone else wakes up."

They walked together toward the edge of the woods, passing by their mother who was busy near the fire. Mrs. Daiwik glanced at them with a warm smile, reminding them not to venture too far into the woods.

Lucian and Linda walked through the underbrush, the morning light dappling the ground beneath their feet. The woods seemed peaceful enough now, but Lucian couldn’t shake the feeling that something was different. He felt the pulse of the earth beneath his feet, the hum of energy in the trees around them, as if the woods were alive in a way they hadn’t been before.

As they collected firewood, Linda suddenly stopped, her sharp blue eyes watching him closely.

"Lucian," she began, "can you do that thing with the flowers again?"

Lucian hesitated, remembering the last time he had made the flowers bloom. He wasn’t sure if it was safe to do it again, but Linda’s curiosity and trust in him pushed him forward.

"I don’t know..." Lucian said uncertainly.

"Please," Linda urged. "I think it’s amazing. It’s like magic."

Reluctantly, Lucian knelt down by a patch of plants that had yet to bloom. He touched the flower buds gently, his fingers trembling slightly. To his amazement—and Linda’s—the flowers began to bloom, their vibrant petals unfurling all at once, filling the air with the scent of fresh blossoms. The forest seemed to hold its breath for a moment, as if acknowledging the magic that had just occurred.

Linda gasped, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Lucian, that’s incredible!" she whispered, plucking a few of the flowers and weaving them into her hair. "You have a gift. You shouldn’t be afraid of it."

Lucian wasn’t so sure. He had seen what else his powers could do, the way they had pushed Lewis the night before. The flowers were one thing, but what if his magic grew out of control?

With their arms full of firewood, they made their way back to the clearing. As they approached, Mrs. Daiwik looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly as she saw the flowers woven into Linda’s hair. Lena came over to inspect them, her brow furrowing.

"Those flowers don’t bloom this early in the year," Lena remarked, her gaze lingering on Lucian for a moment before she turned back to Linda.

"Where did you find them?"

Linda shrugged, giving Lucian a conspiratorial smile.

"We just found them in the woods."

Lucian quickly set down the firewood, trying to avoid any more attention. He hurried over to where Leon, Luke, Lewis and Leopold were sitting with their father by the lakeside. Mr. Daiwik had just caught some fish, and the boys were eagerly watching him clean and prepare them for breakfast. Fresh trout and salmon glistened in the early morning light, and Lucian tried to lose himself in the normalcy of the moment, pushing the strangeness of his powers out of his mind.

The family ate together, their laughter and conversation filling the air. But Lucian remained quiet, lost in thought. The woods had revealed a secret to him, one he wasn’t ready to share with anyone but Linda. As they finished their meal, Mrs. Daiwik decided it was time to pack up and head home. The morning had grown colder, and it was clear that the lake was too chilly for a swim.

Within the hour, the camp was packed, the fire doused, and the family set off back down the hidden trail that led to the Daiwik estate. Lucian walked beside his twin, the weight of his secret pressing heavily on his heart. Something had changed within him, and he wasn’t sure what it meant. But one thing was certain: the woods held more mysteries than he could have ever imagined.

The Middle Siblings - Leon Daiwik

The late afternoon sun filtered through the trees as the Daiwik family made their way back home along the familiar trail that wound through the woods. The air was filled with a sense of calm and satisfaction after their weekend camping trip, and everyone’s spirits were high. Mrs. Daiwik, ever the keen herbalist, pointed out different trees and plants along the way, explaining their medicinal properties and how they could be used in cooking or healing.

“This one here,” she said, motioning to a small patch of wild herbs, “can be used to make a soothing tea. It’s especially good for sore throats and upset stomachs.”

Linda walked beside her mother, attentively listening and taking mental notes, while Lewis and Luke, full of energy, raced ahead, challenging each other to climb trees and pretending to duel with sticks they had found along the way. Their laughter echoed through the woods, mixing with the rustling leaves and distant sound of the river.

Leon, meanwhile, lagged behind with Lucian. His eyes, bright and observant, were often darting between his brother and their surroundings, as if sensing Lucian’s unease. Of all the siblings, Leon was the closest to Lucian, his twin and lifelong companion. They had shared everything—secrets, adventures, and mischief. Before the strange events had begun, Leon had always been at Lucian’s side, ready to join him in whatever scheme they could dream up. Their bond was unbreakable, forged by their shared experiences as the youngest of the family.

