I remember those times, those days filled with laughter and light. Back then, in the flower garden of Evernoir Kingdom, everything seemed so bright and peaceful. I used to play there, surrounded by colorful petals, running joyfully as I chased the butterflies flitting around the blooms.

But it wasn't just the flowers and butterflies that brought color to my days; my older siblings—Ellora and Archemidas—were always there, adding their own warmth to my life. They made that garden more than just a garden—they filled it with magic.

On one side of the garden, I would often see Ellora and Arche practicing magic. Ellora, with her long hair and serene face, looked so graceful and wise. Every time she cast a spell, colorful sparks would float in the air, spinning elegantly around her like shimmering stars falling from the sky. I admired her, remembering how I would be entranced by the beautiful magic she created with such ease.

I'd take a step closer, whispering to myself, "Ellora is amazing…"

Ellora would catch my whisper and smile softly, then turn to me. "Lily," she'd say with such warmth, "would you like to come closer?"

I'd nod eagerly, moving closer with wide, sparkling eyes. In front of me, Ellora would recite another spell, making the flowers around us seem to breathe. Their petals swayed, releasing gentle bursts of light.

"Wow! This is so beautiful, Ellora!" I'd exclaim in awe. "How do you do that?"

Ellora would laugh lightly, raising her hand to make the petals swirl slowly around us. "With practice, Lil. One day, you'll be able to do this too."

I'd stare in disbelief. "Really? But… I don't think I'm as smart as you, Ellora."

"You don't have to be like me, Lily. Just be yourself, because you're already special," she'd say, her smile so comforting.

But my smile would grow even wider when Archemidas stepped forward, ready to try his magic. Archemidas—whom I called "Arche"—always tried to follow in Ellora's footsteps, though magic wasn't exactly his strength. I'd often laugh at how hard Arche tried, even though something always seemed to go wrong.

"Watch this, Lily!" he'd say proudly, raising his hand high. "This time, I'm going to make the perfect flame."

I'd watch him expectantly, while Ellora nodded, encouraging him. Archemidas would recite his spell, and a small ball of fire would appear in his hand. But before long, the flame would start to wobble, and then, with a small pop, it would burst into red sparks.

"Ouch!" he'd yelp, clutching his now red hand.

I'd burst out laughing, not because I was mean or didn't care, but because I knew Arche would be fine, and everyone else knew it too. Archemidas had this funny way of trying, and his surprised expressions always made me laugh.

"Oh, Arche, you're so clumsy!" I'd say, still giggling as I ran over to him. "How's your hand? Does it hurt?"

He'd shake his head with a grin and ruffle my hair. "Just a little. It's nothing—I'm used to it."

But I didn't want him to be hurt, so I'd grab his hand, dabbing the burn with a damp handkerchief I'd kept in my pocket. "Arche, be more careful next time, okay?" I'd whisper, looking up at him with concern.

Ellora would come over, watching us with a big smile. "Lily, you're such a caring little sister," she'd say, patting my head. "I'm proud of you."

Her words were always so warm, filling my heart with joy. "Thank you, Ellora… I'm happy to be your sister."

Archemidas would look at me with a broad smile. "Ah, Lily, you're always looking out for us. I promise, I'll practice harder so you'll be proud of me."

I'd chuckle, nodding eagerly. "I know one day you'll master that fire magic, Arche. Just make sure it doesn't explode next time, okay?"

He'd raise both hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I'll be careful. But you have to promise to keep a safe distance when I'm practicing, alright?"

I'd smile wide, feeling so lucky to have them as my siblings. They always made my days so bright and full of happiness. In our conversations and laughter, I could feel how much we supported and loved each other. There, in the flower garden of Evernoir Kingdom, I felt like I was part of a perfect world.

In those moments, I never imagined that we would be separated or that our kingdom would face dark times. In my young, cheerful mind, I thought this time would last forever. I didn't care about anything else—I just wanted to keep playing in the garden with Ellora and Archemidas.

Ellora would continue her magic practice, creating all kinds of flower illusions that looked so real. I'd clap joyfully, cheering her on every time she completed a spell. Meanwhile, Archemidas, though sometimes struggling, kept trying. They were my inspiration, my source of happiness.

When we finished practicing, we'd sit in the garden's grass, talking about our dreams.

"Ellora, have you ever thought about leaving the kingdom?" I'd ask once.

She'd shake her head, looking at me with such love in her eyes. "No, Lily. My home is here, with you. I want to protect this place and keep all of you safe."

I'd smile, feeling comforted by her answer. Archemidas would laugh, adding, "Well, one day I just want to be a better wizard than Ellora! I'm sure Lily wants that too, right?"

I'd giggle. "Of course, but I like Ellora's magic more, with all the flowers and lights. It's so beautiful."

Ellora would pat my head again, as she often did. "You can be whatever you want to be, Lily. As long as you believe in yourself."

