𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀, luke castellan

ᴛʜɪʀᴛʏ-ᴛᴡᴏ

Two Weeks Lost.

🌎

    MOMENTS LATER, TWO FIGURES SHUFFLED INTO THE ROOM, MARKING THE ARRIVAL OF RORY'S HALF-SIBLINGS. As they entered the warm, sunlit dining room, Rory finally got a good look at them.

    Chloe, the elder of the two, stepped forward first. She was a striking figure, her presence filled with a lively energy that instantly captured attention. Her dark hair cascaded in loose curls around her face, framing features that were a mirror image of Anya's—high cheekbones, expressive eyes, and a warm, engaging smile. Chloe's eyes, a piercing blue, held a depth and clarity that seemed wise beyond her years. She had an air of confidence about her, a kind of self-assuredness that belied her age. Even in her casual attire, there was a gracefulness to her movements, a sense of purpose and poise.

    Following closely behind was James, who, despite being younger, had a height that nearly matched Chloe's. James looked like Rory's father. He had the same light hair and sharp nose. His features, while softer and more boyish, hinted at the strong jawline he would develop in the years to come. However, his eyes were his mother's. Like Chloe, they were a vivid blue, clear and bright, reflecting a sharp intelligence and a quiet curiosity, as if he were still gauging this new addition to their family.

    As they approached, Rory couldn't help but notice the small details—Chloe's well-worn sneakers, the frayed edges of James's hoodie, and the slight quiver in Chloe's lip that belied her outward confidence. These were her siblings, connected to her by blood and family, yet strangers in so many ways.

    Neither James nor Chloe appeared remorseful for their eavesdropping, their expressions tinged with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. James' eyes sparkled with an almost mischievous glee, as if he were thrilled by the unexpected twist their day had taken. Chloe, though quieter, shared her brother's intrigue, her keen eyes observing every nuance of Rory's expression and demeanor

    Anya sighed in exasperation at their brazen behavior, her expression a mix of frustration and affection. She shot Rory an apologetic glance, her lips curving into a small, wry smile that seemed to say, "Kids, what can you do?" Turning her attention to her children, Anya's tone became firm but tinged with a sense of resignation, as if she had long since accepted that these two would always find a way to inject a little chaos into her life. "What have I told you about spying?" she reprimanded, her voice carrying the gentle authority of a parent accustomed to balancing discipline with understanding. There was a warmth in her gaze, a deep love that softened the edges of her reprimand. 

    Yet despite Anya's admonishment, James and Chloe seemed unfazed, their attention fixated on Rory with an intensity that bordered on fascination. Anya's words seemed to fall on deaf ears as the children remained transfixed by her presence, their gazes lingering on her with a mixture of awe and curiosity.

    Rory, catching the earnestness in their eyes, felt a swell of amusement. These two, with their bright, inquisitive eyes and boundless energy, were still so young, so untouched by the weight of the world she had been thrust into. She couldn't help but send them an amused grin, a silent acknowledgment of the absurdity and wonder of the situation.

    “Are you really half a god?” James blurted out, unable to contain his curiosity any longer. His voice was a mix of awe and disbelief, the question tumbling out with the urgency of someone who had stumbled upon a secret too exciting to keep.

    “James!” Anya cried, her eyes widening in shock at her son's boldness. Her face flushed slightly, a mix of embarrassment and concern flashing across her features. She had always tried to teach her children to be respectful and considerate, and James's unrestrained curiosity, while endearing, was a bit too forward.