Just as she approached the main archway leading to the garden, a familiar voice echoed behind her. Helena, with Eric trailing beside her, spotted Aria. Helena's eyes widened in shock, and she instinctively stopped in her tracks, pulling Eric closer to her side.
"Aria…?" she whispered under her breath, disbelief clouding her expression. The sister she had dismissed as plain and unremarkable now stood before her, radiating beauty that felt almost otherworldly. Her flawless skin glowed under the light, her long, silver hair shinning from the rays of the sun. The royal blue hue of her dress matched the sparkle in her sharp, intelligent eyes, eyes that held no trace of the timid girl Helena remembered.
Helena's thoughts churned in disbelief. Is this Aria? How could someone like her… How could she look like this? The realization sent a jolt of panic through her.
