Episode 1
The rain was relentless. It fell in sheets, drenching the earth and turning the path into a slick, muddy trail. Elysia didn't mind, though. She liked the rain, the way it bathed everything in a soft, almost dreamlike haze. The trees of the Whispering Pines forest swayed gently with the breeze, their leaves glistening under the downpour, as if whispering secrets to the sky.
The trail ahead was familiar. It led deep into the forest, where few dared to venture, especially in such weather. Elysia had walked this path many times, but today felt different. Today, there was something calling her, something just beyond the trees.
One stone, two stones, three stones—her boots crunched against the wet gravel as she walked deeper into the forest. The usual peace of the place, the quiet hum of nature, seemed almost absent today, drowned by the sound of the downpour. It was strange, but Elysia felt oddly drawn to the place, as if something in the forest had been waiting for her.
She was soaked to the bone, her cloak heavy and clinging to her skin. The rain showed no signs of stopping, and she could feel the chill of the wet fabric against her body. Perhaps she should seek shelter. There was an old cabin nearby, a place she had found once when she was younger, hidden away in the deeper part of the forest.
"Elysia…"
The voice was soft but carried clearly over the sound of the rain. She froze, her heart skipping a beat. She knew that voice.
Turning around, she saw him standing there, framed by the shadows of the trees, his figure a silhouette against the gray mist of the rain. Khalil. Her older brother by three years. He was looking at her with that expression—half exasperation, half concern. His chestnut brown hair clung to his forehead, the rain making it darker than usual. His green eyes, the same shade as hers, seemed to pierce through the fog as if searching for something.
"What's wrong? Big brother Khalil? " Elysia asked, trying to sound innocent as she met his gaze.
Khalil raised an eyebrow, his lips pulling into a thin line. "You're out here in the rain, all alone? I could ask you the same thing "
Elysia bit her lip, her mind racing. She knew she was in trouble. She'd been skipping class again, avoiding the duties her family expected her to follow. But she couldn't help it. The lessons felt pointless, the teachers strict and distant. She longed for something else, something beyond the mansion walls and the repetitive life that awaited her inside.
"I didn't have anything to do today " she said quietly, trying to sound nonchalant, though she knew it wasn't a good enough excuse.
Khalil's gaze softened, though there was still a flicker of concern in his eyes. He reached out, taking her hand gently. "Come on. Let's go back before you catch a cold "
Elysia sighed inwardly. There went her plan to escape further into the woods. She tried to pull her hand away, but Khalil's grip was firm. He turned and began walking down the trail, leading her back toward the mansion. The slippery path made her steps cautious, her feet sliding on the wet stones. Khalil slowed his pace, clearly mindful of her, as she stumbled slightly to keep up with him.
"You should know better than to skip class " he said with a hint of disapproval. "And you're out here in this weather. You'll get sick, Elysia "
She rolled her eyes, though she didn't argue. She knew he meant well, even if his scolding always felt like a lecture.
They continued walking in silence, the sound of the rain masking most of the noise around them. As they neared the edge of the forest, the mansion came into view, standing like a silent giant in the distance. The servants were bustling about in the courtyard, their movements hurried and frantic. The usual calm of the estate seemed to be replaced by an undercurrent of anxiety.
Elysia glanced at Khalil. "Just so you know, this is your fault " she said with a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood.
Khalil gave her a look of disbelief. "My fault? You're the one who skipped class, not me "
"True " she shrugged. "But you didn't stop me, so technically…"
"Elysia, you're impossible " Khalil muttered, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He always acted like he was annoyed with her, but she knew he cared. He had always looked after her ever since they were children. And even now, though they had grown, he still acted as if he were the one in charge.
By the time they reached the front door, Elysia felt a sense of dread creeping over her. Three knocks on the large wooden door, and it swung open almost immediately. The butler, a tall and dignified man with graying hair, looked relieved to see them.
"Ah, young lady! You're finally back! " he said, his expression one of mild exasperation. "Thanks goodness. The Duke is… well, let's just say he is not pleased "
Elysia sighed. She knew what that meant. Her father, the Duke of Arlan, was a man of few words and even fewer smiles. He had never been one to dote on her, preferring to focus on his duties and responsibilities. His disappointment was something she had grown used to over the years.
"Thank you, but I know " Elysia replied, trying to sound casual, though she couldn't hide the trepidation in her voice. "I'll go see him now "
The hallway inside the mansion was eerily quiet, and Elysia could hear the sound of hurried footsteps in the distance. Preparations for the evening feast were underway. It was meant to celebrate the return of her older brother, Maximus, who had just returned from his travels abroad. Maximus, the heir to the Arlan title, the perfect son, the future of the empire. The thought of him only made Elysia feel smaller, more invisible.
As she turned a corner, she nearly ran into Maximus himself. He was tall, his posture impeccable, his expression stern. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his sharp gaze fell on Elysia as she approached.
"I heard you skipped class today " he said in his usual clipped tone.
Elysia looked up at him, her eyes narrowing. "Since when do I care about attending class? " she said, her voice tinged with defiance.
Maximus' lips pressed into a thin line. "Father won't be happy about this " he said coldly, his gaze assessing her as if she were a problem to be solved.
"Good thing I'm not him, then? " Elysia shot back, walking past him without another word. Being in the same room as Maximus always made her feel awkward, like there was some invisible wall between them that she could never cross.
Maximus watched her for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. "You're only making things harder for yourself, Elysia..." he muttered under his breath.
But she didn't stop to listen. There was no point. She would face their father, and nothing would change. Not today, not ever.