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"It's dinner time, everyone," Eira announced, her voice soft and ethereal as she floated gracefully toward the hall.
Fiona glanced up, intrigued by the glowing figure. "Hello, Eira."
"Hello, sister-in-law," Eira replied with a gentle smile, her presence otherworldly and serene.
Fiona tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her gaze. "I want to know more about you. I've noticed you're always floating, and that blindfold of yours... it's different. Why do you wear it?"
Eira's expression remained calm as she explained, "I'm a time traveler, but my time hasn't come yet. The blindfold is a seal, preventing me from interpreting time until the moment I'm gifted that ability. I expect it to happen any day now."
Fiona nodded slowly, though her curiosity wasn't entirely satisfied. "It's fascinating, but... I wish you could tell me more after my marriage. There's so much I don't understand."
Eira's smile faltered slightly as she added, "Once the blindfold's seal is broken, everything changes. I'll forget everything from this life. The Moon Goddess often transfers time travelers to different packs or realms, as needed."
Fiona's brows furrowed. "So, you're saying you'll just… leave?"
Eira floated closer, her voice tinged with a wistful tone. "I don't set my feet on the ground because I want to leave no traces behind. Once my blindfold breaks, my new home will be the heavens, and I'll only descend to earth when instructed by the Moon Goddess."
Fiona's gaze lingered on Eira, her mind swirling with thoughts. Despite the explanation, a part of her still longed to understand the full extent of Eira's mysterious existence.
---
"It will be as though she never existed," Valeria said softly, her voice heavy with sorrow. "All third-born royal daughters are destined as sacrificial angels to the Moon Goddess. Eira, your time is close... and I mean very close."
Valeria leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to Eira's hair, the gesture trembling with the weight of finality. It felt like a goodbye, though no one dared to say the words aloud.
Eira closed her eyes briefly, a painful smile forming on her lips. "At least I'll witness my brother's wedding," she whispered, her voice laced with quiet resignation.
Vangelis's voice broke the tension as he called from the stairs, "Come and hug your brother." He climbed toward them with a grin, though the lightness in his tone couldn't mask the sadness in his eyes.
Eira drifted toward him, her movements slower than usual. She embraced him gently, her arms lingering as though memorizing the moment.
Watching from the corner, Corinne couldn't shake the unease that had settled over her. She turned to Valeria, lowering her voice. "Eira seems quiet today. What's her secret?"
Valeria didn't answer immediately, her gaze following her daughter as though afraid to look away. After a long pause, she said, "Eira doesn't keep secrets, Corinne. She bears truths... ones far too heavy for someone her age."
Fiona's chest tightened, and she glanced at Eira, who smiled faintly at Vangelis. The weight of what wasn't said hung thick in the air, leaving Fiona with more questions than answers.
---
"Vangelis! Vangelis!" Fiona called out, her voice laced with urgency.
He turned to her, his eyes red and puffy, his expression heavy with grief.
"Sapphire," he murmured.
"Why? What's wrong? Were you crying?" Fiona asked, stepping closer, concern etched on her face.
Vangelis gestured toward the garden, where Eira sat quietly among the flowers, her figure bathed in soft light. "Look at her," he said, his voice trembling. "What kind of advantage does the Moon Goddess gain from taking such a fragile child? My heart breaks every time I remember she'll leave us... leave me... forever."
Fiona placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "The Moon Goddess knows her plans, Vangelis. She wouldn't take Eira unless it was for a greater purpose. Trust that everything will end as it should."
Vangelis nodded weakly, but the pain in his eyes lingered.
After a moment, Fiona hesitated before asking, "Do you have any idea where Phoenix is? I can't seem to find him anywhere."
"I don't know," Vangelis replied flatly.
Before Fiona could press further, Corinne interjected, her tone sharp. "But he isn't your fiancé, so why are you so worried about him? Just focus on keeping your peace with Vangelis."
Fiona's eyes narrowed as she turned to Corinne, her voice calm but firm. "Dear Corinne, I am the first daughter-in-law of this family. The wellbeing of everyone here is my concern. And with all due respect, if you speak to me that way again, I might forget you're my sister-in-law."
Corinne flinched at the subtle rebuke but said nothing more.
Turning back to Vangelis, Fiona softened her tone. "May I take Eira out for a while? Some fresh air might do her good."
Vangelis looked toward the garden again, the corners of his lips lifting in a faint smile. "You can," he said softly.
