Sins of the Gifted

Is it truly so bad to be different? To be part of that minority, rather than the majority, and not fit within the norm?

It begins with Arabella, who is busying herself before her debutante, which happens to be hosted by her father. It was commonplace to have their debutante at 16; however, Arabella was a rare case, as she was 20. While her twin sister Eleanore already had her debutante at 17, Arabella was hidden away until a more opportune moment, as her father put it, not that it mattered to her, as the longer she put it off, the longer she could avoid marriage.

Arabella is a fierce young woman with a resilient presence. She stands at an average height of 5′5 with a thin and dainty look, which speaks to her constitution. Her most defining feature is her long, wavy brown and black hair which resembles a lion’s mane. The wild cascade of hair that is difficult to tame reflects her stubborn nature. Her eyes are a deep shade of forest green, full of life that seems to hold a carefree feeling framed by lashes that add to her feminine look. Her complexion is pale, from a life of aristocracy, and often does not need to be outdoors. The features of Arabella are delicate, with high cheekbones and a straight nose. Her lips were naturally small and usually seen in a frown, hinting at her short temperament.

So here she was clinging for dear life to her bed frame as her maid tightened her corset as much as possible. Finally, it was over, and her maid stood back. Arabella always despised the overly tight corsets that came with being an aristocratic lady. But it was one of the few things she had to deal with for the sake of some family honour she never understood. Arabella stands there facing away from her personal maid Anna, as she struggles to breathe somewhat while she tries to adjust her breathing slightly, “Why must corsets be this tight...” She complained, brushing her untamed hair out of her face as she turned around to face Anna.

On the other hand, Anna was quite pleased with her work and how tame Arabella was this time, as she would usually be far more stubborn and become querulous. “It’s time to brush your hair, My Lady,” Anna speaks up and only receives the side eye from Arabella, who very much dislikes having her hair brushed as it was referred to as the lion’s mane, difficult to tame as her mother would put it when she was a child. “I will loosen your corset a tad if you allow me to brush your hair, My Lady,” Anna offers, which, after some hesitation, seems to appease Arabella. After loosening her corset slightly, she works through her hair with a brush as carefully as possible, trying not to enrage the lion as most servants referred to her. Despite her short fuse, many of the servants cared deeply for Arabella due to her kind nature towards them, regardless of whether they were noble or commoners.

It was finally peaceful again as Arabella soon found the brush through her hair somewhat soothing as she usually did when Anna brushed her hair, which was why Anna was usually the only maid to assist in her getting ready despite being the eldest daughter of a Marquess. “Anna, is there any news on the time for my brother’s yearly memorial?” She asks, eyeing various boxes of jewellery placed on her dressing table.

However, Anna hesitates; knowing the news she has for her will only upset her, as she knows how dearly she cares for her brother. “I was informed that the Marquess wishes to hold the yearly ceremony in a week’s time b-but-” she answers, yet is interrupted as Arabella stands up in a rush.

“In seven days!? But the anniversary is tomorrow!” She protests, evidently upset about the news of her brother’s memorial, as it always meant a great deal for her to have it held on the same day each year. She paces around, deep in her thoughts, as Anna watches, unsure how to calm Arabella. It took a few moments for her to notice the sudden pain from biting her lips; a habit her father would consistently berate her for. She suddenly stopped in her tracks and traced her fingers on her lips to detect that they were now bleeding from the biting; then, it hit her, and she looked at Anna, who seemed worried about her. ” I am doing it again; I am sorry for worrying for you, Anna; I will sit myself down again; there are only two hours until the debutante,” after she said that things went smoothly, and before she knew it, two hours had passed, and she was making her way to the ballroom with her father.

