Before leaving for Mateo's mansion, Cior found two letters waiting for her on her desk, one from Arven and the other from Amaias. She picked up the first one, recognizing Arven's handwriting, and sighed dramatically as she began to read:
"I am sorry for all that happened. It's your right to be upset with me. I don't understand how a person like me loses control. Maybe you're just too perfect, like the perfect me, but I am sorry. You don't have to be sad because of me. Be happy, and it's all good. Don't be sorrowful, okay?"
Cior rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "The perfect me, huh? That's rich, Arven. But I guess I am pretty amazing. No wonder he lost control." She folded the letter with a flourish, clearly unimpressed but secretly grateful for his apology.
Then, she picked up Amaias's letter. "Let's see what the ever-so-guarded Amaias has to say," she muttered sarcastically, unfolding the note.
"I won't be with you there, so be cautious. No getting too close to the boys, and I'm worried about you, so send me a letter every week."
She blinked a few times, then shook her head in mock horror. "Oh, Amaias, what would I ever do without your constant surveillance? I mean, I'm only trying to go have a normal time without someone over-analyzing every little move I make. But sure, no getting too close to the boys. Because why would I do that when I could just bury myself in my lab, right?" she said, clutching the letter dramatically to her chest as if it were a fragile treasure.
She threw both letters onto her bed and stretched dramatically, standing tall and declaring to the empty room, "You know what? Enough of this. I'm going to Mateo's mansion. I'm going to have fun. I'm going to laugh, eat, and pretend the world doesn't exist for a while. Who cares about lingering feelings and personal boundaries? I'll live as I please!"
With a flourish, she picked up her bag, slinging it over her shoulder, and made her way out of the lab. "Time to go and pretend I'm not the center of attention—at least for a little while," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Let's see if I survive being surrounded by boys who can't seem to control their feelings... again," she added, shaking her head with a knowing smirk. As she headed out, she couldn't help but think, This is going to be interesting.
Cior arrived at Mateo's mansion, greeted by the warm smiles of his parents. His mother, a graceful woman with long brown hair, welcomed her with a hug, while his father, a tall and distinguished man, gave her a firm handshake.
"Welcome, Cior! It's so nice to have you here," Mateo's mother said, her voice warm and inviting.
"Yeah, it's been a while since we've had guests over!" Mateo's father added with a smile.
Cior smiled back, though her dramatic flair was always close by. "Thanks for having me, I'm just here to relax and enjoy a peaceful few months," she said, her voice tinged with sarcasm, "Can't promise I'll be the model guest, though!"
At that, Mateo's younger sister, a little girl with wide brown eyes and bouncing curls, ran up to Cior, her face lit up with excitement. "Are you the super cool Cior I've heard so much about?" she asked, eyes full of admiration.
Cior grinned and bent down to her level, tapping her nose playfully. "I'm definitely the cool one. But, I might have to teach you some super cool moves—only if you promise to keep it a secret."
The little girl gasped. "I'll keep it a secret! I promise!"
Mateo's younger brother, a quiet boy with messy black hair, stepped forward shyly, his eyes flicking toward Cior. "Are you really the same Cior everyone talks about?" he asked in a small voice.
Cior raised an eyebrow and said dramatically, "Oh, you know, just your average genius who's here to save the world—no big deal."
The boy blinked, clearly unsure of whether to believe her or not, but the playful tone in her voice eased his nerves. "That sounds... cool," he said softly.
As Mateo gave a loud, exaggerated sigh from behind, Cior couldn't help but laugh. "This is going to be so much fun, isn't it? A mansion full of adorable siblings, and I get to be the one to teach them my 'cool moves,'" she teased, shooting Mateo a mischievous grin.
Mateo just shook his head, but a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You've got no idea what you're getting into, Cior."
As the day continued, Cior found herself surrounded by the warmth and energy of the family. She tried her best to ignore the lingering thoughts about her own secrets and past troubles, focusing instead on this new chapter—however temporary. There were three months ahead of her, and for once, she might just allow herself to relax and enjoy the chaos... or so she hoped.
The mansion was far from quiet, especially with Mateo and Ziven around, but there was something comforting about the noise. It felt like a new kind of home.
After three months of living at Mateo's mansion, Cior had grown surprisingly fond of the lively atmosphere. She spent her days helping Mateo's younger siblings with their lessons, teaching them her "cool moves" (which mostly involved dramatic hand gestures and exaggerated poses), and indulging in playful antics with Ziven. Though she tried to keep her mind off the complexities of her life and the tangled feelings surrounding the boys back at the academy, it was hard not to notice the difference in the way she had been feeling—lighter, almost carefree.
One afternoon, as they all sat down for their final meal before heading back to the academy, Cior dramatically sighed, resting her chin on her hand.
"Three months of pure bliss," she said, staring at her plate with exaggerated sorrow. "And now, it's all over. Back to the grind, the classes, the endless drama."
Ziven grinned. "You say that like you're going to miss it. What's the real reason you're sad about leaving?"
Cior shot him a teasing glance. "Oh, I'm just heartbroken to leave this charming family of yours and head back to the chaos that is the academy. Don't worry, I'll be fine. But I have to admit, I did enjoy not having to pretend to be Lunette for once."
Mateo chuckled from the other side of the table, giving her a knowing look. "You've been doing way too much pretending lately. I think it's good for you to just be Cior for a change."
Cior nodded dramatically. "True. The world doesn't deserve my complicated persona, does it?"
Ziven leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're definitely not as complicated as you think. But I do agree, we all need a break from pretending every now and then. And besides, the academy is waiting for us—and your dramatic entrance."
"Oh, please," Cior groaned. "I can't wait to show up and not get recognized by everyone who thinks I'm a different person. That should be fun."
Mateo's little sister piped up, her face full of concern. "Are you going to miss us, Cior?"
Cior's heart melted a little, and she smiled down at the girl. "Of course I will. You guys have been so much fun. Just don't expect me to come back here again anytime soon—three months was about all I could handle."
The little boy, ever the quiet one, looked up at Cior with a shy smile. "We'll miss you," he whispered.
"Aw, you're going to make me all sentimental!" Cior said dramatically, wiping away an imaginary tear. "Don't worry, I'll send you so many letters—probably with my signature ridiculous handwriting."
With that, Mateo's parents hugged her goodbye, and she reluctantly packed her things. As she stood at the front door, ready to leave, she paused for a moment, taking in the sounds of the mansion, the laughter, and the warmth. It was a stark contrast to the cold reality she would soon return to. But for now, she shoved those thoughts away and put on her best sarcastic grin.
"Time to go back to the adventures of the academy, where the drama never ends," she muttered to herself.
Ziven, standing next to her, gave her an encouraging nudge. "Don't worry. We'll survive the chaos, won't we?"
Cior nodded, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "As long as I get to make an exit worthy of my legend, I think I'll be just fine."
With that, they all piled into the carriage and headed back to the academy, leaving behind the carefree days of the mansion for what promised to be another chapter of twists, turns, and—of course—drama.