Primous Rising [Book 1 of The Unravelling series]

13. Celestiana

Oberon's arm rested around Celest's shoulders, and Althya was on her other side. Before walking to their house, Althya spun to Lord Nikolus and Elliot. Celest curiously gazed at her mother.

"My lord, will you be kind enough to grant us your presence? It will be my utmost pleasure to thank you for returning Cel safely," Althya spoke in a silky-smooth voice, her eyes never leaving his.

A corner of Celest's lips lifted against the ripple of tension between her mum and friend. Lord Nikolus was the first to break away from Althya's scrutiny, but instantly got trapped in Celest's expectant expression. Celest watched him closely, how he took in her face, and his features shifted as he gave in to the offer. Satisfaction curled her lips into a grin.

She didn't need to wait to see him nod and comply; she raced to her brother, waiting atop the mansion's stairs. He opened his arms and Celest ran to him and hugged him tightly.

In a matter of minutes, they all settled in the living area of Anderson mansion, specified for friendly gatherings.

With a quick scan, Celest noted her older sister's absence.

Lord Nikolus and Celest shared a plush loveseat, seated across from Oberon and Althya. On Oberon's other side, Arthur relaxed in an armchair, his legs crossed. He threw a lazy grin in Celest's direction on his right.

The room was just as Celest remembered. White sofas, deep violet cushions. The chandelier hung low and glimmered while magical beams of light swirled around each lightbulb. Their black grand piano in the far corner stood as majestic as ever, absorbing all the illumination slithering toward it. The countless times she had lost herself playing different melodies warmed her insides.

Her heart ached as memories of her twin sister, Neryana, coursed through her mind. How they fooled around, teased their tutors. Neryana always indulged in more exciting activities; as though she was living for both of them, experiencing everything Celest couldn't in fear of being discovered.

She swallowed the growing lump in her throat. The pain had dulled over two years but never vanished. How could it? Immortal witches were not supposed to meet their end at eighteen. Sudden and unjust.

Elliot sat in the farthest corner, in an armchair facing the lake in their backyard. Between the imposing supernaturals, he stood out like a sore thumb; his clothes barely holding on to their colours, with unkempt hair, and beard. His expression distant and eyes empty, caused him to appeare older than all of them.

Three maids placed Celest's favourite snacks, including her preferred chocolate cupcake on the coffee table before rushing out. She held back her smile. It was as though her family knew she would visit them.

"Where is Cassandra?" Celest broke the silence before allowing the tension to resurface.

Arthur shrugged. Oberon turned to Althya, they exchanged a look, both seemed surprised.