Her chosen outfit featured an elegant black gown that exuded sophistication and timeless beauty. The dress’s bodice is designed with intricate lace details, accentuating the wearer’s silhouette with a hint of allure. Off-the-shoulder sleeves flow gracefully, made from delicate sheer fabric that adds romance to the overall design. The gown is cinched at the waist with a subtle yet stylish belt adorned with a small sparkling brooch. The dress’s skirt is full and sweeping, cascading down in rich, voluminous layers adorned with intricate floral embroidery, adding a touch of nature-inspired elegance to the ensemble. The flowers, meticulously stitched in a contrasting light colour, seem to bloom against the dark fabric, creating a striking visual effect. The dress is accessorised with a delicate necklace that complements the neckline, drawing attention to the wearer’s graceful collarbones, complete with classic, black, high-heeled shoes that elongate the legs and add to the dress’s sophisticated charm.

Her father, on the other hand, was a figure of distinguished charm and commanding presence and stood as the epitome of aristocratic refinement as he hosted the evening’s grand ball. In his early forties, he carried himself with the assured grace of a man well-versed in the duties and expectations of his noble title.

His brown eyes were the most captivating features. Deep and expressive, they reflect a keen intellect and warmth that puts his guests at ease. His gaze is both discerning and kind and is capable of conveying authority and empathy in equal measure. These eyes are framed by dark, well-groomed brows which add to his striking authoritative appearance.

His complexion is fair, with a healthy glow that speaks of an active outdoor life during his sword training. His face was characterised by strong, defined features: high cheekbones, a straight nose, and a firm jawline. A well-maintained beard, trimmed to perfection, adding sophistication and maturity to his visage, with a few strands of silver that lend a distinguished touch to his otherwise dark hair.

For the ball, Edward is impeccably dressed in attire, befitting his status as a host: he wears a finely tailored evening suit made of the richest black velvet, a fabric chosen for its luxurious texture, and classic elegance. The suit fits him perfectly, accentuating his tall athletic build. Underneath the velvet jacket, he sports a crisp white shirt, its high collar adorned with a meticulously tied cravat of deep burgundy silk fastened with a simple yet elegant gold pin.

His waistcoat, crafted from a brocade in shades of gold and burgundy, adds a touch of opulence to his ensemble. The intricate patterns of the brocade catch the light, highlighting the craftsmanship and adding depth to his attire. His trousers fall into clean lines to polished black leather shoes, which gleam under ballroom light.

His accessories are understated yet tasteful, chosen to enhance rather than overpower his look. A pocket watch of antique gold peeks from his waistcoat pocket; its chain is a subtle accent against the rich fabric. On his left hand, he wore a signet ring bearing the Allard family crest, a symbol of his heritage and responsibility. As he moves through the ballroom, he engages his guests with genuine interest, and his deep voice resonates with warmth and confidence. His laughter is a rich and hearty sound that adds to the convivial atmosphere of the evening. Every gesture and movement is imbued with natural grace.

“Remember to be mindful of the Allard name when presenting yourself at tonight’s debutante, a lot of careful planning when into this day”, her father warns, as they walk closer to the doors leading to the ball. However, Arabella could only nod in response, feeling intimidated in his presence, as she always did, and thus decided that silence would be more favourable. Fortunately, her silence was appreciated by her father and his frown lessened somewhat, “Very good, there will be many suitors curious about you since your debutante was delayed for four years, so keep an eye on any of suitable standing whom you take a liking to, as long as his title good enough, you may choose whom you like”, he explains as they finally reach the doors leading to the ballroom. As the doors finally open and the chatter and music fill Arabella’s ears, she soon starts to feel somewhat nervous, yet refuses to show it, no less in front of her father.