Back then, it felt like anything was possible. With them by my side, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. That flower garden was a witness to our love, our friendship, and our dreams.

In my heart, I promised I'd always remember these moments, no matter what the future held.

My eyes fluttered open in the quiet, cold room. It's been so long since I've felt at home here, in a room that's now just an empty shell. Soft light slipped in from the window, but it felt pale, far from the sunlight that used to greet my mornings with Arche and Ellora.

I could still feel traces of my dream—the dream that had brought me back to my childhood memories. The flower garden, their laughter, our laughter; it all felt so real, and then, in an instant, it vanished the moment I opened my eyes. For a while, I was lost in that memory. Back then, Ellora was the loving older sister, and Arche… he was my world, full of color and spirit. Back then, I never felt alone. But now, Arche is gone, and Ellora… it feels as if she, too, is no longer by my side.

I scoffed at myself bitterly. Why was I hoping to go back to the past? Everything had changed. I had known that for a long time. And yet, I still found myself waiting—waiting for a miracle that would bring Arche back, or at least, bring back the Ellora I once knew.

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A knock on my bedroom door broke my thoughts. "Ah, it must be Arianne," I thought, sighing. The morning routine was always the same: Arianne would knock, call my name, and offer that warm smile she always managed to give. But today, I didn't want to answer. I just wanted to lie here, lost in my solitude.

But this time, the voice from behind the door sounded different.

"Lily," it said softly, with a tone I couldn't mistake—it was Ellora. "How are you this morning?"

I shut my eyes, hoping it was just my imagination. What did she want? Was it only now, after I tried to run away, that she cared enough to ask how I was doing? Was it really that simple to her, after all these years without a word?

"Lily, can you hear me? May I come in?"

I bit my lip, holding back a mix of anger and sadness that burned in my chest. I didn't want her to come in. I didn't need to see her face. What would be the point now? Now, after everything she'd done—or rather, hadn't done.

"Don't come in," I finally replied, my voice sounding rough and cold, colder than I might have intended. "Just leave me alone, Ellora."

Silence filled the room, and I could imagine Ellora standing there on the other side of the door, maybe surprised or confused. A small part of me wanted to feel sorry for shutting her out, but that feeling quickly sank beneath a deeper pain. She could have asked how I was years ago. She could have cared when I needed her, when Arche disappeared, when I felt completely alone.

"All right, Lily," she replied softly, barely audible. "I'll wait until you're feeling better. I'll have Arianne leave your breakfast outside the door. At least try to eat something, okay?"

I said nothing, unwilling to respond. It felt pointless. I didn't care what she said, or what she did now. All of her efforts felt empty and too late for me. There was a strong urge to respond with sarcasm or even a bitter laugh, but I knew that would only trap me deeper in this pain I was already tired of feeling.

I heard Ellora's footsteps retreat. I sat on the bed, hugging my knees, closing my eyes to block everything out. Why was she here now? Why did it matter to her, after three years, to suddenly show some concern?

A few minutes passed, and I heard a faint noise by the door. It must be Arianne leaving the breakfast, just as Ellora had asked her to. I looked at the door, feeling a mix of emotions that I couldn't quite place. Breakfast? Right now, I felt too drained to even think about it.

But my stomach rumbled quietly, reminding me it needed something to fill the emptiness. I reluctantly walked to the door, opening it just enough to pick up the tray left on the floor. On the tray was a small plate of bread, eggs, and a glass of juice.

I took the tray back to my bed, staring at the food with no real appetite. It all felt so pointless. Even this breakfast felt hollow, like an empty gesture from someone who just wanted to erase their own guilt.

"Ellora must think that by bringing me breakfast, she's done enough, huh?" I muttered to myself, half-sarcastic.

I leaned my head against the wall, closing my eyes, and remembered Arche's face. His smile was always warm and full of life. He always knew how to make me feel valued and important. Unlike Ellora, who preferred to control everything, Arche always treated me like a sister, not as a burden or a duty he had to bear.

"I will find you, Arche," I whispered with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to see you again, no matter what I have to go through. No matter how hard Ellora tries to stop me."

I opened my eyes, looking down at the breakfast on my lap. Maybe I should eat this, for the energy I'd need later. I reluctantly picked up the bread, taking a small bite.

But underneath all my indifference, a tiny part of me still wished that Ellora would change, that she could somehow become the sister I once remembered. But I also knew that hoping for that would only lead me back to more pain. Every time I opened my heart to her, all I ever got was deeper disappointment.

I closed my eyes again, trying to push all these thoughts away. One day, that time would come. One day, I wouldn't need to depend on anyone in this kingdom. Not on Ellora, and not on anyone who thought they could control my life.

***

That morning in the dining hall, Ellora and Arianne sat across from each other in an unusual silence. Breakfast was over, but Ellora lingered, lost in a long, vacant contemplation, staring at her cup of tea that had now nearly gone cold.

