A gentle breeze danced through the air where Regis stood, unaware to the approaching presence. Suddenly, slender arms enveloped his eyes from behind, and a melodic voice whispered in his ear, "Can you guess who it is?"
Regis turned to face the intruder, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Sister, when will you stop acting like a child?"
Ludex Noctis Calista, possessed an ethereal beauty that seemed to defy mortal conventions. Her silver eyes gleamed like moonlight reflecting on a calm lake, and her silky hair cascaded down her back, resembling the star-studded night sky, , She donned an elegant black and golden frock, the dress world represent at her esteemed status as the firstborn child and daughter of Night Nova's revered head.
Giggling mischievously, Calista withdrew her hands from his eyes and exclaimed, "Hehe, Regis, dear brother, how did you manage to see through my disguise?"
Regis, teasingly, countered, "Who else but my dear sister would dare to partake in such playful pranks?"
In a scolding tone, Calista scolded, "Oh, you terrible brother! Never mind that. I came here to give you a gift."
She reached into her pocket and produced a box, adorned in shimmering silver and elegant black ribbons. Calista extended the box towards her brother and commanded, "Here, take it."
Recalling previous strange gifts, Regis uneasily muttered, "You've prepared a gift for me? I hope it's not another one of your crazy surprises."
Calista scolded him once more, playfully hitting him, "Quiet! My gifts are always thoughtful. It's you who simply doesn't appreciate them."
"Yeah, yeah, you and your gifts," Regis responded, half-jokingly.
He opened the box and discovered a necklace resting on a silver chain, featuring an elegantly designed 'R' initial in black, adorned with delicate blue diamond accents.
"Wow, my foolish sister, how could this possibly be your choice? Tell me honestly, is it a reflection of your fiancé's taste?" Regis inquired.
Calista's expression initially turned stern, her eyes filled with determination. However, as she continued speaking, her demeanor shifted into one of shyness. "I'm not foolish," she admitted, her voice softening. "And yes, this time... he assisted me."
Regis proudly proclaimed, "Hm... Don't worry, sister. I will ensure that Father arranges your marriage at the earliest opportunity."
"You heartless brother!" Calista exclaimed.
"Hehehe," Regis chuckled.
Calista continued scolding Regis until an aged voice interrupted their banter. "Enough, both of you."
The figure approached—a man with silver hair, streaked with touches of black, his silver eyes contain deep pools of darkness. He wore garments in a harmonious combination of black and silver. Ludex Noctis di Remus, the esteemed head of the Night Nova clan.
At the same time, both siblings bowed and replied, "Father!"
"It is time to make the announcement, Regis, Calista," Remus said.
"Yes, Father, as you wish," they replied in unison.
Gracefully bowing, they followed their father.
At the top of the grand staircase, their father stood, while Regis and Calista positioned themselves on either side, a symbolic display of their roles and status. In an authoritative tone, Remus began his address.
"I, Ludex Noctis di Remus, extend my heartfelt congratulations to my son, Ludex Noctis Regis, on reaching childhood. This banquet is held in your honor, so enjoy with everyone in its festivities and may you embark on a prosperous journey through life."
"Thank you, Father," Regis responded with gratitude.
A wave of applause rippled through the hall, blending with congratulations.
Remus raised his hand, signaling for silence. "And now, my esteemed guests, I have another announcement to make."
"In addition, I hereby announce the forthcoming marriage of my daughter, and I invite all those present here to join us next year to bestow their blessings upon her."
The hall erupted in applause, echoing their approval and anticipation.
"Furthermore, I express my deepest respect to each and every one of you who have graced us with your presence on this momentous occasion."
"Now everyone enjoy to your heartfelt , eat and
drink as much as you want."
With that, Remus ended his address.
Once again, the hall filled with resounding applause, acknowledging their appreciation for his words.
Following his announcement, guests lined up to offer their congratulations to Regis and Calista. Their father called Regis aside, seeking a private conversation.
"Have you had the chance to meet with them?" Remus asked.
Regis instantly understood his father's concern and replied, "Father, I apologize, but I haven't encountered any one of them here."
"It's for the best that you haven't," Remus expressed relief. "Now go and enjoy yourself."
Observing his father's newfound sense of ease, Regis pondered for a moment, but realizing the timing wasn't suitable, he decided to refrain from asking further questions. He nodded respectfully.
"Yes, Father."
Regis returned to his sister's side, greeting the guests. Remus gazed upon Regis, his thoughts filled with apprehension.
"I hope you never cross paths with them. May the worst never come to pass." Remus silently wished, before turning his attention elsewhere.
