Angel Of Venom

Venom II

Trigger warning: abuse

Chapter 2: The Innocent Child's Downfall

I was an innocent child. I wanted nothing but my family's love. I was willing to give up everything to my 'little sister' just for 'Daddy' and 'Brothers' to lay their eyes on me. Even just a bit... I had wished for their embrace.

I had wished to be Narine. Even for a day.

Napahawak si Lavinia sa salamin ng kaniyang bintana habang nakatanaw sa kaniyang pamilya sa labas.

Outside are the Duke, her brothers, Maurielle and Narine. They are all having their afternoon tea time in the garden's gazebo. Happily chatting with each other. Their full attention is with Narine. As if they are a complete family. No space for her to squeeze in. Wala ring pumunta sa kaniyang kwarto upang magsundo rito.

Bukod doon...

"You're going to stay here in your room. Try going out and I'll tear your limbs off."

Maurielle, her stepmother, threatened her not to join them.

Napaupo sa malamig na semento ng kaniyang kwarto ang dalaga at napayakap na lamang sa kaniyang tuhod. Ilang sandali siyang nanatili roon bago bumalik sa kaniyang kama upang ipagpatuloy ang embroidery sa panyong ireregalo sa kaniyang Kuya Setharius.

Ngiti niyang hinaplos ang pangalan ni Seth na siyang naka-embroider doon sa panyo.

I hope Kuya Seth will love this.

Kinagabihan ay nasa dinner na ang lahat. Tahimik na kumakain si Lavinia sa tabi ni Seth. Nasa harapan nila sina Narine at Maurielle, samantalang nasa unahan naman si Kallisto. Nasa kanan ni Seth si Carsen na nakikipag-usap din sa ama at kay Narine.

"Narine, I heard from the Head Butler that you were able to feel mana?" ngiting tanong ni Seth sa kapatid.

"Yes, Kuya! It's hot and I feel like there's a fire in my hand," pinakita pa ni Narine ang kaniyang mapuputing mga palad.

"It seems like you're a Fire Mage. You can have West Catsle's Headmaster as your teacher when the time comes," ani Carsen.

"Oh, that would be great. Sa tingin ko ay mapakikiusapan naman ang Headmaster. I'll handle that," sagot ni Seth.

"Right. You're at that age. You should start taking an advance class. We'll take care of that," sabat din ni Duke Kallisto.

Napayuko si Lavinia at napatingin sa kaniyang palad.

I want to be a Mage like Brother Seth too or a Summoner at least. Ang sabi ni May ay isang malakas na Summoner daw ang ina ko.

Leticia de Alnwick-Claymour. The late Duchess. She was once the strongest Summoner in the continent. At the age of 19 she was able to summon a Holy Beast. The Holy Beast in a form of a white horse, they said that the summon was the King of Wind.

But opposite from my Mom... I don't have a mana. I am just an ordinary human.

Napatingin si Seth kay Lavinia nang mapansin nito ang ginagawa ng kapatid. Saglit siyang napakamot sa kilay bago yumuko nang bahagya upang mapantayan ang itsura ni Lavinia.

"Vinia, do you want to take classes too?" Seth asked her.

Nagulat naman si Lavinia at agad na napaangat ang tingin sa kapatid.