Dear Alaric

June 11, 1887

Father was a bit cruel today. Rather, he is almost always cruel, Alaric. He loves to remind me that I'm not the son he wanted instead. He only had his one chance for a son, after all. And I ruined it. Can you believe that, Alaric? To blame a child for being born incorrectly. As if I planned it. As if I had plotted his misery even in the womb. Therefore, he means to make me pay for it for the rest of my life, it seems. At times, it is only miniscule remarks. If I make a mistake, even one so small, he will tell me how his son would never have been so foolish. He tells me all the funding he puts into my schooling is wasted because my head is still empty. Mother tells him not to speak to me in such a manner, but father hardly cares. I wonder how someone as sweet as Mother could have possibly ever fallen for someone as sour as father. His sweet words are only for Mother. Maybe that is enough for her to cling to. I know I'll never wish to marry anyone like Father. I'll never marry any man who is so cruel. I'll sooner jump from a bridge before that happens.

On that note, I met with another boy a few days ago. Henry. He was quite charming, by my surprise. He seems very sweet. Although, mother tells me that Henry may be set to become betrothed with a girl named Olivia. It's all so confusing. Our parents are in their meetings in order to debate and speak on who is meant for who. Matching is a delicate matter, you see, Alaric. There aren't many real humans left. Besides that, our family waits for the Divine to be born. A perfect couple could possibly create just that. It is said that this chosen Divine son will lead us to our safe, clean home where there are no shifters.

Maybe that's why Father resents me so much. The Divine one can only be a male. As soon as he found out I was a daughter, he must have been so very disappointed in me. He lost his chance to be treated like royalty. To bring forth the Divine? Oh, what an honor that must be, Alaric. Could you imagine? Any time a new son is born, he is brought before the elders by very anxious and eager mothers in order to check him over. Every baby born into the Divinity is given a blessing. However, the Divine one is said to have a mark. I can't tell you what that mark looks like. No one can. Not even the elders. Sounds confusing, Alaric, I know. But the elders said they would know him when they saw him. Who are we to question them?

Even if I couldn't be the Divine One, there's still a chance I may birth him. I can still make my parents proud then. Although, I'm sure mother is already proud of me just as things are. That won't be for a few more years. There is still time.

I wonder how they manage to pick and choose who marries whom. Mother and father were matched only to make me. Is it possible that either myself or Olivia would be the perfect match for Henry? Or Niles? Or anyone else? Perhaps it is a good thing that I don't have a say in who I will be paired with. At least then, father won't be able to blame me if I don't provide a son.

My candle is burning low, Alaric. I must retire before the flame does. Goodnight. Until next time.