The guests lined up starting from upper clan's to the lowest.
After a while, Regis and Calista were exhausted from attending to the needs of the clans. They wanted a break from the nonstop talking, so they found a quiet spot in the banquet hall and sat down on comforable chairs. They both let out sighs of relief, because they were finally able to relax.
Calista sighed with relief and said, "Finally, we got away from them."
Regis teased her with a cold tone, "Oh, my tired sister, already giving up?"
Looking at Regis, who kept drinking water, Calista replied, "Look who's talking!"
Calista took a moment to appreciate the successful banquet unfolding before them. The food was an exquisite display of culinary artistry, while the decorations mimicked the night sky, creating an enchanting ambiance. The drinks served were unparalleled in their quality and uniqueness, befitting the Night Nova clan's distinguished status as the sole heir.
Regis jokingly said, "You did a good job, sister. It's not as bad as before." He nodded his head.
Calista got angry and asked, "Brother, were my preparations that bad in the previous banquets?"
To change the subject and avoid trouble, Regis curiously asked, "Sister, Why didn't our brother-in-law come?"
Mockingly, she replied, "What, brother? Are you so oblivious to society?"
Regis turned his face away, embarrassingly admitted, "Yes, yes, I didn't know, and I don't really care."
Laughing, Calista replied "Hahaha... You really have no idea."
Regis embarrassingly, "I won't talk with you."
Seeing Regis face getting embarrassed, Calista's eyes softened, tears glistening as she tried to explain "Father sent him on an expedition, thinking it would be a short journey. He was supposed to return in a month, but he still hasn't come back to me."
Regis thought "Brother-in-law, Morwen Blackthorn, he iis the strongest man in the clan after my father. He is father's most trusted subordinate, he must have been sent on a crucial expedition."
However, a lingering question remain at Regis' mind, "Why hadn't he returned yet? I will father later."
Regis spoke with confidence to reassure her, "Don't worry, sister. He's strong, and he'll for sure come back."
Grateful for her brother's comforting words, Calista smiled and playfully patted him on the head, saying, "You don't have to assure me, my little brother. I know he'll return." as her eyes glistened.
As the crowd drew nearer, and Regis is still exhausted, Calista stepped forward with confidence, ready to take charge. "I'll handle them like I always do. You go find a quiet spot to rest," she suggested, pointing towards the window.
Regis agreed, though he couldn't resist a playful remark, "Fine, I'll go, but don't expect me to say thanks."
Chuckling, Calista replied, "I knew you would say this."
As Regis chuckled, he playfully made his way towards the window, his eyes glinting mischievously. Calista remained seated on the plush sofa, watching her brother's movements with a soft smile playing on her lips.
Just then, a stranger approached from behind, mockingly commenting, "Your brother is just like you."
Curious, Calista turned to face two boys standing there. One had green eyes and red hair streaked in black, dressed in a striking red and golden suit. The other boy, with black hair streaked in red, resembling and wearing the same suit.
Calista stood up abruptly and bowed respectfully to the two boys. "I extend my greetings to the Irae clan's First, Sire Solarius and Second Flame, Sire Auris."
Solarius, The first of the Irae clan waved off her formalities. "No need for such formalities. This is your home, after all."
Calista insisted with determination, "Courtesy should be shown regardless."
Solarius smiled as satisfied of her reaction, commanded, "Rise up!"
Calista rise up on his command.
Auris the seconed, smirked and commented, "Hmm, I just saw your brother. He's quite attractive, too."
Auris, undeterred, teasingly trailed his fingers from her face to her hair, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. With an amused tone, he remarked, "Just like you."
Calista's anger flared up, well aware of Auris's reputation as a playboy who would go to any lengths to satisfy his desires. Calista instinctively took a small step back, her hand rising to gently push Auris's finger away from her face. She gave him a fierce glare that communicated her disdain for his prank.
Calista, calmly said, "please behave yourself, Sire."
Auris playfully remarked, "What have I done?"
Calista replied, "I'm an engaged girl, so it is not appropriate."
Auris remarked mockingly, "Oh! I didn't know you were engaged. And even if you are, so what?"
Calista clenched her fists, her frustration mounting at his audacity. She knew his words were meant to provoke her, to get under her under him. But she refused to let him shake her composure. Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself to stay calm and composed in the face of his taunts.
Suppressing the surge of anger within her, Calista met Auris's gaze with a steely resolve. She refused to give him the satisfaction of witnessing her agitation. With a composed voice, she replied, "Your attempts to provoke me are in vain, Sire Auris. I won't stoop to your level."
