After the events that had unfolded over the past few days, Basil felt the need to understand his new life better, to reconnect with his family—at least as much as he could. He had spent so much time alone, either locked in his training or acting out in his reckless ways, that he had never truly gotten to know his siblings. They were his family, and despite everything, Basil knew deep down that they were all still important.
The atmosphere in the Eryndor estate had changed somewhat since the events with the maid. The tension between him and his family members had softened, and Basil knew it was only a matter of time before he would have to earn their trust again. He didn't expect instant acceptance. He had a long road ahead of him, but he was determined to make it right.
One afternoon, Basil was called to the large dining hall, where most of his family had gathered. The table was set with an elaborate spread of food, a mixture of both the richest dishes and simple, home-cooked favorites. The family head, his father, sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable, as always. Basil's mother, now free from her prison cell, was beside him, looking at her children with a mixture of pride and quiet joy. His brothers and sisters were already seated around the table, chatting amongst themselves.
It was a strange experience for Basil. He had grown up in this mansion, but everything felt different now. Not just because his mother had returned, but because of his own shift in attitude and outlook. He was no longer the reckless son; now, he had the chance to build a better future.
His younger sister, who was only five years old, was sitting at the edge of the table, her small horns peeking out from under her hair. She had the dragon's tail, her features betraying their true lineage. Basil couldn't help but smile at her innocence. Unlike him, she hadn't been tainted by the cruelty of the world.
"Brother, do you want to join me for dessert?" his younger sister asked shyly, holding up a small bowl of fruit.
Basil was taken aback. He hadn't expected her to approach him so naturally. But there it was—a small, tentative step toward building a bond.
"Of course," he replied with a soft smile, sitting beside her.
As they shared a meal, his older siblings—especially his brothers—watched with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The quiet tension was still there, but Basil didn't mind. It was only natural that they would be wary of him. They had seen him at his worst.
His step sister, a twin, glanced at him curiously. "You've changed, Basil," she remarked softly. "It's strange to see you... calm."
He chuckled, his mind racing. "I'm still me. But I've realized something. The world's not just about power. It's about people. And I need to stop pushing everyone away."
The moment felt surprisingly sincere. His siblings were not completely sure how to react, but there was a subtle shift in the air. His words had an impact, even if they were small.
As the meal continued, he began to learn more about each of his siblings. His second sister, the one who had spoken earlier, was sharp-minded and held the family's diplomatic ties with grace. She was someone who kept the family's interests intact when it came to negotiations. His brothers, though not as vocal, were strong-willed, each with their own sense of pride. His youngest brother—still a child—had a fire in his eyes that matched Basil's own when he was that age.
Basil realized that every one of his siblings had a role to play, each contributing to the family's prominence. He had been so focused on his own behavior that he had never truly understood them, their strengths, or their fears.
And as he sat there, listening to them, he felt an unfamiliar sense of belonging. This was his family. His blood. He had a long road ahead, but for the first time, Basil began to feel the weight of his responsibilities not just to his family, but to them as individuals.