The grand debutante ball hosted by Anabella’s father, Marquess Allard, unfolds within the opulent confines of Harrington Manor, a stately residence ensconced on the edge of the capital. The manor, an architectural marvel of elegance, stands regally amidst manicured gardens and sprawling lawns; its stone facade bathed in the soft glow of strategically placed lanterns. As the evening descends, the mansion’s grandeur is further accentuated by the silvery light of a crescent moon, casting serene luminescence over the scene. Upon entering through elaborately carved oak doors, the guests are greeted by a vast entrance hall adorned with marble floors and towering columns. The hall’s centrepiece, a magnificent crystal chandelier, cascades light across the room, illuminating the intricate frescoes that adorn the ceiling. Rich tapestries depicting pastoral scenes and heroic tales hanging along the walls, vivid colours, and sumptuous textures. The ballroom is a cavernous space of refined beauty, and features walls lined with gilt-framed mirrors, creating the illusion of an infinite space. Lavish draperies of deep burgundy and gold velvet cascade from ceiling to floor, framing tall windows that offer glimpses of the moonlit gardens. The polished parquet floor, polished to a mirror finish, was ready to be graced by the delicate steps of the debutantes and their partners. Around the room, arrangements of fresh flowers—roses, lilies, and peonies—lend their heady fragrance to the air, mingling with the scent of beeswax candles flickering in golden sconces. A string quartet, positioned discreetly near a grand fireplace, fills the room with gentle strains of classical melodies, providing a harmonious backdrop to the soft murmur of conversation and the rustle of silk gowns. The guests, attired at their finest, move with practised elegance. The debutantes, resplendent in white gowns adorned with lace and pearls, wear expressions of excited anticipation, and their beauty is enhanced by the soft, flattering candlelight. Their partners dashing in impeccably tailored evening suits escort them with a grace befitting the occasion. Tables laden with culinary delights on one side of the room. Silver platters bearing an assortment of delicacies—succulent meats, fine cheeses, exotic fruits, and intricately decorated pastries—tempt the palate, while fine wines and champagne flow freely, served by attentive footmen. As the evening progresses, Viscount, a figure of distinguished charm, moves through the crowd, his presence commanding yet warm. He engages his guests with witty conversation and genuine interest, ensuring that each attendee feels honoured by his attention. Outside the gardens are illuminated by twinkling lights, casting a magical ambience over meticulously sculpted hedges and flowerbeds. Paths lined with lanterns lead to hidden nooks where couples can steal a moment of privacy under the starlit sky, and the soft sounds of the ball drifting through the open windows. In this setting of unparalleled splendour, the debutante ball unfolds, a night of timeless elegance, and refined celebration, where tradition and beauty converge in perfect harmony, befitting the noble lineage of Marquess Allard.

After both Arabella and her father were announced, she made her way into the ballroom, and it was not long until a pair of men approached her; unfortunately for her, she recognised them from the unsavoury rumours she had heard from her sister Eleanore, and you could see it in their eyes what they wanted. “Lady Arabella, it’s nice to finally meet you, we were thinking that-” one of them tries to say before being interrupted by someone clearing their throat behind them.

“I do hope you will allow me to chat with my good friend’s daughter for a while, won’t you good lads?” He asks, the other two men looking at each other before sheepishly walking off, clearly disappointed that they had to retreat this time. “It seems some girls have brought in some rascals, how unsavoury, it is good to see you again Arabella, I was about to find your father before I found those boys surrounding you,” he explains, with a hearty laugh as he thinks how fast the men scurried like rats after he spoke. The man now talking to Arabella was Insula’s only Duke Sylvio Burke the King’s older brother, who had refused to become king and thus received a Duke title from the previous king.