Auris's amusement only grew as he savored her reaction. His eyes gleamed with mischief as he leaned in closer, whispering into her ear, "Oh, but it's so much fun to see you in discomfort. How long do you think your Night Clan can keep protecting you? I will make you mine."
Calista's hands tightened around each other as she struggled to maintain her composure in the face of Auris's taunting. She knew that their social status surpassed hers, making it difficult to respond in an arrogant manner. Taking a step back to collect herself, she steadied her gaze and addressed him with a smile. "I believe we've had enough of these games, Sire Auris. Other guests await my attention. Please excuse me."
Calista gave her regards to both Auris and Solarius and turned to leave. However, as she attempted to depart, Auris stepped in her way, remarking, "Why are you in such a hurry? We haven't talked enough yet, and it's not like your fiancé is here to stop you."
Calista's eyes furrowed with rage, and she was about to respond when Solarius intervened, saying, "Auris, that's enough."
With his older brother's disapproving gaze fixed upon him, Auris reluctantly stepped aside, allowing Calista to go. However, he couldn't resist adding a final twist to their encounter.
As she turned to leave, Auris called out, a hint of amusement in his voice, "Well, well, it was all just a joke, you know." His words ignited a spark of anger within Calista, but she chose to let it go.
With measured composure, she replied, her voice laced with a touch of sarcasm, "How amusing it would be if it were only a joke." Knowing that further exchange would be unproductive, Calista gracefully excused herself from both Auris and his brother, Solarius.
As Calista walked away, Auris couldn't help but let his gaze linger on her retreating figure. A malicious smirk crept onto his face, revealing a glimpse of his bad intentions. On the other side, Solaris stood silently, his expression betraying a sense of disapproval. He let out a weary sigh, clearly unimpressed with his brother's attitude and behavior.
Solaries turned to Auris, his voice filled with urgency. "Auris, we must find her before it's too late. You know what will happen if we fail."
Auris felt a wave of fear wash over him upon hearing Solaries' words.
In a trembling voice, Auris responded, "Yes, brother. Let's go and find her."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Meanwhile, Regis approached the window and caught sight of someone standing there. He quickly turned away and apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize someone was here. I'll leave now."
The stranger at the window reassured him, "No, there's no need to go. You can stay if you want. I won't be here for long."
Curiosity sparked within Regis, and he turned his gaze towards the window to get a better look.The window overlooked a breathtaking view of Night Nova's sprawling gardens, adorned with vibrant flowers and bathed in the gentle glow of the setting sun. The air carried the delicate fragrance of blooming roses, adding an enchanting touch to the scene. There stood a captivating figure—a girl adorned in resplendent garments of golden and red hues. Her attire exuded elegance, perfectly accentuating her slender form. Her eyes, a deep shade of green, held a certain depth, as if they carried untold stories. Her black hair cascaded down her back, seemingly possessing a mesmerizing allure to devour everything.
However, Regis couldn't shake off a sense of unease upon meeting her gaze. As he settled himself, he noticed her standing really close to the window's edge. The faintest breeze danced through her hair, as if beckoning her to venture into the unknown. Concern for her well-being overtook his uneasiness, and he hurriedly approached, his voice tinged with worry as he called out, "Please be careful."
The girl shifted her gaze towards him, a hint of nothing flickering in her eyes. With a soft, almost ethereal voice, she responded, "No need to worry. I won't be here for long."
Regis hesitated, torn between his instinct to ensure her safety and his respect for her desire for solitude. "Are you sure? It's dangerous to be so close to the edge."
A wicked smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and she spoke with a touch of mischief, "Sometimes, being on the edge feels like the only place I truly belong."
Regis, taken aback by her response, felt a mixture of surprise and curiosity. He pressed further, his voice filled with interest, "Standing on the edge also signifies that you're waiting for someone to lift you off from the cliff."
The girl's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with an attraction. She raised her hand towards Regis, a playful suggestion lingering in her words, "Then you should join me here too."
Regis's tone turned icy as he responded with unwavering confidence, his conviction shining through, "I have no reason to be there. I still possess everything I desire." Memories of his father and sister flashed before his eyes, reinforcing his resolve.
Undeterred by his words, the girl's smirk grew wicked, a sinister undertone lacing her voice. She lowered her hands, sitting with crossed legs on the window ledge, and her words dripped with dark intention, "But what if everything you hold dear is forcefully ripped away? Will you then find yourself standing on the edge of life, torn between longing for an end or hoping for their return?"