Empire of Shadows

Chapter 4: Haylee

She was staring in astonishment at the scene in front. Why the hell I have to marry our family's enemy just as I became an adult? Is this a mockery from heavens? What did I do wrong to deserve such a fate?

Silver-haired maid caught her brothers throwing pitiful and dolorous glances to her side. Amazing! Now I look like a wretched widow doomed to carry a burden of miserable wife.

Haylee filled her cup with spicy red wine to distract herself and clear the head out of intrusive thoughts.

Meanwhile, Clan leader Light had to answer the proposal. He exchanged gazes with Edlyn and as if had a muted conversation. Turning back, Master Light finally squeezed out courteously. "Thank you, Clan leader Dark. We'll for sure consider your words and give you the precise answer a bit later."

"I didn't expect the otherwise," bowed Rasmus and seated himself back.

Throwing his hand, Keyon signaled musicians to resume the entertainment. They immediately started playing a rhythmic song with amusing motives. Guests renewed the merriment and nobody seemed to worry about this unexpected announcement that Clan Dark pulled out before. Nobody, but three children...

"Haylee, I know mum and dad will never let this happen. They won't let you marry this idiotic piece of sh-..."

"Harvey! Be careful with your words here, we aren't alone," reminded him Desmond, looking around to see if anyone noticed. "He is right, they won't approve this union. Besides, in our traditions to keep the bloodline clean you can't align yourself with those which power is opposite of yours."

"Mn, it's a known fact. This is the main reason why our clans weren't united before," added Harvey, grinning. "Our mother will better choose to be humiliated than go against old values and traditions."

What if this time will be different? What if they say "yes"?

"Let's change the topic. I don't want to think about this matter no more," shook her head Haylee, getting tired and annoyed of endless stream of shrilling thoughts.

Following the small awkward pause, Harvey finally came with a reply. "Haylee, did you see how desperately Desmond was hitting on Violet?"

"W-wait, what?! Who?" blonde choked on her drink.

"It's Clan leader Serena's daughter. She is the earth mage," he explained.

"And Desmond..." she stopped to analyze his words. "...unbelievable," Haylee answered when she realized that Desmond basically flirted with that Violet. And since his character was usually boring and tedious she wondered how Clan leader Serena's daughter could tolerate his company.

"I was just being nice," made a terrible excuse the older brother.

"You mean by shamelessly using every other cheesy comment to endear her?" clarified Harvey with a smirk.

"Oh, dear heavens are you that lonely?" taunted silver-haired girl almost laughing to his face.

"Ugh, you are unbearable," rolled his eyes Desmond and turned away, not wanting to be the target of their mutual sneering again.

"Des, are you mad?" softly asked Haylee, winking at her twin.

"Holding on to resentment hurts no one, but you," added Harvey, catching the signal his sister sent.

"I'd rather be hurt than support this flout," pouted the older one. "And by the way I'm here on a serious mission, so don't distract me."

"Pff, you?" Haylee once again was surprised. "On a mission?"