Dusk painted the sky in hues of orange and purple as the carriage crossed the drawbridge of Violet Castle. Banners bearing the Flower family crest fluttered gently in the breeze, and torches began to illuminate the battlements.
Edward and Guillermina stepped out of the carriage, greeted by a welcoming committee of servants and guards. At the forefront stood their parents, Duke Raion and Duchess Reineza, their smiles warm and inviting.
"Welcome home!" their mother exclaimed, arms open wide.
"Mother, Father," Guillermina greeted, embracing them both.
Edward smiled, a comforting warmth filling him at being among family again. "It's good to be back."
Their father patted their shoulders. "You've both grown so much. It's heartening to see the fine young adults you're becoming."
As they entered the castle, the twins noticed subtle changes. There was increased activity, additional guards, and a general atmosphere of constant motion.
"Things have been quite hectic," their father explained. "But we've managed to stabilize the situation. The sale of the Frisian horses has strengthened our alliances."
"And Raimon?" Edward inquired. "Is he here?"
"He's in a meeting with several nobles," their mother replied. "But he'll be thrilled to see you. He's spoken of you often."
"We've missed him," Guillermina said. "His achievements are impressive."
"They are," their father agreed. "But enough of business for now. Rest and prepare for dinner. There's much to celebrate."
That evening, the main dining hall glowed with chandeliers and floral arrangements. The Flower family gathered, including Raimon, who entered with a broad smile.
"My dear siblings!" he exclaimed, embracing them enthusiastically. "Look how much you've grown!"
"Raimon, it's wonderful to see you," Guillermina said. "We've heard so much about your accomplishments."
"And I about yours," he replied. "I can't wait to hear all you've learned."
Dinner proceeded with laughter and lively conversation. The twins shared anecdotes from the Institute, carefully avoiding mention of the kidnapping attempts and Edward's issues. Raimon spoke of his projects, including advancements in alchemy and plans to further strengthen the duchy.
"We have much work ahead," Raimon noted. "But with all of us together, I'm confident we'll achieve great things."
Edward felt a twinge in his chest—not physical pain, but doubt. Could he trust his family with his concerns? He looked at Raimon, whose confidence and determination were evident.
After dinner, the siblings retreated to the gardens for a private conversation.
"You seem thoughtful," Raimon observed, sitting beside Edward on a stone bench. "Is there something you'd like to share?"
Edward hesitated. "I've been having... strange dreams."
Raimon frowned with concern. "What kind of dreams?"
"About a silver dragon. It's enormous, destructive. And there are voices whispering to me, urging me to do terrible things."
Raimon studied him intently. "How long has this been happening?"
"For a while, but it's intensified in recent months."
"Have you experienced other symptoms? Physical pain, changes in your aura..."
Edward nodded slowly. "Chest pains. And sometimes, I lose control during training."
Raimon sighed, contemplating. "It's possible there are residual effects from the bloodline curse. Though the alchemical treatments helped, in your case, we may need to do more."
"Do you think there's something wrong with me?"
"It's not that something's wrong, but we might be dealing with a late manifestation of our heritage. Our lineage is tied to the Silver Dragon King—a powerful but dangerous force if not properly controlled."
"What can we do?"
"We'll work together to find a solution. I'll speak with our parents and Grandfather. In the meantime, avoid intensive training and get plenty of rest."
Edward felt relieved to have unburdened himself. "Thank you, Raimon. I didn't want to worry anyone."
"It's our responsibility to look after one another. Never hesitate to come to me."
The next day, Raimon convened a private meeting with Duke Raion, Duchess Reineza, and Grandfather Alaric. Edward joined them, nervous but resolute.
"We need to address Edward's issue urgently," Raimon began, detailing the symptoms and concerns.
Alaric nodded thoughtfully. "The heritage of the Silver Dragon King is formidable. If it manifests without control, it could be dangerous for him and those around him."