He is a distinguished and imposing figure exuding an aura of nobility and authority. He has a well-groomed, full beard and moustache that complements his strong jawline and adds to his commanding presence. His hair is light brown, neatly styled, and pulled back into a ponytail, revealing a high forehead and pronounced widow’s peak. His piercing eyes are light shades of grey and conveying intelligence and confidence.He is dressed in an opulent, intricately designed ensemble that reflects his high status and refined tastes. His outer garment is a luxurious beige coat that reaches below his hips. The coat is made from a rich, high-quality fabric, featuring elaborate gold embroidery that forms ornate patterns across lapels, cuffs, and hem. The gold threadwork is intricate and detailed, showcasing motifs of vines, leaves, and floral designs that add a regal flair to his appearance. Underneath the coat, he wears a deep red shirt from fine silk or similar lustrous material. The shirt’s rich colour strikingly contrasts with the beige and gold of his coat, drawing attention to his chest area. The shirt is buttoned neatly, with each button possibly made of gold or adorned with small gemstones, adding a touch of extravagance to his attire. The centrepiece of his outfit is a large ornate medallion that rests on his chest, hanging from a thick gold chain. The medallion is exquisitely crafted, featuring a central gemstone surrounded by intricate metalwork. Additional chains and smaller medallions drape his shoulders and chest, each designed with meticulous attention to detail, indicating his rank, achievements, or affiliations. His coat is embellished with epaulettes on the shoulders, made of braided gold cord, and adorned with tassels that dangle elegantly. The sleeves of his jacket are fitted, with the cuffs flaring slightly and decorated with more gold embroidery and a few small decorative buttons. Completing his attire are his trousers, made from the same high-quality fabric as his coat, tailored to fit perfectly and allowing for ease of movement. They are likely a dark colour, possibly black or deep brown, ensuring they do not distract from the grandeur of his upper garments. His footwear is polished leather boots or shoes, consistent with the rest of his elegant outfit. Truly an outfit befitting a duke and the king’s brother.

Duke Sylvio waves to a nearby footman with a tray of drinks and signals to Arabella to grab something to her taste, and she picks up a glass of fruity champagne with a rosy hue. “It is always good to see a familiar face Your Grace, and...thank you for that,” Arabella expresses, her tension easing up somewhat in his presence as he had that warming effect on people, at least with those he was on friendly terms with. While he thinks of what to say next, she sips a bit of her drink and hesitates somewhat as her train of thoughts stops on the recent monster attacks in his dukedom, “How are the monster hunts fairing, I have heard news from my father there have been more sightings in your dukedom recently...” She asks, unsure whether or not she could ask a question in a setting such as this.

Despite the topic, the Duke does not seem troubled, rather he folds his arms and thinks deeply for a moment, soon he unfolds his arms and places a hand on his beard still in thought. Finally, he looked at Arabella with a warming smile, “I am sure you will learn this in your marital studies so I will answer your question, on the promise it will be our little secret, deal?” He asks, and she nods in response and is now eager to learn. “The major areas of the country are protected by crystals as you no doubt learned from your studies; however, smaller villages are weak to monster attacks such as Banshees, Black Shucks, Baobhan Siths and for those near the water Kelpies, that kind of monsters are easily dealt with trained knights...” he explains, but pauses as he hesitates to continue with his train of thought as he eyes Arabella’s expression in the corner of his eye. “There have been sightings of a Nuckelavee, something that infects crops and livestock alike, bringing famine where it goes,” he finishes, as Arabella’s eyes dart away at the sound of its name.

The reason was it was the same creature that brought a plague to the village her brother was residing in during a monster hunt. “Is there any possible way to predict its movements and redirect any fresh flowing rivers or bodies of water to entrap it since that is the only thing it cannot cross?” she asked, brushing her unsavoury thoughts to the back of her mind, focusing on how others would be perceiving her.

The duke seems a little surprised by her reaction, and is taken a bit for a moment until he regains his composure, “It travels in a relatively straight path so while it is entirely possible, it would be a rather difficult task, and require a lot of planning in regards to where exactly would be most optimal to trap it,” he answers, thinking once more. His expression quickly changes as you can see the dots connecting in his mind, “If you will excuse me, I must find your father, I will make sure to mention this idea of yours, I do hope you enjoy the rest of your debuntate Arabella,” he announces, swiftly leaving and leaving Arabella by herself once more.

