𝕴𝖓𝖘𝖔𝖒𝖓𝖎𝖆

0. prologue

"WE ARE NOT MOVING TO INSOMNIA!" 

Vesper's voice was firm as she confidently responded to her brother's suggestion. Silas took a deep breath. He was beyond annoyed with his sister's stubbornness and he was trying his best to keep calm. Silas was psychically tired of arguing with his younger sister who has been constantly denying his attempt to change their life.

"Sis, come on." He pressured. "Nothing is keeping us here." He pointed out. "It's a perfect opportunity for both of us."

Vesper rolled her eyes without interest. "Whatever."

She pushed herself off the counter and turned back to the dirty dishes which she has been washing until her brother interrupted her. For days, he has been filling her silence with request to leave Galahd, their hometown, and move to the capital city of Lucis: Insomnia. And for days, Vesper has been trying to change his mind.

"I like it here in Galahd. It's our home."

"I never said it was not."

Silas came closer and he leaned on the counter to have a better view of his sister's face – who was visibly avoiding eye contact with him. She was trying to end the conversation with him, that's why she had turned the water back on and focused on washing the dishes and putting them aside to dry. But Silas was not giving up until he convinces her.

"But it doesn't have to be our future."

Vesper suppressed her need to look at him as he said those words with so much emotion. Instead, she kept her eyes strictly on the water and foam that cloaked her hands. She was being as stubborn as ever, staying silent to seem uninterested and she knew that Silas won't stop being persistent until he changes her mind.

"You and I both know this going to be a good change for us."

"I don't like changes." Vesper immediately replied, driving out a snore of annoyance from her brother. "And I don't like the fact you want this change only to join Kingsglaive."

"It pays well." Silas stated. "And besides, I'm doing this for both of us." Vesper puffed at the strand of her dark brown hair that tickled her face, but to no avail. "I want you to be happy."

"I am happy."

"No, you're not."

Vesper let the plate sink into the warm water and she gave her entire attention to her brother. Worn-out kitchen towel rested in her hands and she used to wipe her hands. Silas wore a frown on his face – his dark eyebrows were narrowed with pleading eyes. He expected her to say something, but instead she kept her lips shut and patiently waited for him to continue. It was his chance to convince her.

"I talked with Nyx." Silas told her. "He said he can find us apartment in the slums where most of the immigrants live. And that is a start."

Nyx Ulric. When he was a kid, Silas looked up to him. And Vesper thinks he still does. After Niflheim Empire brought their wrath to Galahd, many were killed. Many lost their loved ones and that event scarred the survivors for life. King Regis of Lucis and his army came to their rescue and offered another chance for those who willing wanted to serve him and their country. Nyx, Libertus, and many others joined a newly founded group of elite soldiers known as Kingsglaive.

"And what if you don't have aptitude for King's magic?" Vesper challenged.

"Then I'll join Crownsguard."

"If they let you." Vesper folded her arms over her chest with a sigh. "This is a big step, Sil."

"A step we should take."