The sun in the morning painted streaks of gold across the broad sky, its heat struggling to penetrate the thick curtains of Orion's room. Within, the air was heavy with the subtle traces of mana, carried over from last night's late-night cultivation session. The room was quiet, except for the gradual, measured sound of his breathing.
Orion was stretched out on his bed, his chest rising and falling in tranquil sleep. His silver-blue hair, normally wild but somehow smooth, was now a tangled mess—strands sticking out in every direction. The sheets had been thrown off, exposing his lean but well-muscled upper body to the chill morning air.
A light knock at the door.
"Brother?"
Elara's voice was soft, but hopeful.
Silence.
She waited. Then, pouting a little, knocked again—slightly harder.
Still, no answer.
She sighed, cocking her hips. "Brother, wake up or else I'll." She paused, then grinned to herself. "No, no. If you're sleeping, then I can just."
She turned the doorknob with a soft click and slipped quietly inside.
What she saw gave her heart a skip.
Orion rested there, utterly defenseless—his sharp, icy features relaxed in sleep. The intense look in his eyes was gone, replaced by a fleeting peace she rarely witnessed.
A moment of rarity.
A moment of secrecy.
Her blue eyes stayed on his face, appreciating the way his lashes created faint shadows on his cheekbones, the way his lips parted ever so slightly as he breathed. He was unquestionably handsome—so much so that it was almost unfair.
If Brother stays up late each night… I wouldn't complain about waking him up like that each morning.
A small, self-conscious smile pulled at her lips.
Her fingers quivered, wanting to push back the tangled mass of silver-blue hair that stuck to his forehead. But then—
Her smile wavered.
Today.
Today, their elder brothers were coming.
Elara's heart dropped as the memory came back to her. The two individuals she hated most—Edric and Arin—would be entering their home again.
A constriction developed in her chest.
No matter how much time had gone by, she could never erase from her mind how they had treated her—how they had treated Orion.
And yet, in spite of their cruelty, Mother Celia had still requested that she wake Orion, ensuring he would be prepared for their arrival.
Her hesitation was overwhelming, but she had no option.
She took a deep breath, bracing herself.
Then, putting a delicate hand on his arm, she shook him gently.
"Brother… wake up."
Nothing.
She frowned, shaking him again, more forcefully this time. "Brother, wake up!"
A low groan came from his throat. He moved slightly, his muscles rippling beneath her fingers, but his eyes were still closed.
She let out an exasperated sigh before leaning in close, her lips against his ear.
"Look, brother, if you don't wake up right now." She stopped for dramatic effect, then smiled wickedly. "Mother will yell at you."
Orion's eyes snapped open in an instant.
He blinked, groggy, his eyes half-focused. The first thing he registered was a face looking down at him, a face one pair of very bright blue eyes.
For an instant, he just stared, taking in the circumstance.
And then— "Ugh…" He groaned, tossing an arm over his eyes. "What time is it?"
"Time for you to get up off your butt," Elara sniffed, planting her arms over her chest. "I came all the way out here just to wake you up."
Orion released a slow breath and finally sat up. He scraped a hand over his tousled hair, the muscles in his toned arms slightly flexing as he stretched.
Elara shifted her gaze elsewhere, her face flushing.
"You should've let me sleep a bit longer," Orion grumbled.
Elara snorted. "Oh, I would have, believe me. But our precious elder brothers are coming today, and Mother asked me to wake you. So, get a move on!"
Her statement made Orion stiffen.
A cold, bitter feeling lodged in his chest.
Edric and Arin.
His "brothers.".
Memories of their cruelty came flooding back into his mind—their mocking laughter, the way they looked down on him for being 'unworthy.' But even worse than that…
The way they treated Elara.
Orion's fingers curled into fists.
He hated them.
Not even a single percent of him respected them.
But today… today, their father would be there. And the visitor coming with his brothers was of great significance. If he didn't greet them, it would bring shame to their home.
And in the world of nobility, appearance was everything.
He took a deep breath, pushing aside his thoughts.
It was time to prepare.
Orion hastily washed and changed into a new set of robes. The indigo-blue - white material, lined with silver, hugged his tall, lean body wonderfully.
When he caught sight of himself in the mirror, he stood still.
His bluish-white locks were smoothly combed back, and his icy blue eyes glowed like cold sapphire jewels. His soft features were now growing sharper, more chiseled.
Then, moving out of his room, he discovered Elara waiting impatiently.
"Finally!" she breathed dramatically. "Come on, we're already running late!"
Orion laughed. "Okay, okay. Let's go."
The two walked together towards the main gate of the estate.
----
Orion and Elara arrived as the entrance of the estate was already filled.
Guards were standing at attention. Servants flanked the pathway.
And his two mothers, Sera and Celia, stood elegantly, awaiting.
The moment they came, Orion welcomed them politely. "Mother Celia. Mother Sera."
Both looked in his direction with smiles on their faces.
"Did you sleep well, Orion?" asked Celia in a soft tone.
"Yes, Mother," he answered.
No sooner were they talking than there appeared a tall figure.
Dressed in royal golden attire, with broad shoulders, muscular build, and a keen, authoritative presence, entered Viscount Theo Vale. His dark jet hair was neatly slicked back, and his cold black eyes surveyed the space with silent authority.
He walked towards them in slow, deliberate paces.
Celia and Sera went forward first, their voices courteous.
"Welcome, my lord," Celia and Sera spoke softly together.
Orion and Elara went forward, performing a proper bow.
"Greet Father," they all greeted at the same time.
Viscount Theo's dark eyes barely touched anyone before he nodded briefly—aware, but no more.
Just then—
The great iron gates groaned open.
A procession of elegant carriages entered the estate, preceded by crack guards on horseback.
The front carriage drew to a halt right before them.
Orion observed the carriage door creaking slowly open.
And for the first time in years—
He was soon to face his older brothers face-to-face again.