Legacy of Arthur Leywin

Guiding

Sylvie Leywin

The days following the destruction of Indrath Castle had been quiet but tense. I could feel it, the weight of what had happened lingering over Anabelle like a dark cloud, casting a shadow on her every step. She'd tried to apologize more times than I could count, but I didn't need the words. What I needed was for her to be ready—for her to understand that power like hers could not be taken lightly.

As we made our way back to the castle, the silence between us wasn't uncomfortable, but it was thick with unspoken thoughts. Regis was ahead, his mood as dark and brooding as always, while Anabelle walked beside me, her steps hesitant but steady.

"Are you rested?" I finally asked, breaking the quiet. My voice came out calmer than I expected, though my eyes remained focused ahead. I didn't need to see her face to know her answer. The tension in her body told me everything.

Anabelle nodded quickly, but there was still a flicker of guilt in her movements. "Yes, Aunt Sylvie," she said, her voice soft, but determined. "I'm ready for whatever comes next." Then, almost like an afterthought, she added, "And... I'm really sorry for what happened. I didn't mean to lose control like that."

I glanced at her, a small smile tugging at my lips. She had already apologized more times than necessary, but there was still something endearing about her need to make things right. "Don't worry," I said, my tone lightening, though still firm. "If anyone's to blame, it's Regis. I told him to keep an eye on you."

At the sound of his name, Regis turned back with a feigned look of shock plastered on his face. "Blame me, huh?" he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm just here, trying to help, and suddenly, it's my fault your niece nearly turned an entire castle to rubble."

He crossed his arms, his grin dark and playful. "Why is it that every time something explodes, I'm the one getting the blame? I swear, I'm starting to take it personally."

Anabelle let out a soft giggle despite herself, though her cheeks still reddened with embarrassment. "Sorry, Uncle Regis."

Regis clutched his chest dramatically, as if her words had physically wounded him. "Ah, the betrayal! My own niece throwing me under the metaphorical cart." His grin widened, though the humor was unmistakably black. "I guess I should just accept that I'll always be the villain in this little family."

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but smirk. "If the shoe fits," I quipped, watching as Regis raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter.

But as the joking died down, my gaze returned to Anabelle. There was more she needed to learn, more she needed to face, and her control was still shaky at best. This journey wasn't just about reaching the castle—it was about preparing her for the battles ahead. And I could sense, beneath her uncertainty, the spark of something powerful, something dangerous if left unchecked.

"You'll have plenty of chances to prove yourself," I said, more serious now. "But remember, control isn't just about strength. It's about knowing your limits—and understanding when to push beyond them."

Anabelle's eyes met mine, her expression determined. "I understand," she said quietly, but there was a fire behind her words that hadn't been there before.

Good. That's what we'd need.

As we walked, the conversation drifted into a more relaxed rhythm, the earlier tension easing. It wasn't long before Regis, ever the instigator, glanced back at me with his usual smirk.

"And what about Reynolds, Sylvie? Are you letting him sleep in today?" He raised an eyebrow mockingly, his grin widening. "I didn't think you'd go soft on the boy, letting him snooze while the rest of us are up. I'm starting to think you've taken a liking to him, giving him special treatment and all."