Fiona nodded, her heart heavy as she made her way toward Eira, determined to make the most of the fleeting time they all had together.
Fiona smirked, her confidence radiating as she walked away.
Vangelis turned sharply to Corinne, his eyes narrowing. "Did you really just say such nonsense to her?"
Corinne crossed her arms, her expression unbothered. "It's annoying, Vangelis. She's far too interested in Phoenix for some strange reason, and honestly, it creeps me out."
Vangelis's voice dropped, his tone icy and firm. "That's the most senseless thing I've heard. If she wanted Phoenix, she could have chosen him. She met him at my engagement, remember? This is the last time you disrespect her. If it happens again, I'll throw you out of this palace—just like your brother."
Corinne flinched at the mention of her brother, but quickly recovered, her lips curling into a sneer. "Sorry, Vangelis," she said mockingly, "but let me remind you: Fiona isn't a wolf, so you can't read her mind as easily as the rest of us. Her behavior is... unsettling, to say the least. And as for my brother, thanks for reminding me of him. But don't think your threats scare me. Dirty or not, they're empty."
She took a step closer, her gaze sharp and defiant. "And don't forget—Phoenix is far more powerful than you. Keep that in mind."
Corinne turned on her heel, her laughter echoing down the hall like a taunt.
Vangelis clenched his fists, his jaw tight as her words stung deeper than he wanted to admit. But he refused to let it show. Raising his voice, he shouted after her, "Phoenix will never hurt me!"
His words carried through the halls, but Corinne didn't look back, her laughter fading into the distance.
---
"Gosh, sister-in-law, I can't believe I'm here!" Eira said, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Fiona smiled at her enthusiasm. "How did you know I wanted to be here?" Eira asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.
Fiona chuckled and leaned closer. "I found the note in Vangelis's drawer."
Eira's expression softened, though a hint of sadness lingered in her voice. "I've written so many letters to Vangelis and Phoenix, but they always declined me. How did you get him to agree?" She pouted dramatically, crossing her arms.
Fiona grinned mischievously and whispered, "That's a magician's secret. But don't worry, I have an even bigger surprise for you."
Eira laughed, her joy infectious. "I should have gotten you in my life sooner, sister-in-law."
"Just call me your sister," Fiona suggested softly. Her voice carried a warmth that made Eira pause. "I lost my sister at a very young age, so it would mean a lot to me."
Eira blinked, touched by the sentiment. "Alright... sister."
The two entered a luxurious dressing room, where their outfits were already waiting. Fiona smiled as Eira gasped at the sight of the shimmering sequin halter-neck dress that seemed to glow under the lights. Fiona herself slipped into a stunning hot red bodycon mini dress with a plunging neckline, the fabric hugging her curves perfectly.
Within minutes, they were ready. Fiona glanced at Eira, who was admiring her reflection but hesitated. "Fiona," Eira said, her voice tinged with caution, "I feel like I'll end up floating during the party. I'm not supposed to be on the ground lower than five inches. It's... tradition."
Fiona smirked, pulling out a pair of dazzling twelve-inch heels. "Don't worry, I've got you covered."
She helped Eira into the heels, styling her silky white hair to flow freely down her back. To finish the look, Fiona handed Eira a delicate masquerade mask to cover her blindfold.
Eira glanced at herself in the mirror, her lips parting in awe. "I look... more like a normal girl."
"You look perfect," Fiona said with a grin. "Now, let's go turn some heads."
Together, they left the room, their bond growing stronger with every step.
---
"Elen! Elen! Elen!" the crowd roared, their cheers echoing through the lively hall as Elen confidently downed her hundredth glass of the potent mixture of drinks. Her opponent had long since been knocked out after barely managing forty-one glasses, leaving the crowd in awe of her stamina.
"Alright, that's enough. Come down, Elen," Fiona said firmly, making her way through the crowd to help her off the table.
Elen—Eira in disguise—stumbled slightly but grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Thank you, Sandra," Eira responded, using the alias they had agreed upon to conceal their true identities.
Fiona adjusted Eira's arm over her shoulder, steadying her. "Today's your day. I'll leave you to enjoy yourself, okay?" Fiona said warmly, her voice tinged with affection.
Eira nodded, her cheeks flushed from the drinks and the excitement of the crowd. "You're the best, sister," she said with a giggle, before turning her attention back to the party, the cheers of the crowd still ringing in her ears.
Fiona stepped back, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched Eira bask in the moment, savoring her fleeting freedom.