Not long after the duke left, Arabella was swamped with dance requests, she did her best to satisfy most of those requests and at last, she was finally by herself on the balcony after she had informed two of the servants to refuse entry for anyone so she could enjoy some peace for a while. She thoroughly enjoyed the music, but the crowds, the loud talking, being berated with requests to dance, it was a lot, she wasn’t used to this much attention from this many different unfamiliar people. During her childhood, she would run and hide in the gardens just below and they would always change each year to suit the ever-changing trends. Still, the single unchanging feature was Arabella’s personal garden just ahead, complete with her favourite flowers and furniture for any tea parties she wished to hold. However, so far it had only been used for her and her sister during their practice tea parties during their etiquette lessons. Sighing softly, she leans on the balcony’s balustrade as she looks away from her personal garden in the distance to the starlit skies just above as she always would as a small child with her older brother as she listened to heroic tales he would always make up for her.

“Hidding in our little corner are we?” a voice asks, causing Arabella to turn her head to see who it was, and it only turned out to be her mother, Marchioness Adeline a refined woman in her late 30s.

Her mother exuded an air of timeless beauty and grace. Her lustrous hair, a rich shade of chestnut brown, was styled in a side ponytail that cascaded over her shoulder in soft, romantic waves. The ponytail was adorned with delicate ribbons that matched the colours of her gown, adding a touch of elegance to her hairstyle.

Her face was a portrait of classical beauty, with a delicate nose and full, rosy lips that curved into a serene and confident smile. Her skin was smooth and fair, with a natural radiance that seemed to glow from within. Her eyes, a striking shade of emerald green, sparkled with intelligence and a hint of mischief, framed by long, dark lashes that accentuated their captivating depth.

She carried herself with an effortless grace, her posture straight and regal, with a warmth in her demeanour that made her approachable and kind-hearted. Her presence was commanding, yet her gentle smile and the twinkle in her eyes revealed a compassionate soul.

She wore a stunning gown that was a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. The bodice was adorned with intricate lace and delicate embroidery and hugged her figure gracefully. The gown was a harmonious blend of deep, velvety black and rich, vibrant red, creating a striking and regal appearance.

The upper part of the dress was crafted from black fabric, adorned with sparkling gemstones and intricate floral embroidery that added a touch of sophistication and luxury. The red underskirt peeked through the layers of black, creating a beautiful contrast that emphasized the dress’s voluminous and layered design. The embroidery continued onto the red fabric, with golden threads creating intricate patterns that caught the light with every movement. A large, elegant bow sat just below her waist, perfectly positioned to highlight her slender figure. The dress flowed down to the floor in a cascade of ruffles and layers, each tier more elaborate than the last. Her matching red gloves extended past her elbows, adding a touch of refinement and grace.

“M-mother! I can explain, I am not avoiding any possible suitors-” Arabella shutters, stumbling over her words her eyes wandering as she tries to collect her thoughts. Finally, her eyes land back on her mother and all she sees is a reassuring smile, the same one she would always see from her mother no matter what she did, from skipping etiquette lessons to sneaking desserts from the kitchen to hand out to the servants as a child, a considerable contrast to her father who was a stickler for rules. “I needed a breather from too many dances in a row,” she states, still nervous about upsetting her mother. While her mother had never seriously gotten angry at her or shouted at her, that anxiety to finally cause it to happen always remained.

Her mother walks closer and places her hands on the balcony’s marble balustrade as she looks towards the garden, “If your father asks, simply tell him I felt faint and you were kind enough to assist me outside for some air,” her mother responds. Arabella only nods in response, unsure what else to say to her mother. “There is plenty of time left across the next three days for you to pick someone to your liking, do not worry too much, alright my Little Lion?” her mother reassures, looking at Arabella while she, on the other hand, looks away in embarrassment at hearing the childhood nickname her mother would always call her when it was just the two of them.

“Mother I am much too old for that childish nickname-”

“Ah, but you shall always be my Little Lion, no matter how old and grey you become,”

Arabella frows a little in defeat, unable to argue with her mother further; however, in the process, her anxiety lessens without her realising it, unlike her mother, who notices her improved mood despite all the frowning. “I shall distract your father so take your time, I am sure the cool breeze will help,” Marchioness Adeline tells Arabella as she returns to the ballroom to find Marquess Edwin.

