The Eryndor Family's training grounds were nothing short of awe-inspiring. Spread across several acres, the grounds were divided into sections for various forms of training: archery, hand-to-hand combat, elemental magic, and swordsmanship. Basil, now a regular visitor to these grounds, walked toward the swordsmanship arena with measured steps.
The clashing of blades echoed through the air as two figures sparred in the center of the arena. Lia and Selene, the 15-year-old twin daughters of Lady Isolde, moved with an elegance that belied their age. Their forms were precise, their movements fluid, and their strikes carried an intensity that could rival seasoned swordsmen. Lia's wind-infused attacks were swift and almost invisible, while Selene's electro-infused strikes crackled with raw energy.
Basil stopped to observe, a faint smile playing on his lips. His twin half-sisters had always been exceptional, and it was evident that they were serious about honing their craft. However, as he approached the arena, the sparring abruptly ceased. Both sisters turned to face him, their gazes sharp and wary.
"What are you doing here?" Selene's voice was cold, her tone carrying a hint of suspicion.
"I thought I'd see how my dear sisters were progressing," Basil replied casually, his tone light but devoid of the arrogance that once defined him.
Lia crossed her arms, her wind-infused blade dissipating into thin air. "We don't need your approval," she said sharply. "We've trained without you watching all this time, and we'll continue to do so."
Basil sighed inwardly. Their hostility wasn't unexpected. He had been distant, dismissive, and outright cruel in the past. It was only natural for them to harbor resentment. Still, he had hoped that his recent actions might have softened their stance, even if just a little.
"I didn't come to approve or interfere," Basil said sincerely. "I simply wanted to watch. Your swordsmanship is impressive—both of you."
The twins exchanged a glance, their expressions flickering with uncertainty. Selene was the first to respond. "You don't get to act like a caring brother now, Basil. Not after everything."
Her words cut deeper than Basil anticipated, but he maintained his composure. "You're right," he admitted. "I don't deserve your trust or forgiveness, not yet. But I'm trying to change. I've made mistakes—many mistakes—but I want to make amends."
Lia's brows furrowed, and she tilted her head slightly, as if trying to gauge his sincerity. "Your actions recently… with Lira and Mother… they were unexpected. But actions like those don't erase the past."
"I know," Basil said quietly. He stepped closer to the edge of the arena, his hands open in a gesture of peace. "I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm asking for a chance to prove that I'm not the same person I was before. You're both incredible, and I would be honored to learn from you."
"Learn from us?" Selene raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
Basil nodded. "You're masters of your craft, and I would be a fool not to recognize that. I may have strength, but strength without refinement is useless. Teach me, even if you hate me."
The twins stared at him, their hostility giving way to confusion and, perhaps, a hint of curiosity. Lia was the first to break the silence. "You've never admitted weakness before."
Basil chuckled softly. "It's not weakness to acknowledge someone else's strength. It's wisdom."
Selene sighed, running a hand through her hair. "We don't trust you, Basil. Not yet. But… if you're serious about training, you'll have to prove it."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Basil said with a faint smile.
Lia hesitated before summoning her wind-infused blade once more. "Fine. Spar with me. If you're serious, you'll hold your ground."
Selene grinned, her electro blade crackling to life. "And if you're lying, we'll knock some sense into you."
Basil's smile widened. "That's fair."
The spar began, and the arena filled with the sound of clashing blades. Lia's speed was breathtaking, her wind-enhanced strikes coming at him from all angles. Selene's attacks, in contrast, were heavy and explosive, forcing Basil to stay on his toes. It was a battle of precision versus power, and Basil found himself exhilarated by the challenge.
As they fought, the twins began to notice something different about their brother. His movements were fluid, his strikes deliberate, and his defense unyielding. But more than that, there was no arrogance in his demeanor—only focus and respect for their abilities.
By the end of the spar, all three were panting, their weapons lowered. Lia was the first to speak. "You've improved."
Selene nodded reluctantly. "I hate to admit it, but you're not half bad."
Basil chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."
The twins exchanged a glance, their hostility visibly softened. While they weren't ready to fully trust him, it was clear that a small crack had formed in the wall of resentment they had built. For the first time in years, Basil felt a glimmer of hope that he might one day be more than just a brother in name.