The Duchess clasped Edward's hand. "Son, I'm sorry you've been dealing with this alone. You should have told us."
"I didn't want to be a burden," he murmured.
"You are always our priority," his father affirmed. "We'll seek the best experts to help you."
"We might consider an additional purification of his aura," Raimon suggested. "And specialized training to manage the energy."
Alaric stood up. "I know someone who could assist us—an old ally with deep knowledge of draconic bloodlines."
"Then there's no time to waste," declared the Duke. "We'll do whatever is necessary."
Edward felt a mix of relief and anxiety. He was grateful for his family's support but apprehensive about what this situation might entail.
As preparations were made, Guillermina approached Edward in the library.
"I heard about the meeting," she said softly. "How are you feeling?"
"A bit overwhelmed," he admitted. "But it's good not to have to hide it anymore."
"I'm here for anything you need," she assured him. "We'll get through this together."
"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
She smiled. "We're twins, remember? We'll always be connected."
In the following days, a man of imposing presence arrived at the castle. He wore elegant robes and carried a staff adorned with draconic symbols.
"This is Dragon Master Elandor," Alaric introduced. "An expert in draconic bloodlines and aura manipulation."
Elandor bowed politely. "It's an honor to serve the Flower family. I've been informed of Edward's situation."
"Do you believe you can help him?" the Duchess asked hopefully.
"I am confident that together we can find a solution. But it will require patience and effort."
Edward met with Elandor in a secluded chamber of the castle. The master examined his aura, tracing symbols in the air and murmuring ancient words.
"I sense a strong draconic presence within you," Elandor observed. "It's like an overflowing river. We need to build channels to guide that energy."
"How will we do that?" Edward asked.
"Through meditation, aura control, and possibly a bonding ceremony. But first, we must strengthen your spirit."
Thus began a strict regimen of spiritual training. Edward spent hours in meditation, learning to identify and channel the energy within. Elandor guided him patiently, teaching him ancestral techniques.
"Focus on your breath. Visualize the energy as a gentle stream, not a raging torrent."
Initially, Edward struggled to maintain concentration. The whispers persisted, trying to distract him. But gradually, he began to feel an inner calm—a balance he hadn't experienced before.
One day, during a session, he managed to visualize the silver dragon not as a destructive beast but as a majestic, serene entity. Its scales glowed with pure light, and its eyes, once dark, reflected wisdom.
"I see it," he said with a trembling voice. "It's beautiful."
"Well done," Elandor praised. "You've taken a significant step."
As Edward progressed in his training, he also met with Guillermina and Raimon to catch up on Imperial affairs. They discussed the new alliances formed thanks to the Frisian horses and the political shifts at court.
"Tensions are rising in the south," Raimon reported. "Some nobles are unhappy with the emperor's recent decisions."
"Do you think conflict is imminent?" Guillermina asked.
"It's possible. We need to be prepared."
Edward interjected. "Perhaps we can use our connections to mediate. Preventing a war would benefit everyone."
"Good idea," Raimon agreed. "Your diplomatic skills could be valuable."
On their fifteenth birthday, the twins were celebrated with a grand feast at the castle. Nobles and allies came to offer congratulations, and the atmosphere was one of joy and hope.
Edward felt renewed. Though the path ahead was still long, he was confident he could master his heritage and use it for good. Looking at his family and friends, he felt profound gratitude.
"This is the beginning of a new chapter," he said, raising his glass. "To us, to our family, and to the future of the Empire."
"To the future!" everyone echoed in unison.
That night, before retiring, Edward met with Elandor in the gardens.
"You've made remarkable progress," the master commended. "But remember, control is an ongoing process."
"I know. But I feel more confident now."
"I trust you'll achieve great things. Your spirit is strong, and your heart is in the right place."
Edward smiled. "Thank you for everything, Master."
"Always at your service."
As he walked back to the castle, Edward gazed up at the starry sky. The stars shone brightly, and for the first time in a long while, he felt the future was full of possibilities.