HISTORY OF WITCHES

"Family Ties

I nodded obediently, but my mind wandered back to the adventurer's words. Wonder and danger. My heart yearned for it. That night, I helped my mother with dinner, our hands moving in tandem as we prepared the meal. Father's absence was palpable, his chair empty at the head of the table. "Where's Father?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

My mother's expression turned guarded. "He's...away. On business." I knew better than to press. Father's "business" often took him to the nearby town, where rumors of his dealings with shady characters circulated.

After dinner, I retreated to my room, my thoughts drifting to the adventurer. What would it be like to leave this village behind? A faint knock on my door broke the silence. My mother entered, a small, worn leather book in her hand.

"Arachne, I want you to have this," she said, her voice soft. I took the book, curiosity etched on my face. "This was passed down through generations of women in our family," she explained. "It reminds us of our true purpose."As I opened the book, I saw illustrations of women tending to children, managing households, and nurturing families.

"Mother, what does this mean?" I asked. She smiled gently. "A woman's greatest adventure is building a loving home and family. This book will guide you." I looked at the pages, feeling a mix of emotions.

"You're growing up, Arachne," she said. "Soon, you'll have a family of your own. Remember, your true wonder is in nurturing those you love." I nodded, the book still in my hands, wondering if this was truly the Life I desired.

Just as I opened the book, Daphne burst into my room, her bright smile illuminating the space. "Arachne, what's that?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to share Mother's gift. But Daphne's enthusiasm was infectious.

"It's a book Mother gave me," I said, handing it over reluctantly. Daphne's eyes widened as she flipped through the pages. "Oh, this is beautiful! The illustrations are stunning." "I know," I said, feeling a pang of possessiveness.

Daphne looked up, her expression thoughtful. "May I borrow it for a while? I promise I'll take care of it." I hesitated, but Daphne's genuine interest won me over. "Okay, but promise you'll return it soon." Daphne grinned. "I promise."

As she tucked the book into her apron pocket, I couldn't help but think that Daphne was the daughter my  Mother would have wanted – obedient, domestic, and kind. Daphne's presence was a reminder of the life I was expected to lead, one that seemed so different from the adventures I dreamed of.

"Thanks, Arachne," Daphne said, hugging me tightly. "You're the best." I smiled, feeling a mix of affection and envy. Why couldn't I be more like Daphne – content with the simple life?

As Daphne skipped out of my room, our four brothers clomped upstairs, their boisterous laughter and teasing filling the hallway. First, there was Theron, the eldest, with his serious demeanor and sense of responsibility. He was the one who took Father's place when he was away.

Next was Atticus the charming jokester, always ready with a witty remark or a playful prank.

Then came twins, Lysander and Cassius, identical in appearance but vastly different in personality. Lysander was the dreamer, always lost in thought, while Cassius was the adventurer, eager to explore.

As they entered the dining room, Mother's eyes lit up with warmth. "Wash your hands, boys. Dinner's ready."

The brothers chattered and argued, their energy infectious. I watched, feeling grateful for this chaotic, loving family.
Just as we sat down, Father walked in, his face weathered from the outside world. His eyes scanned the table, lingering on each of us before settling on Mother.

"Ah, welcome back, dear," Mother said, her smile tight.Father's presence was like a storm cloud, casting a shadow over our lively dinner. The brothers sensed it too, their chatter dying down.

Theron cleared his throat. "Father, how was your trip?" Father's expression turned grim. "It was...eventful." Atticus snickered. "Did you bring back any tales for us?" Father's gaze narrowed. "This isn't a joke, Atticus. The world outside is treacherous."
Lysander's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Tell us, Father."Cassius leaned in, his face set in a determined expression. "We can handle it." I exchanged a glance with Daphne, sensing the tension building.

As dinner drew to a close, Daphne pushed her chair back. "Thank you for dinner, Mrs Asteria. I should head home." I stood up, grasping my cloak. "I'll walk with you." Mother nodded, her eyes flicking to Father, whose expression had darkened.

Outside, the evening air was crisp, stars beginning to twinkle in the sky. Daphne and I walked in comfortable silence, our footsteps synchronizing. As we reached her doorstep, Daphne turned to me. "Thanks for the company, Arachne." I smiled. "Anytime."
Watching her disappear into the warmth of her home, I felt a pang of envy. Daphne's life seemed so simple, so peaceful. I didn't return inside. Instead, I wandered into the night, picturing the scenes Father was painting for my brothers.

"...and then, I encountered a band of ruthless highwaymen," Father's voice echoed in my mind. I imagined Theron's serious expression, Atticus 's wide eyes, and the twins' rapt attention. "...but I outsmarted them, using the forest as cover."
The wind rustled through the trees as I walked, Father's tales conjuring images of danger and bravery.Suddenly, the village seemed suffocating. I yearned to experience the thrill of adventure, to test my courage beyond these familiar streets.

Cassius and I shared a bond that went beyond sibling affection. We were kindred spirits, our restless hearts beating to the same rhythm. People often mistook us for twins, not realizing that Lysander was Cassius's true twin. But Cassius and I understood each other without word.

We had inherited Father's adventurous spirit, his thirst for exploration, and his willingness to take risks.But while Cassius was encouraged to embrace these traits, I was expected to suppress them.

"Arachne, a lady doesn't climb trees or chase after wild animals," Mother would say, her voice laced with concern. But Cassius could be himself, unfettered by societal expectations.

As I walked under the starry sky, I felt a pang of resentment. Why couldn't I be free to follow my heart, just like Cassius? Father's words echoed in my mind: "The world outside is treacherous." But Cassius and I knew the truth – the world was full of wonder, waiting to be discovered.

I returned home, finding Cassius lingering by the fireplace. "Arachne, where were you?" he asked, his eyes sparkling."Clearing my head," I replied, sitting beside him. Cassius nodded knowingly. "You're feeling trapped, aren't you?". I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat.

"We'll find a way, Arachne," Cassius whispered. "We'll explore the world together." In that moment, I knew Cassius understood me better than anyone.
Theron's presence commanded attention, his authoritative air filling the room."Arachne, Cassius, Father's gone again," Theron announced, his expression serious.Mother's worried glance flicked between us before she left the room.

Cassius stood up, his eyes locked on Theron. "What happened this time?"
Theron's jaw clenched. "He received a message. He didn't say what it was about."
I felt a familiar knot in my stomach. Father's disappearances were always shrouded in mystery.

Theron's gaze fell on me, his expression softening slightly. "Arachne, help Mother with the household chores."
I nodded, though we both knew I wasn't suited for domestic duties. Theron and I had never been close. As the eldest, he carried the weight of responsibility, while I struggled to find my place.

As the only girl, I often felt like an outsider among my brothers. Theron's seriousness intimidated me, and our age gap made it hard to connect.

But despite our distance, I loved and respected him. He was our rock, holding the family together when Father was away.Cassius, sensing the tension, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"I'll help with the chores," he whispered. Theron's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. As Theron left to attend to his duties, I felt a pang of sadness. Would we ever be more than just siblings, bound by duty rather than genuine connection?