✶|𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺|✶ 𝘈𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘯 𝘐𝘐𝘐 𝘛𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘦𝘯

✶Chapter 5✶

――✴✯✴――

Fire, Fear and Frustration

――✴✯✴――

Year 126

Westeros

Starfall , Dorne

A few days had passed since Serena had discovered the hidden office. The revelations about her family's ancient connection to Valyria still weighed heavily on her mind, but she had tried to keep herself distracted.

Today was one of those rare peaceful days, where the whole family seemed to be enjoying the quiet.

Serena found herself in the castle's large kitchen, spending the afternoon with her mother, Kyria, and her sister, Sylara. The air was filled with the sweet smell of fresh fruits, spices, and sugar as they prepared pies, a rare treat that had turned into a small family tradition.

"Pass me the peaches, Serena," Kyria said with a smile, wiping flour from her hands onto her apron.

Serena handed her the small bowl of sliced fruit, trying to imitate her mother's gentle smile. She loved moments like these. Her mother, who already had a love for cooking, decided to make it a hobby. 

When she wasn't busy managing the castle, she would make some sweets with her daughters after their lessons. Little Dayne didn't complain much, she even had fun seeing her clumsy sister full of flour.

"Can I put the sugar on top?" Sylara asked, her little hands already grabbing the jar of sugar before anyone could respond.

Kyria chuckled, her golden-brown eyes twinkling. "Yes, my sweet, but don't go overboard. Last time, we were eating more sugar than pie."

Sylara giggled, carefully sprinkling sugar over the peaches while Serena focused on rolling out the pie dough. 

She loved the quiet chatter, the way her mother hummed softly while they worked, and how Sylara asked a hundred questions about the pies they were making.

"Mom, do you think we'll have enough for everyone?" Sylara asked, looking up with wide, curious eyes.

Kyria nodded, brushing a hand through Sylara's hair. "We will, don't worry. And if there's extra, we can send some to the servants. Everyone loves a sweet treat now and then."

Serena stayed quiet, enjoying the warmth of the moment, though her mind occasionally drifted back to her secret. 

She hadn't told anyone about the fire she could now control, barely. And the idea of bringing it up felt wrong. Like it might shatter this peaceful scene.

Once they had placed the pies into the oven, the three of them sat by the long wooden table, chatting while they waited. 

The kitchen was filled with the sounds of crackling fire and bubbling fruit filling. Serena remained mostly quiet, content to listen as the peaceful atmosphere wrapped around them. 

However, as the tarts were placed in the oven, Serena glanced at the fire that flickered a little too wildly. The flames seemed to dance differently, and for a brief moment, she felt an odd pull

The feeling was all too familiar. It was the same surge she had felt the night she first discovered her powers.

She blinked, shaking her head slightly. "No, it's just a normal fire, " she told herself. "Nothing to worry about.."