But something had changed. Lucian had become more withdrawn, his eyes filled with quiet worry that Leon couldn’t fully understand. Now, as they walked through the woods, Leon could sense the tension radiating from his brother.

“What’s going on, Lucian?” Leon finally asked, keeping his voice low so the others wouldn’t hear.

“You’ve been acting strange since our birthday.”

Lucian hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. He took a deep breath and said,

“I’ve been… seeing things. Feeling things. It’s hard to explain, but it’s like the world around me is reacting to my emotions. It’s… weird.”

Leon raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

“You mean, more than that black dog in the woods? What kind of things?”

Lucian looked down at the path, scuffing his shoes against the dirt.

“I don’t know how to describe them. It’s more than what I’ve told you. I noticed winds stirring when there’s no breeze… and there was something in the woods. A shadow. I don’t know what it was, but it felt like it was watching me and every time I tried to look at it, it wasn't there anymore.”

Leon frowned, trying to make sense of what Lucian was telling him.

“You mean like monsters and magic? You’re not talking about regular things, are you?”

Lucian shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I do not think they are monsters, at least they don’t feel like monsters and those things I can do, I’ve been calling them tricks, you know, like magic tricks. But I don’t want anyone to think I’m… a witch or something. So don't mention magic, please”

They walked in silence for a moment, the sounds of the woods and the distant gurgle of the river filling the space between them. Then, Mrs. Daiwik’s voice called back to them.

“We’re stopping for a picnic by the river! Come on, boys.”

They followed the rest of the family toward a small clearing by the water’s edge, where Mrs. Daiwik and Lena were already laying out blankets and preparing sandwiches. Lucian and Leon found a spot by the riverbank, sitting on the smooth stones that lined the shore. The sound of the water rushing past was soothing, and for a brief moment, Lucian felt a sense of calm wash over him.

Linda, with her striking red hair tied back in a simple braid, came over carrying a basket of sandwiches. She smiled at her brothers, her bright blue eyes twinkling with mischief as always.

“You two look like you’re plotting something. What are you whispering about?”

Lucian tensed, unsure how to respond, but Leon, ever the more confident twin, grinned and said,

“We’re just talking about Lucian’s ‘tricks.’ You know.”

Linda’s eyes widened with interest.

“Really? I thought you were keeping that a secret.”

Lucian glanced nervously between his siblings.

“It’s not something I want everyone to know. It’s… dangerous.”

Linda, always quick to pick up on subtle cues, frowned slightly but nodded.

“I understand. But you don’t have to worry about us. We won’t say anything to the others.”

Lucian let out a breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding.

“Thanks. I just don’t want them to be afraid of me.”

Leon placed a reassuring hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“No one’s going to be afraid of you, Lucian. I don’t even think they would believe it if we told them about it.”

For a moment, the three of them sat in companionable silence, watching the river flow past. The sounds of their parents talking and Lewis and Luke’s playful shouts faded into the background as they focused on the bond they shared. Lucian felt a flicker of hope—maybe with his siblings by his side, he wouldn’t have to face this strange new power alone.

As they continued their journey home, the woods seemed to grow darker, the sun sinking lower in the sky and casting long shadows across the trail. The warmth of the midday sun had faded, replaced by a cool breeze that rustled through the leaves.

Lucian and Leon lingered at the back of the group, still talking in hushed tones about what they had experienced. Leon, always the more outgoing of the two, tried to lighten the mood with jokes and stories, but Lucian’s thoughts kept drifting back to the strange shadow he had seen in the woods.

As they approached the backyard of the Daiwik estate, the sun was beginning to set, casting the entire landscape in a soft, golden light. Lucian glanced back at the woods one last time, and his heart skipped a beat. There, just beyond the tree line, he saw them—dozens of glowing red eyes, small bluish lights flickering in the darkness, watching.

“Leon,” Lucian whispered urgently, his voice shaking.

“Do you see that?”

Leon turned to look, his brow furrowed in confusion.

“See what?”

Lucian pointed toward the woods, but the lights were gone. The shadows had swallowed them whole, leaving nothing but the fading daylight.

“I… never mind,” Lucian muttered, his stomach twisting with unease. He didn’t want to scare Leon or the rest of his family, but he knew deep down that something was out there, watching, waiting.

As they hurried inside, Lucian vowed to keep the secret buried, at least for now. But the danger was real, and it was growing closer with every passing day.