“Mira, dinner’s ready!” The call echoed softly from the dining room, inviting yet heavy with an unnameable weight. The savory aroma of stew wafted through the air, teasing her senses, but it did little to quell the unease gnawing at her stomach. Mira hesitated at the threshold, her heart pounding in her chest like a caged bird desperate for freedom. She took a deep breath and stepped into the warm glow of the room.

Lucas, her little brother, was already at the table, his enthusiasm lighting up the space. “You’re here!” he exclaimed, a smile stretching across his youthful face. The warmth in his voice felt genuine, but it only deepened the chasm of uncertainty within her.

“Of course,” she replied, her attempt to sound casual barely masking the tremor in her voice. Taking her place at the table, she sat down, the rough wood of the chair pressing against her as if reminding her of her unfamiliarity.

Their father, a tall figure with a sturdy frame, sat at the head of the table, already serving himself. His demeanor was stern yet attentive, and as he glanced up at her, a flicker of approval crossed his features. “Good, you made it. It’s important to have a good meal,” he said, the command in his voice echoing authority.

“Yes, Father,” she managed to respond, her words feeling hollow as they escaped her lips. She stole a glance around the table, absorbing the familial atmosphere—a stark contrast to the tumult in her mind. She had no real memories of this family, no anchor to ground her in their world, and yet here she was, part of their dinner.

“Lior, tell us about your training today,” their father directed toward the eldest son, who looked to be around thirteen. Mira felt a pang of confusion; she didn’t even know Lior’s name until now, nor did she understand why he was expected to speak of training as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Lior leaned back, pride shining in his eyes. “We practiced tracking in the woods. I think I’m getting better at it,” he said, confidence radiating from his words. Mira watched as he spoke, captivated by the ease with which he shared his accomplishments. What did it mean to track? What was this training that seemed so vital to their lives?

“Wow! That’s awesome!” Lucas piped up, his youthful exuberance infectious. “Can you teach me, Lior? I want to be just like you!”

Lior chuckled, nudging Lucas playfully. “You’ll have to work hard to keep up with me. But sure, I’ll show you,” he replied, the camaraderie between the brothers evident.

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Their father nodded approvingly. “It takes time and dedication, boys. Each of you has your role to play in this family.” The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, and Mira felt the pressure settle on her shoulders like a shroud.

Mira’s stomach twisted as she considered her own role. What was expected of her? What could she possibly contribute to a family that seemed so whole without her? The questions spiraled in her mind, but she couldn’t find the words to voice them.

“What about you, Mira?” Lior’s sudden question caught her off guard, pulling her from her internal chaos. She blinked at him, the unfamiliarity of her situation crashing down around her.

“I… um,” she stammered, grappling for an appropriate response. “I’m still figuring things out.” Her voice faltered, and she could feel the heat of their gaze upon her, heavy with expectation.

Their mother entered the room, her presence a soothing balm to the tension. She carried a pitcher of water, her gentle smile infusing the space with warmth. As she poured water into their bowls, Mira felt a flicker of comfort but also an intense longing. She wished she could understand the connection they all shared.

“Don’t worry, dear. You’ll find your way,” their mother said softly, her gaze steady on Mira. It felt as though she could see straight into her heart, and Mira forced herself to nod in response, despite the turmoil roiling within.

“What skills do you think I should learn?” Mira ventured, her voice gaining a hint of strength as curiosity pushed her to engage. She yearned for answers, for a glimpse into what her life here could entail.

Her mother paused, considering. “Household skills are important. Preparing meals, tending to the home. Those are valuable skills for a woman,” she explained, her tone practical and calm.

Mira’s heart sank at the implications of her mother’s words. Was that really all there was for her? “But… what if I want to do more?” she asked, her voice trembling as the question slipped out.

Their father’s gaze sharpened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “Every role is important, Mira. It’s not just about what you can do; it’s about being part of the family,” he replied, his tone firm, yet she sensed a faint hint of understanding beneath it.

“Yes, of course,” Mira said, her voice trailing off. The fight in her spirit felt stifled, suffocating under the weight of their expectations.

The conversation continued to flow around her, but she felt adrift, a ship lost at sea. Lucas recounted tales of his day, his voice filled with excitement, but Mira could barely focus. She was trapped in her own thoughts, grappling with her reality.

As dinner progressed, her father cleared his throat, signaling a shift in the conversation. “There’s a gathering at the temple tomorrow,” he announced, drawing the attention of his children. “All children who haven’t reached adulthood are invited. It’s a chance to learn about the gods and their gifts to us.”

“Will they tell stories?” Lucas asked, eyes sparkling with anticipation. “I want to hear about the heroes!”

Their father smiled, a glimmer of pride lighting his features. “Yes, they’ll share many tales, but it’s also important for you to learn about the values and systems that guide us. Knowledge is power, and understanding our place in this world is essential.”

Mira felt a stir of interest at the mention of the gods. What did they represent? She longed to understand the significance of this gathering, to learn more about the world she was now part of. But a heavy weight settled in her chest—this was not just a game; this was her life, and the implications felt daunting.

As the meal came to an end, Mira sat back, the knot in her stomach tightening. They believed she was the girl they had lost, but deep down, she was acutely aware of the truth: she was an outsider in a family that didn’t know her.