The remnants of the dinner conversation lingered in the air as the plates were cleared away, replaced by the soft clinking of glasses and the murmured movements of the staff. Evelina sat back in her chair, her sharp gaze flitting between Kael and Elara as if weighing the night's outcome. The meal itself had been flawless, meticulously prepared and presented, but the tension underlying the family dynamic was harder to mask.
Kael felt the weight of Evelina's scrutiny, though she didn't say much after his earlier recounting of the forest. Her sharp eyes seemed to strip away the layers of his words, searching for cracks or hidden truths, but she offered no further interrogation. Elara, meanwhile, had settled into quiet observation, her earlier curiosity dulled by the rhythm of the meal.
"Well," Evelina said finally, dabbing the corner of her mouth with a napkin before setting it neatly on the table. "It seems your time away wasn't entirely wasted, Kael. Though, I imagine your father will have his own... assessments tomorrow."
Kael nodded, keeping his tone even. "I'm prepared for whatever he has in mind."
"Good," Evelina replied, rising gracefully from her seat. She straightened her gown with a practiced motion, her posture as composed as ever. "Then I expect you'll show him the same resourcefulness and strength you've claimed tonight."
With that, she turned toward the door, her heels clicking softly against the floor as she exited the dining hall. Elara remained seated for a moment longer, her gaze lingering on Kael as if debating whether to say something. Finally, she pushed back her chair and stood, her expression unreadable.
"Don't keep us waiting with more vague stories next time," she said, her tone cold but laced with faint curiosity. Without waiting for a response, she followed their mother out of the room, leaving Kael alone in the warm glow of the chandelier.
Kael let out a slow breath, the tension in his shoulders finally easing as the door closed behind them. The evening had gone better than he'd expected, but it hadn't been without its challenges. Navigating the Draylen family dynamic was like walking a tightrope—one misstep, and the consequences could be dire.
Rising from his seat, he gave the staff a polite nod before making his way back through the familiar halls. The house was quiet now, the earlier murmurs and clinking reduced to a distant hum. The weight of the day settled on him again as he climbed the stairs, his thoughts drifting between the dinner, his family, and what tomorrow would bring.
When he reached his room, Kael closed the door softly behind him, leaning against it for a moment as he exhaled. The solitude was welcome, the quiet a reprieve from the scrutiny and unspoken expectations that hung over every interaction with his family.
"You know," Nereia's voice chimed in suddenly, her tone dry but amused, "I think that's the longest I've ever stayed quiet. You're welcome, by the way."
Kael blinked, startled by her sudden interjection. "I was wondering about that," he admitted, moving to sit on the edge of his bed. "I thought maybe you decided to give me some peace for once."
"Hardly," Nereia replied, her voice laced with mock indignation. "Do you have any idea how hard it was to sit through that without saying anything? Your mom's whole 'sharp-eyed queen' act, Elara's frosty one-liners—I had so many good comebacks lined up."
Kael couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head. "Coming from you, Nereia, that almost sounds like a compliment."
Nereia sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. I'll accept my role as the silent observer—this time. But I have to admit, you handled yourself pretty well back there. I mean, you spun that whole water affinity story like a pro."
Kael smirked faintly. "Had to give them something believable. They'd never buy the truth."
"True," Nereia said thoughtfully. "But hey, at least you made dinner interesting. It's not every day you get to watch a guy pull off a storytelling masterclass under parental scrutiny."
Kael leaned back on the bed, letting out a long breath. "Thanks, Nereia. That means a lot coming from you."
"Don't let it go to your head," she quipped. "Anyway, get some rest, Kael. You've got a big day tomorrow, and you're going to need all the strength—and wit—you can muster."
Kael nodded to himself, the weight of the day beginning to lift as a faint smile tugged at his lips. Despite the challenges, he felt a small surge of confidence. Tomorrow was another hurdle, but for now, he let himself relax in the quiet of his room and finally his consciousness drifted into a sleep.
Kael stirred as the soft light of dawn spilled into the room, casting a warm glow across the walls. His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, he lay still, the weight of the day ahead pressing heavily on his chest. Today wasn't just another morning in the Draylen estate—it was the day he would prove himself to his father.
Sitting up slowly, Kael ran a hand through his hair, his muscles protesting from the stiffness of sleep. He exhaled deeply, gathering his thoughts. This was no ordinary test; Darius would be relentless, expecting nothing less than perfection. Kael could feel it in his bones—it was going to be a rough day.
Pushing himself out of bed, he made his way to the washroom to freshen up. The cool water he splashed on his face jolted him fully awake, washing away the last vestiges of sleep. As he straightened and stared at his reflection, he took in the sharpness of his features, the striking blue of his eyes that almost seemed to glow in the morning light. For a brief moment, doubt flickered across his face, but he quickly pushed it aside. This was no time for hesitation.
The faint scent of soap and fresh linens filled the air as he finished washing up, straightening his hair and adjusting his attire to something practical yet presentable. Whatever awaited him today, he knew he needed to be ready—not just in appearance, but in mind and spirit.
Today would be the test that defined his place in this world—both as Kael and Nate. And he wouldn't let himself falter.