The realization hit me like a spell out of nowhere: it was my birthday. My twenty-second birthday, to be exact. The thought had been buried under the chaos of the last few hours and the rushed journey back home.
But now, with the castle's halls buzzing with activity and the lingering warmth of family surrounding me, it finally dawned on me.
"Happy birthday to me," I muttered under my breath, shaking my head.
Rowena nudged me with her elbow, a mischievous grin plastered on her face. "Feeling old yet?"
"Not as old as you," I shot back, smirking.
"You're literally my twin, idiot," she said, rolling her eyes.
Before I could respond, I spotted Lydia nearby, chatting casually with some of the castle staff. She seemed to radiate elegance effortlessly, her golden hair catching the light as she laughed at something one of them said. I approached her, curiosity gnawing at me.
