The sight was so comical that everyone in the room burst out laughing. Watching the chunky cat and Astor perform together was a scene none of us could've expected.
Mother's laughter was soft but melodic, and she wiped a tear from her eye as she watched the clumsy dance unfold. "Oh, Astor, you never cease to amaze me. I've seen many things in this mansion, but this—this is truly a first," she said, her voice light and full of warmth.
Grandfather, who had been quietly observing from his chair, let out a rare, deep chuckle. "I didn't think I'd live to see the day a cat would be more coordinated than its trainer," he teased, raising an eyebrow at Astor. "Well done, boy. You've certainly inherited your mother's creativity—though perhaps not her grace."
Astor grinned, unfazed by the comment. "I told you I had a surprise!" he exclaimed.
Mother shook her head, still smiling, and placed a gentle hand on Astor's shoulder. "You've always had a way of turning the simplest things into a grand spectacle, my dear. I suppose that's what makes you, well… you. And you, Nyx, you may not be the ringleader, but you certainly let your brother drag you into these escapades, don't you?"
I smiled back at him, shrugging. "Well, someone has to keep him out of trouble… or at least try to."
Astor shot me a playful glare. "Hey! I didn't see you stopping me just now, did I?"
"True," I admitted, grinning. "But then again, I wouldn't have missed this for anything."
Afterward, I pulled Astor aside, curiosity getting the best of me. "How did you get the cat to do that?"
With a proud grin, he pulled a sausage from the table and waved it in front of me. "Simple," he said, tossing the sausage to the cat. The cat caught it in mid-air and devoured it in a single bite. "This cat loves sausages, so I trained it using them as a reward."
I couldn't help but laugh. Leave it to Astor to use food to win over even the laziest creature in the mansion. It was just like him—resourceful, playful, and always full of surprises.
As evening fell, the mansion was transformed into a dazzling display of lights and elegance. Every year on our birthday, a grand celebration was held, and this year was no different. The ballroom was decorated with shimmering banners, and chandeliers cast a warm glow across the hall. The finest musicians in the city played soft, enchanting tunes, and servants moved gracefully through the crowd, offering drinks and delicacies to the guests.
The city's most influential people had arrived, dressed in their finest attire. Nobles, wealthy merchants, and dignitaries mingled in the grand hall, exchanging pleasantries and well-wishes. Mother and Father stood at the entrance, greeting each guest as they arrived. They both looked regal—Father in his ceremonial robes, and Mother in an elegant silver gown that shimmered like starlight. Astor and I stood beside them, dressed in matching outfits, though Astor kept fidgeting with his collar, clearly not enjoying the formality.
As the night went on, we mingled with the guests, receiving countless congratulations and hearing the same question over and over: "What will you do next, now that you're nearly ready for the Academy?" It was a question I had grown tired of answering, though Astor seemed to enjoy coming up with more and more ridiculous answers, each one earning him a few chuckles from the guests.
At one point, we found ourselves surrounded by a group of children our age, many of whom we had met at previous events. They were either sons and daughters of nobles or other influential families, each one eager to impress. Astor, of course, quickly became the center of attention, regaling the group with exaggerated tales of our 'adventures' around the mansion. I mostly stayed quiet, content to let him take the spotlight.
Later in the evening, Mother called for everyone's attention, raising a glass as she stood on the grand staircase overlooking the ballroom. "Thank you all for joining us tonight," she began, her voice commanding yet warm. "Today marks a special day, not just for our family, but for my sons, Nyx and Astor. Twelve years ago, they brought joy and light into our lives, and every day since has been a gift. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them, and I'm certain it will be nothing short of extraordinary."
The guests raised their glasses in unison, offering a toast. I felt a swell of pride as I stood there, surrounded by people who had watched us grow, supported by the warmth of our family and the respect of the city's elite.
As the night wore on, Astor and I managed to slip away from the crowd, seeking refuge on one of the balconies that overlooked the city. The cool evening breeze was a welcome relief from the heat of the ballroom, and we stood there for a moment in silence, gazing at the twinkling lights of the city below.
"Not bad for a birthday, huh?" Astor said, leaning on the balcony railing with a grin.
I nodded. "Yeah, it was good. Different from our usual adventures, but… I liked it."
He chuckled. "I'll take that as a win, then."
As we stood there, the distant sounds of music and laughter drifting on the wind, I felt a sense of contentment. The future was uncertain, with the Academy and all the responsibilities it would bring, but for now, it was enough to enjoy this moment, surrounded by family, friends, and the city that had always been our home.
And with that, our twelfth birthday came to a close, the memories of the day becoming another chapter in the story of our lives.