30

Ariana

In the days after my father left, Lucas had been acting strangely, disappearing at night and returning with unexplained scars on his body. Every time I tried to ask him, he would deflect the conversation, leaving me with more questions than answers. It was as if a wall had formed between us, and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of worry.

One evening, as we prepared to take Elara to the woods for a playful adventure, a familiar figure emerged from the trees. My heart skipped a beat as I laid eyes on my older sister, Seraphina. It had been years since we had seen each other, and I couldn't help but notice the change in her demeanor. She was dressed more provocatively than I remembered, her confidence exuding an air of boldness.

Lucas tensed beside me, his cold expression directed at Seraphina. He was clearly not pleased with her sudden appearance. But Seraphina ignored his hostility and turned to me, her lips curling into a false smile.

"Ariana," she greeted me, her voice