A gentle voice came from behind. "Crying is okay, kid…"
Ethereal turned. The woman in white had sat beside her, radiating calm and warmth. A tear slipped from her left eye, and suddenly, all the tension, fear, and grief erupted. She sobbed loudly, unrestrained, her body shaking as if the sorrow had been trapped for years.
The woman placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and rubbed her back gently. Gradually, Ethereal wiped her wet cheeks and whispered through hiccups, "I am not weak! My Roni didn't raise me like that!"
The woman smiled softly. "Indeed. Deus women are not weak. Your Ronyssa Deus… she was a remarkable woman herself."
Ethereal's brow furrowed. "Ronyssa… my aunt? That's her real name?"
The woman's eyes widened slightly. "Yes… it is." She gently wiped Ethereal's tear-streaked face. "Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Ethereal Maroon." She extended her hand in a handshake.
Ethereal blinked.
The woman stood, stretching her hand forward to meet Ethereal's. "I am Serelaithe Jean Silith." She gave a playful flick on Ethereal's head. "And you… are not Some Maroon… or an orange… you are a Deus Dane—the combination of most prestigious families across two realms."
Ethereal yelped in pain, clutching her head. "A Deus Dane?? But Roni always said I have no family… that my parents died in an accident!"
Serelaithe laughed, a mix of amusement and sympathy, tears glimmering in her eyes. "A mere accident could never kill a Dane… let alone the Deus line." She paused, her expression sobering. "Half of what she said is true… your mother is gone."
Her voice dulled as she spoke of the past, and Ethereal felt a heavy weight settle on her chest—an unfamiliar truth, wrapped in sorrow, power, and destiny.
Ethereal tilted her head, curiosity and longing mixing in her voice. "Can I… know more about my mother and father?"
Serelaithe's gaze softened. "You will have to learn about your mother yourself… but as for your father, I can give you some hints. Your father is Ruceous Dane Silithrae—he was the former Protector of the realm. Currently, he serves as the head of the Dane family and Prime Advisor of the Velarian Defence Unit. He can act like an ass sometimes… but deep down, he's a good man."
Ethereal smiled faintly. "So… you're not anti to him?"
Serelaithe shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. "No sibling likes it when the other is stronger and more powerful than themselves."
Ethereal's eyes widened. "Wait… are you my father's sibling? So… you're my aunt?"
Serelaithe nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. Ethereal fell silent, her mind a whirl of thoughts as she absorbed this new truth.
Gently, Serelaithe ruffled her hair. "I always wanted to meet you, kid… after all, you are my best friend's little baby. But Ronyssa never wanted you involved in the power-driven hierarchies of our world. I'm glad, though… that you got some time with your family."
Ethereal lifted her head, a hint of longing in her eyes. "But… you're my family too. I want to spend time with my father… and my other family. Are there others?"
Serelaithe paused, thinking carefully. Then, with a small smile, she said, "Yes… you also have an elder brother. His name is Tahoron Jorah Dane."
Ethereal's eyes sparkled with happiness. Pride and excitement lifted her gaze as a bright smile spread across her face. For the first time, she felt a connection to her bloodline—a family she had only begun to understand.
Ethereal moved toward the balcony, excitement and curiosity bubbling in her chest. "So… what's next?! What should I do?"
Serelaithe turned to her, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "How about joining Elarion?"
Ethereal blinked, confused. "Elarion… what's that?"
Serelaithe's eyes gleamed. "It's the most prestigious elementary magical school in all the realms."
Ethereal's mouth fell open. "Wow… really? But… how can I get in?"
Serelaithe's smirk widened. "Leave the process to me. So… you in or not?"
Ethereal nodded, determination shining in her eyes.
"Before everything, you need to go home… meet your family." Serelaithe extended her palm.
"Sure," Ethereal said, placing her hand on Serelaithe's. In an instant, a strange dizziness swept over her—the first time she had ever been teleported.
"Believe me," Serelaithe said, glancing back, "the first time is always the worst."
When Ethereal's vision cleared, they were standing before a massive villa, walls and gates shimmering like starlight—a true heavenly palace.
"Come on, let's go," Serelaithe said, lightly tapping Ethereal's back. The doors swung open automatically, revealing a grand hall: plush sofas, chimneys casting warmth, and a staircase branching elegantly to the upper floors.
Every servant present bowed in perfect unison to Serelaithe.
The head butler stepped forward, eyes wide with respect. "Madam Silith, my utmost respect. And this young lady is…?"
Serelaithe moved aside, giving Ethereal some space. "This is Ethereal Deus Dane—your young miss, daughter of your master."
The head butler immediately bowed deeper, his eyes widening further.
"You cannot bow to whoever you wish, Head Butler Xerofin," a sharp, mocking voice rang out.
A boy in his mid-teens stepped forward, arms crossed. "Come on, Aunt Serelaithe… you can't just bring some straycat into the Dane villa and claim her as my little sister!"
Serelaithe's smirk never wavered. "Don't tell me your senses have dulled staying at Elarion, Tahoron."
Tahoron's eyes narrowed, but a sly grin crossed his face. "Alright! If Everyone in this room can feel her presence… as a Dane."
He stepped forward, fists glowing with magical energy. "Then let her show the power of a Dane and prove herself, Serelaithe."
Before he could strike, the air froze. Time seemed to halt. From the staircase, a man in his mid-thirties descended slowly, buttoning his sleeves with deliberate calm.
"I know you've become a Silithrae, Taho… but that doesn't mean you can challenge your aunt's decisions!"
Tahoron froze, head lowered in deference. Ethereal instinctively stepped behind Serelaithe, eyes wide as the weight of her family's power settled around her.