Once more, Arabella was by herself at last, and her attention was turned towards the stars in the sky as she began to stare at the endless darkness and its little shining stars, and as she stood alone, her mind started to wander. Her thoughts soon led to her possible future, how unsure she was and how nervous she was about the possible husband she would eventually end up with for the rest of her life. Despite her mother’s love for her father, he never felt the same, and while he did indeed care for her, there was always that lingering loneliness she occasionally noticed on her.

However, unfortunately for Arabella, this solitude did not last long as yet another visitor stumbled onto the balcony. “Why, if it isn’t the oh-so-secret Lady Arabella, I heard the news of your debut into society this spring, so I had to attend,” a male voice expresses. As soon as Arabella turns around, you can almost see the blood drain from her face as she is face to face with the crown prince. Despite her racing mind, she gracefully shows him a curtsey, bowing her head, waiting for permission to rise and standard custom when greeting the Royal Family. “You may stand I care not for these pointless formalities,” he speaks, finally allowing Arabella to stand straight, and she does so.

The crown prince stood tall and regal, his presence commanding respect and admiration. His amber eyes, reminiscent of molten gold, glowed with an inner fire, reflecting playfulness and a hint of mystery. His piercing gaze seemed to see through the facades of those around him, exuding a sense of authority and intelligence. His hair, a rich chestnut colour, fell in soft waves around his shoulders, adding to his princely allure. Clad in a finely embroidered tunic of deep royal blue, adorned with golden accents, he epitomized nobility and grace. His posture was impeccable, and his every movement had a fluid elegance, a testament to his noble upbringing and rigorous sword training. Despite the grandeur that surrounded him, there was an approachable warmth in his smile, suggesting a compassionate heart beneath his regal exterior. However, despite his inviting smile, the rumours about him ran rampant throughout high society.

“I greet Insula’s little sun, to what do I owe the pleasure of being in your presence, your Highness?” Arabella asks, trying to hide her disdain for the man, often hearing rumours of his countless rendezvous with various naive or gullible women who fell for his charms. However, he does not respond and instead inches closer to her, causing Arabella to step backwards into the balcony’s balustrade, now suddenly feeling cornered as panic sets in.

“Your father and that florid plan of his had almost every man desperate for a glimpse of you tonight and even more desperate for a simple dance, and yet here you are, it seems fortunate is with me tonight to find you here alone,” he comments, grabbing her hand, softly kiss the back. With one swift movement, he pulls away his hand and removes Arabella’s glove, which only ruffles her further. There was a known fact within the Allard estate that Arabella loathed to be touched, with a few select individuals being the exception; the feeling of someone touching her bare skin made her skin crawl. However, in the face of the crown prince, she didn’t dare to lose her temper, and for once in her life, she felt trapped, unable to fight or flee. It wasn’t long until there was a painful feeling in her chest, and her breathing became unsteady, and eventually, her legs gave in. Out of surprise, Prince Alastair took a step back to assess the situation, unsure how to react to such a sudden outburst that he didn’t fully understand, “Are you alright!?” he yelled out, his voice feeling distant in Arabella’s ears as her vision now becomes blurry the pain increasing. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps, each one a desperate attempt to draw air into her lungs. A cold sweat broke out across her forehead, and her hands trembled uncontrollably. She clutched her chest, feeling the rapid, erratic thumping of her heart as if it might burst through her ribcage at any moment. The room around her seemed to spin, the walls closing in, making it difficult to focus on anything but the overwhelming sense of dread. Her vision blurred, and she could feel tears welling up, blinding her further. A high-pitched ringing echoed in her ears, drowning out all other sounds. Her mind raced with irrational fears, each more terrifying than the last. She felt a crushing weight pressing down on her as if the air itself was conspiring to suffocate her. The world seemed to collapse around her, and all she could do was wait for the storm of panic to pass. As desperation seeps in, Arabella continues to clench her chest, frantic to calm her breathing, unable to look at the prince any longer. Alastair, on the other hand, stares in confusion, still frozen in place; now would be his time to charm Arabella into thinking he truly cared to achieve what he wanted, but for some reason, his mind was racing with thoughts of his own.

