Astra wasn't the kind of person to start a conversation, but that didn't mean she ignored others who spoke to her. During their hour-long drive, both Calix and Rowan had discovered that she always listened and responded when addressed, even if her replies were just a few words.
Rowan had been talking to her without even stopping to breathe, talking about everything and nothing at all. He told her about his favorite local restaurants, the best places to watch the sunset, and stories from his and Calix's childhood that made his older brother groan in embarrassment.
Sometimes Calix would interject with a dry comment or a correction to Rowan's more outlandish claims, and through it all, Astra listened. She never complained, never showed any sign of irritation.
The brothers could not help but find her adorable. At first glance, Astra seemed cold and unreachable, like a star glimpsed through winter frost. But in reality, she was such a warm and precious soul.
The car soon arrived at Lennox estate, the intimidating black iron gates opening to let the car go through.
The headlights of the car revealed the long driveway that led up to the mansion. The car rolled forward, passing through a lush, carefully maintained garden that was illuminated by soft garden lights.
Halfway through, the driveway split into two paths that curved around a fountain. Water cascaded over black marble, flowing around the statue of a massive serpent coiled around a ceremonial dagger. What made the statue truly striking were the blood-red gems embedded in the serpent's eyes, catching the lights of the estate, making it look like the serpent was alive and watching, its gaze following visitors as they passed.
In the distance, the mansion came into full view. It was a towering three-story structure, the walls painted in shades of black and gray with a hint of white. The front of the mansion was lined with a variety of sleek, expensive cars.
Astra was looking up at the mansion, her expression as unreadable as ever.
Calix stepped forward, holding the car door open as he offered Astra a small smile. "Welcome home, little sister."
"Thank you," Astra replied, her voice quiet as she stepped out.
Her eyes swept over the long line of servants who had gathered to greet them, each bowing deeply. She tilted her head slightly, the scene feeling foreign to her.
Until just yesterday, she lived in a small two-story house in a small town with no one but her mother who was often away for work. Now, she was going to live in a place that one could define as a castle, surely a castle from a vampire novel but still a castle. Not only that but she would also be surrounded by people she did not know. Just the thought of it overwhelmed her though she did not show it on her face. Her face remained a blank canvas.
"Master Calix, Master Rowan, you two are finally back," a middle-aged woman approached with a warm smile. Her eyes filtered past Astra as if she did not notice her.
"Nanny Rose!," Roman placed a hand on the woman's shoulder, "Why didn't you come with us? You should've seen Father. I swear I've never seen him so happy before."
His words caused Rosetta's smile to falter ever so slightly. The change was so imperceptible that neither Calix nor Rowan noticed, but Astra caught it.
Rosetta waved a hand dismissively, "If I had come along, who would've kept things in order?"
"Bummer. You are always too worried about the estate," Rowan responded in disappointment before his smile came back on his face, "anyways, let me introduce you to Astra. Our little sister."
Rosetta's eyes moved to Astra, her gaze scanning her from head to toe before they settled on her face. "Miss Astra, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Thank you," Astra gave her a small nod. Something dark flickered briefly in her eyes, but it was gone so quickly that no one noticed.
Her gaze shifted to Calix, who had been watching the interaction in silence. "I'm tired. I'd like to rest now if that's alright."
Calix nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Of course. I'll show you to your room."
"Master Calix, there's no need to trouble yourself with such a small task," Rosetta interjected. "I can have one of the maids assist Miss Astra."
"There is no need for that, Nanny Rosetta," Calix responded. "Astra is my sister. I don't mind doing these small tasks for her."
Unlike Rowan, Calix did not seem close to the woman who had been by their side when their mother was not. Many even said that she was more like their mother than their actual mother.
"If that is what you would like," Rosetta smiled and slightly bowed.
"Come on, Astra," Calix said, gesturing toward the grand entrance. Rowan fell into step beside them.
While Astra listened to Rowan who talked about how they had hired the city's best interior designer to arrange her room to her tastes based on descriptions their mother had provided, she looked over her shoulder, at the woman who stood motionless at the entrance, her gaze cast downward, a faint frown pulling at her lips.
Astra's room was located on the third floor, the floor that was entirely his and Calix's, and now, Astra's as well. They each had a separate hallway, with multiple rooms beside their bedrooms for them to use. The hallways given to Astra were painted in cream colors.
"We only prepared your bedroom for now," Rowan explained as they walked down the hallway. "The other rooms have been left untouched so you can arrange them however you like. You know, maybe a library, a music room, or... whatever you need."
When they reached the end of the hall, Rowan pushed open a white door, revealing Astra's new bedroom. She stared at the room that was five times the size of her old room and internally sighed.
The walls were painted a soft lavender, complemented by flowing white curtains that framed floor-to-ceiling windows that served as a door to the attached balcony overlooking the estate's gardens. Sunlight streamed in, casting warm patterns across the plush cream carpet.
A king-sized bed dominated one wall, dressed in layers of white and pale purple linens and a canopy of sheer curtains hung over it. Matching nightstands in weathered white wood flanked the bed, each topped with crystal lamps.
On the opposite wall, a sitting area had been arranged with a small white loveseat and a reading chair, positioned near built-in bookshelves that stretched from floor to ceiling. The shelves were mostly empty, save for a few carefully chosen decorative pieces in silver and crystal.
The French door that led to the walk-in closet was open, revealing a glimpse of the inside. Next to it, a white vanity table sat beneath an ornately framed mirror, its surface arranged with perfume bottles and a jewelry box.
[I don't think I would be needing the other rooms.]