Chapter 5 - "Awakening Revelations"
Eira observed the room but felt as if a gaze had vanished. She shook her head and mumbled to herself, "What was that? I felt like someone was staring at me." Confusion washed over her; she hadn't provoked anyone today—except maybe Elara—so why would someone be watching her?
"What's wrong, Lady Eira?" Lindy asked, her expression filled with curiosity as she glanced at Eira.
"It's nothing, Lindy. Let's go; I feel the evaluation has already started," Eira replied, her voice small yet clear.
Moments later, Eira and her maid approached the ancestral house. Shadows danced alongside soft blue light, playing across the icy stone walls and giving the structure a haunting beauty. Frost curled in delicate, lace-like patterns over the surface, while towering columns stood sentinel, cloaked in shimmering layers of ice. Icicles hung from the roof's edge, glimmering faintly as if they were hiding secrets within. The spires stretched skyward, veiled by slow-falling snow, lending the entire place a quiet, almost eerie stillness.
As they stepped inside, Eira saw her two sisters already gathered with the elders, their figures silhouetted against the faint blue glow in the hall. The elders turned toward her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and expectation, assessing the young girl before them. Elara stood nearby, a smirk on her face, clearly amused at the thought of Eira facing any scrutiny.
"Lindy, you can wait here for me. You don't have to worry about me; I'll be fine," Eira said. Lindy nodded immediately; she could always inquire for information from the elders, so she wouldn't have to worry about reporting the results.
"Eira, you're here! Come, come! I'm curious because they say you've become kinder. Kuh, I had to see it for myself!" Sylvia Nivara exclaimed, her eyes still closed as she spoke.
Sylvia, our third sister and a striking reflection of our mother's ethereal beauty, had blue hair that fell in soft waves, catching the light with a subtle glow. Her pale blue eyes, calm yet perceptive, hinted at a warmth that drew others in.
Dressed in an ice-blue gown adorned with white dragon patterns, she displayed a mature, hourglass figure. Sylvia's presence was a cool breeze, lively yet softened by a gentle allure, captivating everyone who crossed her path.
"Pfft! No, they're just talking nonsense! I'm still me! Do you really believe a few changes could alter a person?" Eira refuted, crossing her arms defiantly.
"Eh, you're no fun! Just let big sister hug you and check if it's true or not!" Sylvia teased, a playful grin spreading across her face.
"I don't want to!" Eira protested, pretending to sulk, even as her heart raced with a mix of embarrassment and excitement.
"Too bad!" Sylvia pouted, her playful demeanor unwavering. Suddenly, she opened her eyes, and Eira was taken aback by the glowing purple aura emanating from her pupils.
"Shish shish," Sylvia murmured, and an unusual force enveloped Eira, rendering her motionless. Panic surged within her as she realized she couldn't escape.
"Argh! Sister, let go of me!" Eira squeaked, her voice high-pitched and adorable enough to send shivers down the spines of those around her.
Elara stood off to the side, arms crossed, an amused smirk playing on her lips as she watched the playful chaos unfold. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of her little sister squirming in Sylvia's grasp. Eira, always the troublemaker, had a knack for getting under everyone's skin, and now it was her turn to face the consequences of her antics. The role reversal was delightful to witness.
"Look at you now, Eira!" Elara teased, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "hehehe, hahahaha "
Eira shot her a glare, but it was hard to maintain her indignation when her sister was so clearly enjoying the moment. Elara's laughter filled the room, adding to the playful atmosphere, even as the elders observed with a mix of amusement and concern.
"Why are you resisting, Eira? You need to let go of everything and let me do whatever I want," Sylvia insisted, her tone shifting to a strange blend of command and playfulness.
The elders exchanged wary glances, knowing how delicate and precious Eira was to their matriarch, their mother. They understood that if this continued, there would be consequences for all involved.
"Nooo!" Eira shouted, tears brimming in her eyes as she struggled against the embrace. She felt helpless, frustration and embarrassment bubbling within her. Despite her protests, Sylvia tightened her grip, wrapping her arms around Eira in a fierce embrace, burying her face in Eira's shoulder.
"Just a little hug!" Sylvia cooed, her laughter ringing in Eira's ears. Eira squirmed, trying to push her away, but it was no use. Sylvia was relentless.
"Enough, both of you!" The authoritative voice of one of the elders cut through the lighthearted chaos, and the room fell silent.
Eira felt Sylvia's grip lessen, but Sylvia just stared at the elder before ignoring them and continuing.
"No, Miss Sylvia, stop! We are here to check if they have awakened or not, not just to play around. If Matriarch Seraphina knew this was happening, not only I would be punished, but also you," the elder said, their tone worried. The reminder made Sylvia put down Eira, closing her eyes as she sighed.
"Haaahh, I'm satisfied. You can take Eira and check if she has awakened," she said, her expression slightly disappointed as she walked to her chair, then sat down to observe the results while Eira lay on the floor, panting.
"Ugh... you Bitch! If I surpass your strength one day, I'll teach you a lesson," Eira said, looking at Sylvia with a resentful glare.
After that, she wiped her tears and stood up, walking over to the elder. The elder guided her to the massive ice monument that radiated a profound aura and coldness that could freeze an ordinary person to death just by being nearby.
"Place your hand here, Lady Eira," she said in a careful tone, as one of the elders who had worked here for decades knew that Eira was the favorite of Matriarch Seraphina.
"Yes," Eira replied, placing her hands on the monument. Seconds later, the aura of the monument exploded and became denser, its temperature plummeting to the point that it could freeze everything in its path. Sylvia and Elara were shocked, their eyes wide as they witnessed the glowing light, indicating that Eira had truly awakened, not just a rumor about her personality change.
"Woah, not bad, Eira," Sylvia said, smiling. But Elara's face was devastated; she hadn't expected her younger sister to awaken before her.