The days following the assassination attempt were a blur of fear, anger, and determination. The palace, once a place of safety and comfort, became a fortress, its walls lined with guards and its halls filled with whispers of conspiracy. Kaelith and Elara were rarely allowed out of sight, their every move monitored and protected. But even as the kingdom tightened its defenses, the scars of that day remained—both visible and invisible.
Kaelith's back bore the jagged mark of the assassin's blade, a constant reminder of how close she had come to losing everything. The scar was a source of shame for Elara, who blamed herself for not being able to heal it completely. But for Kaelith, it was a badge of honor, a testament to her determination to protect her sister. She wore it proudly, her crimson eyes burning with a fierce resolve that only grew stronger with time.
The First Year
In the months that followed, Kaelith became colder to those outside her immediate circle. Her once boundless energy was now tempered by a sharp edge, her playful demeanor replaced by a guarded intensity. She trusted no one but Elara, her loyalty to her sister bordering on obsession. She followed Elara everywhere, her crimson eyes constantly scanning for threats, her small hands always ready to summon her flames.
Elara, on the other hand, struggled with guilt and fear. Her light magic, awakened in a moment of desperation, was still raw and untamed. She spent hours practicing, her blue eyes filled with determination as she worked to control her power. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't erase the scar on Kaelith's back—a constant reminder of her failure.
"It's not your fault, Ela," Kaelith said one evening, her voice firm as she placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. "You saved me. That's all that matters."
Elara nodded, but the guilt never fully left her eyes.
The Third Year
By the time they turned nine, their training had become a central part of their lives. Kaelith's flames had grown stronger, her control over them more precise. She spent hours in the training yard, her crimson eyes focused as she practiced summoning and extinguishing her fire. Her movements were sharp and deliberate, her every action driven by a single goal: to protect Elara.
Elara, meanwhile, had become a beacon of light—both literally and figuratively. Her magic had grown stronger, her healing abilities now capable of mending even the most serious wounds. But it was her kindness and compassion that truly set her apart. She spent her days visiting the sick and injured, her blue eyes filled with warmth as she used her magic to bring comfort and relief.
Despite their differences, their bond remained unshakable. Kaelith's cold exterior melted whenever she was with Elara, her sharp edges softened by her sister's light. They were two halves of the same whole, their contrasting magics and personalities complementing each other perfectly.
The Fifth Year
As they entered their teenage years, the differences between them became more pronounced. Kaelith's obsession with protecting Elara had only grown stronger, her flames now a deadly weapon that she wielded with ruthless efficiency. She had little patience for anyone outside their small circle, her crimson eyes narrowing with suspicion whenever a stranger approached.
Elara, on the other hand, had become a symbol of hope and kindness. Her light magic was now a force to be reckoned with, her healing abilities unmatched in the kingdom. But it was her gentle nature and unwavering compassion that truly made her beloved by the people. She spent her days helping others, her blue eyes filled with a warmth that made even the coldest hearts melt.
Despite their differences, they remained inseparable. Kaelith was always by Elara's side, her flames a constant reminder of her determination to protect her sister. And Elara, in turn, was Kaelith's anchor, her light a soothing presence that kept Kaelith grounded.
The Tenth Year
By the time they turned sixteen, their magics had reached new heights. Kaelith's flames were now a swirling inferno, her control over them so precise that she could create intricate shapes and patterns with a flick of her wrist. She had become a force to be reckoned with, her crimson eyes burning with a fierce determination that made even the most seasoned warriors wary.
Elara's light magic had also grown stronger, her healing abilities now capable of mending even the most serious injuries. But it was her ability to inspire and uplift others that truly set her apart. She had become a beloved figure in the kingdom, her blue eyes filled with a warmth and kindness that made her a natural leader.
Despite their differences, their bond remained as strong as ever. Kaelith's cold exterior melted whenever she was with Elara, her sharp edges softened by her sister's light. They were two halves of the same whole, their contrasting magics and personalities complementing each other perfectly.
The Night of Remembering
It was on the eve of their sixteenth birthday that everything changed. Elara lay in bed, her golden curls spread out on the pillow as she stared at the ceiling. Kaelith was asleep beside her, her crimson eyes closed and her breathing steady. The room was quiet, the only sound the soft rustling of the curtains in the breeze.
But as Elara closed her eyes, a flood of memories washed over her. Visions of a past life—a life she had long forgotten—filled her mind. She saw herself as the heroine of a story, a world where she was destined to fall in love with a brave and noble protagonist. She saw the other heroines, their faces familiar yet distant, and the choices she had made in that life.
And then she saw Kaelith—not as her sister, but as the villainess, a cold and ruthless figure who stood in the way of her happiness. The memories were sharp and vivid, a stark contrast to the life she had lived for the past sixteen years.
Elara's breath caught in her throat, her blue eyes wide with shock as she turned to look at Kaelith. Her sister lay asleep, her face peaceful and innocent, a far cry from the villainess in her memories. But the visions were too real, too vivid to ignore.
"Kae…" Elara whispered, her voice trembling as she reached out to touch her sister's hand. "What does this mean?"
Kaelith stirred, her crimson eyes fluttering open as she turned to look at Elara. "Ela?" she murmured, her voice groggy with sleep. "What's wrong?"
Elara hesitated, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of the memories. "I… I had a dream," she said softly, her voice filled with uncertainty. "But it felt so real…"
Kaelith sat up, her crimson eyes narrowing with concern. "What kind of dream?"
Elara shook her head, her blue eyes filled with confusion. "I don't know," she whispered. "But it felt like… like I remembered something. Something important."
Kaelith reached out, her small hand gripping Elara's tightly. "Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together," she said firmly. "You're not alone, Ela. I'll always be here for you."
Elara nodded, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. But as she lay back down, her mind was still filled with questions. What did the memories mean? And how would they change the life she had built with Kaelith?
For now, there were no answers. But as she closed her eyes, she knew one thing for certain: no matter what the future held, she and Kaelith would face it together. They were two halves of the same whole, their bond unbreakable. And as long as they had each other, they could face anything.