The Rael estate stirred with more energy than usual, the impending clan gathering casting long shadows of anticipation. Servants moved hastily through the hallways, preparing rooms for the influx of guests from other branches of the clan, while the younger generation gathered in quiet corners, sparring or discussing strategies for the upcoming contests. For Raiden, these two months had passed in relative silence. Although Torrin's taunts hadn't ceased, Raiden had managed to maintain a low profile, avoiding any significant confrontations.
This particular morning, Raiden found himself sitting in the Rael family library, a space rarely used by the younger clan members. He appreciated the silence the room offered, with shelves towering above him, filled with dusty tomes that held ancient knowledge. He was browsing through a text on elemental affinities, though his thoughts were elsewhere, drifting to the upcoming clan gathering and the whispers of conflict that seemed inevitable.
"You're wasting your time, you know."
Raiden didn't need to turn to know who had spoken. Seren, his younger sister, stepped out from behind one of the bookshelves, her light steps barely audible on the wooden floor.
"I was just reading," Raiden replied, his eyes still on the page. He had grown used to her sharp observations, though her tone was more of concern than criticism.
"You always read." Seren sat down across from him, folding her arms. "Yet I don't see you practicing as much. Torrin's going to tear you apart if you don't."
Raiden smirked at her words, flipping another page. "Let him try."
Seren frowned. "You should take this seriously, Raiden. People are watching. The elders have started whispering about your lack of progress."
Raiden looked up at his sister, meeting her gaze. "I am taking this seriously. But I need to be careful with how much I show."
She raised an eyebrow. "Careful, or just avoiding confrontation?"
A flicker of irritation crossed his face. "There's more going on here than just who has the flashiest technique, Seren. Torrin may flaunt his power, but I don't need to stoop to his level to win."
Seren sighed, clearly unconvinced. "You think too much, Raiden. You always do."
"I'd rather think too much than act impulsively," he replied dryly, before setting the book aside and standing. "Anyway, enough about Torrin. What have you been up to?"
Her expression softened slightly as she stood, mirroring his movement. "The usual. Just making sure things are in order for the guests arriving soon. The elders want everything perfect."
Raiden nodded, his gaze drifting toward the window. "Everyone seems tense. Especially with the Vidar family showing interest in this year's gathering."
Seren followed his gaze, her voice lowering. "You've heard the rumors then?"
"I have."
The Vidar family was one of the most powerful in the region, and it was no secret that their presence at the gathering held weight. But what had piqued Raiden's interest recently was their heir, a man named Eirik Vidar, whose ambitions extended beyond just the contests.
"He's set his sights on Lillia," Seren whispered, her tone unreadable.
Raiden's gaze sharpened. "Lillia? Why would he—"
"Her family, obviously. The Vidars are powerful, but they've always been looking for a way to gain even more influence." She paused, glancing over at Raiden. "And Lillia's family is…different."
Raiden remained silent, letting his sister continue.
"No one knows much about them. They're rarely seen, and their family has kept to themselves for generations. But their influence runs deep, and everyone who meets Lillia claims she possesses some kind of celestial beauty." Seren gave Raiden a pointed look. "You've met her, haven't you?"
Raiden's lips pressed into a thin line. "Barely."
"She's not one to talk much, but people notice her anyway. And Eirik…he's noticed."
"Let him notice all he wants. It's none of my concern," Raiden replied curtly, though his mind lingered on the mention of Lillia's family. Rarely seen, but powerful? It sounded all too familiar.
Seren seemed unconvinced. "Eirik doesn't strike me as the type to give up easily. He'll likely try something at the gathering."
Raiden's brow furrowed slightly. "Then that's his mistake to make."
Before Seren could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway, and both siblings turned to see Torrin striding into the library. His presence instantly filled the room with tension, his eyes briefly flicking over Raiden with a sneer before settling on Seren.
"Ah, little sister Seren. Planning Raiden's next excuse for failure?" Torrin's voice was laced with venom.
Seren stiffened, her lips curling in distaste. "Not everything revolves around you, Torrin."
"Of course it doesn't," Torrin replied casually, stepping closer. "But we all know how much he needs your support. Without it, he'd crumble in a moment."
Raiden stood firm, his expression neutral. "I don't need her support. And I certainly don't need yours."
Torrin's eyes flashed dangerously. "Careful, little brother. You may be family, but even family has limits."
"And yet, you always seem to be pushing those limits," Raiden remarked, his voice calm. "What do you want, Torrin?"
Torrin scoffed, folding his arms. "What do I want? To remind you of your place, naturally. The clan gathering is coming up, and I'd hate for you to embarrass us in front of our guests."
Raiden's lips curled into a faint smirk. "You mean you're afraid I'll outperform you."
Torrin's smile faded slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Keep dreaming."
Seren stepped between them, her voice firm. "Enough, Torrin. We all have better things to do than listen to your posturing."
Torrin laughed, though the sound lacked warmth. "Fine. Enjoy your peace while you can, Raiden. It won't last."
With that, he turned and left, his presence lingering like a dark cloud in the room.
Seren exhaled slowly. "He's getting worse."
Raiden nodded, his gaze following Torrin's retreating figure. "Let him. He'll get what's coming to him."
Seren gave him a worried look. "Just be careful, Raiden."
Raiden offered her a reassuring smile. "I always am."
Later that day, Raiden found himself in one of the training fields on the outskirts of the estate. The sky had darkened with the promise of rain, and the wind carried the scent of wet earth. He had been avoiding these fields for weeks, knowing that Torrin and his followers often trained here, but with the gathering fast approaching, he needed to sharpen his skills.
As he moved through the forms of his elemental techniques, he could feel the tension in his muscles, the weight of the coming days pressing down on him. The whispers of his Chaos Root stirred in the back of his mind, the power simmering just beneath the surface, but he kept it in check. Now was not the time to reveal everything.
A flash of movement caught his eye, and he turned to see a group of younger clan members watching him from a distance. Among them, one figure stood out—a girl with dark milk chocolate skin and flowing hair that shimmered faintly in the dim light.
Lillia.
She didn't approach, nor did she speak, but her presence was enough to unsettle him. For a moment, their eyes met, and Raiden could feel the weight of her gaze—cold, calculating, and entirely unimpressed. She turned away without a word, leaving him standing in the field, alone once more.
The wind picked up, carrying with it the distant sound of thunder. Raiden clenched his fists, his thoughts racing. The clan gathering was coming, and with it, the storm he had been preparing for all his life.
And this time, he would be ready.
This version adds more dialogue between Raiden, Seren, and Torrin while maintaining subtle hints about Lillia and the Vidar family's ambitions. It builds tension without rushing, allowing space for character dynamics to develop naturally, all while preparing for the upcoming clan gathering.