Without either of them knowing, the shadows closest to Arabella grow darker. Until finally, there was a large pool of darkness underneath her, ready to pull her under at any moment. There were no differences in the lighting around them, and it was still nighttime, so there was no reasonable explanation for them to change. That was until the crown prince noticed the phenomena, “You’re a Gifted...” he mutters, his eyes widening in shock, taking a step backwards away from her, suddenly becoming afraid. “Guards there is a Gifted in our midst!” he calls out, trying to catch the attention of any guards within the ballroom. As if at the right moment, the shadows engulf Arabella, causing her to disappear as she falls into what feels like an abyss. “She’s getting away, find her!” Alastair yells out as guards surround the balcony, frantically searching for Arabella, who is nowhere to be seen.

Amidst all the chaos, Arabella remained desperate for air, feeling like she had fallen into deep water. The endless darkness only aided in her panic as she felt more despondent. Due to her shaky hands and legs that felt like jelly, she forced herself to limp around while stumbling around like a wounded animal in search of a safe haven. There were no smells in this strange place, and the only sounds were of Arabella’s irregular, heavy breathing and her heartbeat that raced at an alarming rate. She soon began to run, growing ever more desperate to escape this unfamiliar place, until finally, she fell to her knees once more, “Anna, Mother, where are you, I need you,” she pleaded.

With eyes shut tight, she failed to notice that the darkness finally dispersed and she was alone in one of the hallways of the estate; however, she was not alone for long as both her personal maid Anna and her mother found her, racing towards her alarmed, “Arabella!” her mother yells, catching her attention. She looked up to her mother, but amidst her blurred vision and tears, it was difficult to see. “Arabella there is no time, your father is looking for you as we speak, you-” her mother goes to explain but stops mid-sentence, seeing the state her daughter was in. It had been so long since she had seen her daughter like this, and she could only imagine what her daughter had seen during the hour she had been missing, “It will be alright my Little Lion, no matter what happens I will always love you, so please concentrate on your breathing,” she implores, tightly hugging Arabella, hoping to get through to her. Gradually, her breathing began to slow with each inhale, becoming a little deeper and more controlled. The tightness in her chest loosened its grip, allowing her heart to find a steadier, more regular rhythm. The cold sweat that had dampened her skin started to dry, and the tremors in her hands eased until they were barely noticeable. She focused on a distant point in the room, grounding herself in the present moment. The room, which had seemed to close in on her, now began to feel more open, less oppressive. The high-pitched ringing in her ears faded, replaced by the soft, familiar sounds of her surroundings. Her vision cleared, the world now focusing, and she wiped away the lingering tears. The racing thoughts that had tormented her mind slowed, dissipating like mist in the morning sun. She took a few more deep breaths, feeling the air fill her lungs fully and completely, and with each exhale, she released a bit more of the lingering tension. As the storm of anxiety subsided, she uncurled from her defensive posture, stretching out her limbs and feeling a sense of calm begin to settle over her. “There we go, it will be alright, Arabella,” she reassures, finally releasing her and helping her up from the floor. “Follow me into Anna’s room, I will explain what will happen there, but we must move now,” she informs her, holding onto her hand and guiding her towards Anna’s room; luckily, since Anna was a personal maid, she had her own room since she was a part of a low ranking noble family.

They safely reach Anna’s bedroom, where there is an outfit waiting laid out on the bed. “Listen to me carefully, news of your new Gift has spread like wildfire, and as you know, those with Gifts are seen as something evil, I need you to change into this outfit and then Anna will guide you out of the estate, but I must leave to delay your father in locking down the premises,” she explains carefully, making sure that Arabella heard every word. However, having only recovered from her terror and panic episode, she was still struggling to get to grips with what was transpiring.

