Chapter 14: The Quiet Flame
*Jahaera's POV*
Out of all my siblings, I'm the quiet one. It's not that I have nothing to say; it's just that I find peace in the silence. Silence lets me think, lets me breathe. While Jacaerys is loud and always full of excitement, and Jahaerys is always coming up with new ideas, I find myself content with simpler things. I like the sound of the wind outside the windows, the smell of freshly baked bread from the kitchens, the softness of fabric as I sew, and the comfort of curling up with a good book.
I don't like dragon riding that much. There's something about the height, the endless expanse of sky beneath me that makes my stomach twist. Sunfyre, my dragon, is kind and patient, always waiting for me to mount him, but I still get nervous. But my sister, Linaera, always knew how to calm me. "Nyke vaogenka ao drēje," she would say to me. "I will guide you through it." And she did. Whenever I flew with her, I felt safer, stronger. Even if my heart still pounded in my chest when we took off, knowing Linaera was with me made it easier.
Linaera is… everything I want to be. She's strong and confident. She knows how to stand tall in any situation, how to speak with authority and make people listen. She is graceful and smart, always knowing exactly what to say and do. I look up to her. In many ways, she is more than just an older sister—she's a role model.
With the holidays nearing, it means Linaera will be coming home soon, and I can't wait. I miss her. It's not the same without her here. The house feels quieter, more still, and not the kind of silence I enjoy. There's a part of me that feels... incomplete when she's not around. I miss the way she talks to us, always listening and offering advice. I miss her laughter, her presence. I miss everything about her.
Today, I've been spending my time arranging the materials I need for redecorating my room. I've been wanting to change the colors, add new curtains, maybe even move the furniture around. But I haven't started yet. I don't want to. Not until Lina comes back. She has an eye for things like this, and I want her help. It'll be more fun that way.
As I sat on the floor, sorting through fabrics, the door to my room suddenly flew open with a loud bang, and Jahaerys came rushing in, his face flushed with excitement. "Jahaera! Jahaera! You won't believe it!" he yelled, practically bouncing on his feet.
I blinked, surprised by the outburst. "Jae, what are you shouting about?" I asked, though a part of me already knew what he was going to say.
"Lina's back!" he said, his voice high-pitched with excitement. "She's back!"
My heart skipped a beat. "What? But… it's not the holidays yet." I felt a rush of confusion and excitement flood me at the same time. Why was she back so soon? I hadn't expected her for at least another 3 days.
"I don't know!" Jahaerys shrugged, grinning like a fool. "But she's here! She's in the family room right now!"
I didn't even hesitate. I dropped the fabric I was holding and shot to my feet, my heart racing with excitement. Linaera was back. My sister was home. I pushed past Jahaerys, who was still babbling about how it was a surprise, and practically ran down the hallway toward the family room.
As I approached, I heard the unmistakable sound of Dany's laughter. When I turned the corner, I saw her first, little Dany, jumping up and down in Linaera's arms, hugging her with all the force her tiny body could muster. The sight made my heart swell.
Linaera was smiling, her arms wrapped tightly around Dany, who was talking so fast I could barely understand her. "I missed you! I missed you so much, Lina! You promised you'd come back soon, and you did!"
Linaera laughed softly, setting Dany down but still holding her close. "I told you I wouldn't be gone for long," she said, her voice warm and full of love.
I stood there for a moment, taking it all in. Linaera looked so… calm, so sure of herself, even though I knew how much she had been learning and growing at Hogwarts. She had changed, but in the best way possible.
"Lina," I finally said, stepping forward, my voice quiet but full of emotion.
Linaera turned, and the moment she saw me, her face softened. She let go of Dany and walked toward me with open arms. "Jahaera," she whispered, pulling me into a tight hug. "I've missed you, little sister."
I didn't say anything, just wrapped my arms around her and held on. Her embrace was warm and comforting, and for the first time in months, I felt that familiar sense of peace.
"I missed you too," I finally murmured against her shoulder.
She pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes, her hands still resting on my arms. "I hope you've been doing well," she said softly. "I'm sorry I came back so suddenly, but I couldn't wait until the holidays to see you all."
I shook my head. "Don't apologize. I'm just glad you're here." And I meant it.
Linaera smiled and kissed the top of my head. "We have so much to talk about. I want to hear all about what you've been up to. And I'll help you with your room, of course."
I smiled back at her, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. "I've been waiting for that."
"Then let's get started," she said, and I could tell that she was just as happy to be home as we were to have her back.
As Dany tugged on Linaera's sleeve, asking a thousand questions about Hogwarts, I stood by, feeling content. Linaera was home, and everything felt right again.