Arianne watched her with a worried expression. She knew that last night's incident—when Lily attempted to run away—had deeply shaken Ellora, more than anyone else might realize. In the quiet corners of her own heart, Arianne also felt guilty, believing she had failed to protect Lily properly.

"My lady… Lily will be all right," Arianne spoke softly, as if trying to reassure not only Ellora but herself.

Ellora looked up at Arianne, slowly coming out of her reverie. Her expression remained downcast, heavy with regret she couldn't fully express. "I… I don't understand, Arianne. Where did I go wrong? What should I have done differently?"

Arianne stayed silent, unwilling to interrupt the weight of Ellora's words. Ellora closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing.

"I've spent all my time focused on Arche… on restoring Evernoir, on the grand plans to bring back the glory we're supposed to have." Her voice was rough, as if she were holding back something deeply buried. "I was so blinded, so certain I could protect everyone in my own way. I never thought that Lily might resist. And worse… I never considered how she might feel."

Arianne bit her lip, a swell of guilt rising in her chest. "My lady, this… none of this is your fault. I'm also to blame. I gave Lily too much freedom. I should've kept a closer eye on her, not given her so much space…"

"But, Arianne," Ellora interrupted, her voice gentle yet firm. "If Lily were too restricted, she would only rebel harder. I know her. She's been struggling to accept things as they are. Three years, Arianne… she's held all her sadness for three years, and I've barely been there for her."

Ellora looked down, her fingers gripping the cup tightly. "I've been so focused on my plans. I thought that by protecting the kingdom, by concentrating on how to bring Arche back… I was protecting my family. But in reality, I've failed to protect Lily."

Arianne remained silent, her thoughts torn between wanting to comfort Ellora and agreeing with her words. It was true they both had worked hard to look after Lily, but perhaps, they had overlooked something essential. Lily needed emotional support, someone who could make her feel safe and at ease amidst all the uncertainty.

"My lady," Arianne said quietly, "I'm truly sorry… and this is likely my greatest mistake. I thought that by giving her freedom, she would feel more comfortable… happier. But in truth, that freedom gave her space to search for Arche without our knowing. If only I'd been more watchful…"

Ellora sighed deeply, shaking her head. "I don't want Lily to feel like a prisoner in her own home, Arianne. Maybe we thought we were doing the right thing, but in reality… maybe I was too harsh on her. On myself."

Arianne looked at her with teary eyes, moving closer to Ellora. "My lady, we all know how difficult it is to carry these responsibilities. If there's blame to be placed, it's on me. I promise that from now on, I'll be more vigilant… more cautious. I'll make sure Lily doesn't go anywhere without supervision."

But Ellora shook her head again, her gaze reflecting deep exhaustion. "I can't just keep tying Lily down, Arianne. She's not simply a little sister who needs constant watching. She needs answers, explanations… something real, not just promises and a false sense of security."

Both women fell silent, each absorbed in her own thoughts. The stillness that filled the dining hall felt heavy, mirroring the burdens they struggled to put into words.

"My lady," Arianne spoke gently, her voice hopeful, "what if… if you talked to her? Explained everything to Lily. Maybe that's what she's needed all this time."

Ellora sighed, remembering Lily's reaction that morning when she tried to talk to her. "You have no idea how hard her heart has become. I tried, Arianne, but Lily won't listen to me. To her, I'm the villain… the one who always lies to her, who keeps everything from her."

Arianne nodded slowly, understanding Ellora's hesitation. "But I believe that deep down, Lily still loves you, my lady. She may just feel betrayed, abandoned. Maybe she's waiting for the right time, waiting for you to explain everything."

Ellora sat in silence, reflecting on Arianne's words. The guilt ran deep, a feeling that couldn't be erased by mere explanations or apologies. "I don't want Lily to sacrifice herself, Arianne. Not for anything. She deserves to live her life in peace, far from the chaos I've created."

The silence returned, and Arianne could only look at her lady with the hope that they might find a way out of this mess. However, Ellora had already resolved to pull Lily deeper into the grand plan to restore Evernoir, a plan she had long been dedicated to. And for the first time, Ellora felt doubt creeping into every step she'd taken.

"I'll try talking to her again tonight, after school," Ellora murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "I'll try… once more."

Arianne offered a faint smile, her eyes bright with encouragement. "I believe, my lady, that one day, Lily will listen to you. As long as you don't give up… as long as you're there for her, she'll feel the love you've been trying to show her all along."

Ellora looked at Arianne, a glimmer of hope in her gaze, though deep down, the doubts still lingered. But she knew one thing for sure: even if it meant sacrificing all her grand plans, even if she had to pause everything to save her sister, she would do it. Lily was her family, her blood. No plan was worth losing her family over.

***