Max and Illyanna walked down the dimly lit hallway, their footsteps echoing softly off the stone walls. Illyanna skipped along, humming a tune under her breath, while Max watched her with a fond smile.
Suddenly, they heard a sound that made them both stop in their tracks. It was a soft, high-pitched trilling, like the tinkling of tiny bells.
"What's that?" Illyanna whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.
Max grinned. "Sounds like Agnes is out in the garden again," he said, leading the way towards the open double doors at the end of the hallway.
As they stepped outside, they were greeted by a riot of color and sound. Butterflies of every hue flitted around, landing on flowers and hovering in the air. Agnes was sitting in the grass, her arms outstretched, as a delicate blue butterfly perched on her finger.
Max and Illyanna approached her slowly, not wanting to startle the butterfly. Agnes looked up, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.
"Hi, Max, hi Illyanna," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Max knelt down beside her, careful not to disturb the butterfly. "What are you up to, Agnes?" he asked, glancing around at the garden.
"Just...watching the butterflies," Agnes replied, her eyes shining with fascination. "They're so beautiful, and they never seem to stay in one place for long."
Illyanna crouched down beside her, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Can I hold one too?" she asked eagerly.
Agnes hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Of course," she said, carefully transferring the butterfly to Illyanna's finger.
Illyanna's face lit up with joy as she watched the butterfly flutter its wings. "Wow, it's so pretty!" she exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.
Max watched them both, feeling a sense of warmth spread through him. He was grateful for his little sisters, each so different from the other but equally dear to him.
As the sun began to set and the butterflies gradually disappeared, Max stood up, brushing off his pants. "Come on, you two. Time for dinner," he said, holding out a hand to Agnes.
Agnes took it tentatively, her eyes shining with a shy happiness. Max and Illyanna walked back towards the castle, chatting and laughing as they went, with Agnes following along behind, a faint smile on her face.