The De Lolce mansion had evolved from a grand abode of joy and celebration to a realm filled with enigmatic occurrences and the weight of an extraordinary destiny. The triplets, now five years old, were unique in their own ways, each showcasing abilities and traits that set them apart.
Selena, the eldest, was a striking figure. Her intellect was unmatched, her demeanor serious and reserved. She excelled in nearly everything she undertook, particularly in playing the violin, where her skill was unparalleled. Selena's fascination with puzzles, riddles, and mysteries was profound, often immersing herself in solving complex problems. Her proficiency in science and technology was remarkable, and her talent in martial arts showcased her disciplined and competitive nature. Despite her brilliance, Selena remained anti-social, her interactions minimal yet compelling. Her favorite food was blueberry cheesecake, her favorite color was purple, and she cherished lilac flowers.
Aerielle, the second-born, was a contrast to her sister. She was cheerful and captivating, admired by everyone she encountered. Her talents in singing and dancing were extraordinary, and her love for jewelry and sparkling things defined her style. Aerielle was sweet, affectionate, and had a deep fondness for perfumes. Her favorite flower was alstroemeria, caramel bars were her preferred treat, and she had a particular fondness for the color orange.
Aella, the youngest, possessed an ethereal quality. Shy and gentle, she embodied the traits of an angel. Her love for fried chicken and the color yellow, along with her preference for coreopsis flowers, defined her simple yet pure character.
As time passed, subtle but strange occurrences began to surface. When Selena was only five, every flower or plant she touched withered, and the soil seemed to crumble slightly whenever she was deeply saddened. This phenomenon was triggered by the death of her pet goldfish, which deeply affected her.
At six, Aerielle experienced an unusual event when flames suddenly erupted from her hands while lighting candles for the Day of the Dead. Her fear of ghosts and supernatural occurrences added to the complexity of her powers, which were becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
By seven, Aella demonstrated her unique ability to form small duck-shaped objects from water while swimming. Her power to manipulate water and air was evident, but it also highlighted her growing unease about her abilities.
One evening, as Aella cried out in confusion and fear about their strange powers, Aerwyna and Castel exchanged worried glances. They had been attempting to understand and control these abilities, but their efforts had been in vain.
"Castel, it seems we must tell them the truth," Aerwyna said, her voice trembling with concern.
Together, they gathered their children and revealed the truth of Duke Castel's failed experiment that had given them their extraordinary powers. They explained how the accident with the chemicals had caused the changes in them.
Selena, with a rare moment of understanding, said, "We understand, Father and Mother. Thank you for not giving us up to Death."
Aerielle, her eyes brimming with tears, expressed her mixed emotions of joy and sorrow.
Castel, feeling a mixture of regret and relief, said, "I'm sorry, my children, for the mistake I made. I hope I can make it right." He managed a small, bittersweet smile.
Aella, embracing her father, replied through her tears, "It's okay, Father. We understand what happened."
To ensure the safety of their children and avoid exposing them to potential harm, Castel and Aerwyna decided to home-school the triplets. They paid generously to keep the staff, teachers, and soldiers silent about the triplets' unique characteristics and paid for their discretion.
As the children grew, news of others with similar conditions began to spread. People with healing abilities or white magic, known as "chosen ones," were believed to be selected by God to alleviate suffering. Those with dark magic, or "the eyes of justice," used their powers to combat crime and chaos. There were also "guardians" with elemental powers, "lunarians" with various mystical abilities, and other extraordinary beings.
Concerned for their children's future, Aerwyna and Castel invited a "chosen one" to assess their situation. They convinced this person to keep their children's condition a secret. The chosen one, Rain, agreed to their terms.
Rain listened as Castel explained the origin of their children's powers. "It's unusual for powers to result from an accident. Most of us are born with powers or develop symbols on our bodies indicating divine or demonic gifts."
Rain examined the children and then said, "Our powers are considered gifts, and typically, we don't seek to eliminate them. I cannot guarantee that the children's powers can be removed, but I can help them learn to control them."
Aerwyna's determination was clear. "I agree! We need this."
Castel, seeing his wife's resolve, nodded. "If Aerwyna agrees, then so do I."
Rain agreed to assist and began training the triplets to manage their powers. Over time, Selena's purple magic and aura were found to depend on her emotions. Her happiness brought vibrant, colorful gardens, while her sorrow or anger darkened and destroyed everything around her. She could also create deadly purple butterflies.
Aerielle discovered her fire magic could inflict harm but also heal wounds and illnesses when she conjured white magic. She could summon the legendary "fire phoenix," a mythical and powerful creature.
Aella's water-based creations could take any form she imagined, and her wind power provided protection against danger. She could also become invisible and pass through objects unharmed.
Rain became like a second parent to them. Tragically, when the triplets were eighteen, monsters and other strange beings emerged, leading to Rain's death in a battle against these creatures.
At Rain's funeral, grief overwhelmed the family. Aerielle cried out, "Waahhhh!!!"
Aella, in her anguish, questioned, "Why did you leave us, Sir?!"
Selena, solemn and determined, whispered, "I promise, Sir, I will destroy every monster in this world to avenge you."
Five years later, the De Lolce mansion had changed significantly. Selena had taken over and become the Duchess of their estate. Aerielle managed her own perfume business, and Aella had become a teacher. Despite their high-profile roles, no one outside their immediate circle knew about the triplets' unique abilities.
The De Lolce family continued to navigate their extraordinary lives, bound by their shared experiences and the secrets they held. The mansion, once a symbol of joy, now stood as a testament to their resilience and the remarkable journey they had undertaken together.