Before she could say a word, her mother had already left, and Anna had begun to help her out of her dress, “I’m sorry My Lady, we must hurry,” she called out, but to no avail; Arabella was too stunned to react, and it wasn’t until she was out of the dress and heels that she snapped out of it. Anna guided her to the dress on the bed, and Arabella looked down at it, horrified.

The outfit features a charming and whimsical ensemble that perfectly blends rustic elegance and flair. The centrepiece is a beautifully designed dress with a rich, earthy brown colour as the primary hue. The bodice is structured with a deep green corset to accentuate the waist and provide a flattering silhouette. It is complemented by off-the-shoulder, ruffled white sleeves that add a touch of romance and lightness to the outfit.

The skirt is a high-low design with an asymmetrical hemline, allowing a peek of the delicate white lace petticoat underneath. It is also adorned with intricate floral embroidery in warm tones, enhancing the natural and earthy theme of the ensemble. A brown belt cinches the waist, featuring a decorative, vintage-inspired buckle. Paired with the dress are sturdy brown boots, designed for both style and practicality, featuring matching floral embroidery that ties the entire look together. While also being laced up with green ribbons, adding a playful touch to the outfit. The ensemble also includes a coordinating brown handbag adorned with similar floral embroidery and a long strap, making it functional and stylish. This accessory completes the outfit, providing a cohesive and polished look.

“I-I can’t wear this, I-” Arabella tried to protest until she saw the seriousness in Anna’s eyes, and she fell silent. Her mind was eventually piecing together what just occurred and the gravity of her situation. If Arabella refused and dawdled too long, she would be found and killed for her Gift and turned into magic crystals, a cruel ending for any Gifted. “I’ll do it, but... could you assist me one more time...please Anna,” she asks, the corners of her mouth drooping into a soft frown and her brows knit together in worry. Her shoulders slumped, and she avoided eye contact, afraid of her answer. The colour had drained from her cheeks, leaving her pale and fragile after her episode.

“It is always my honour to serve you, My Lady,” she answers before assisting Arabella into the outfit and as expected, it fits perfectly. “Marchioness Adeline has put some necessities inside your bag, there are both Insula Crowns and Caelum’s currency of Lumes, where you need to go, I will help you get as close as possible to the border to Caelum,” she explains, as Arabella intently listens carefully as she tightly grips her bag’s strap.

The two of them had successfully managed to make their way towards the stables with the help of another maid who was close friends with Anna. With a bit of struggle, they both got onto horses and soon dashed towards the gates as they heard a shout from behind, “My Lady, hurry!” Anna yells as they both race closer to the closing gates. Holding their breath, unsure if they will make it in time, a guard hesitates only for a moment in closing the main gates, and they successfully escape.

“W-we did it, Anna!” Arabella yells out, relief hitting her. Unfortunately, that joy didn’t last long as she turned her head to face Anna, she soon heard the sounds of a group of knights on horses chasing after them. Arabella continues on as that is the only thing she knows she can do in such a situation. However, Anna has other plans, and with determination in her eyes, she makes up her mind about what to do.

“My Lady, you must keep heading northeast, towards the harbour that will take you to Caelum, I will distract the knights to allow you to escape,”

“But they will kill you if they catch you!”

“Then I will do my utmost to stay out of reach,”

“Anna, wait!” Arabella’s protests fall on deaf ears as Anna swiftly turns around to direct the knights away from her, and all Arabella can do is turn her head away and cling to the horse’s reins. It wasn’t long until the flickering lights from the knight’s torches faded into the distance as Anna successfully guided them towards a different direction.

Unfortunately, it was not long until the ear-piercing sound of screams soon followed causing Arabella to shut her eyes tightly trying to drown out the images in her mind of what just happened to Anna. “Please still be alive Anna...” she whispers; however, she knows in her heart what transpired as she continues northeast…