"People often think that if someone tells you their secret, it means they trust you… But a secret can never truly be trusted. The only thing in this world that can be trusted—are thoughts. Because no one else knows them."
Rustilia stirred, her thoughts heavy and disoriented.
Where am I? she wondered. It feels like a weight has lifted from my body... What is this rough touch on my head? Father?
She was afraid to open her eyes, clinging to the fragile illusion of warmth—of a gentle touch she hadn't felt in years.
"It's okay now… You're safe."
The moment she heard the voice, she knew—it wasn't her father's. Her eyes snapped open. A man she didn't recognize was sitting beside her.
Startled, Rustilia screamed and scrambled backward. The scream kept echoing in the open air.
Arvard winced and clutched his ears. "Shut up, you brat!" he yelled, half annoyed, half alarmed.
Rustilia looked around desperately, spotting a knife lying on the ground as if waiting for her. Without hesitation, she lunged toward it and charged at the man.
But Arvard was faster. He snatched the knife from her hands, holding it with a calm yet dangerous look. "Calm down, or I might actually hurt you."
"That's what you all do!" she screamed, tears already rolling down her cheeks. "My own father locked me away… and this undying hunger—it's a curse! Kill me! I hate all of you… All of you!"
She collapsed to the ground, sobbing. Her tears fell like rain from a pitch-black sky.
Arvard tossed the knife aside. He approached slowly, kneeling down.
As he moved to comfort her, she muttered, "He never came… Big brother Arvard… He must've hated me, just like the rest."
Arvard froze.
He hadn't expected that. She remembered him. Looked up to him. Had waited for him.
All while he had ignored her very existence—since the day she was still in their mother's womb.
He reached out a hand. Rustilia recoiled, certain he was about to strike her.
"No need to be afraid," he said softly. "Your big brother's not like the others."
She looked up, and in his red eyes, she saw something her mother once told her about. A shimmer of truth.
"You came…" she whispered, her voice trembling under the weight of so many buried emotions.
Without thinking, she threw herself at him and hugged him as tightly as she could, breaking down all over again.
Arvard felt two things in that moment: first, that she was much stronger than she looked—and second, that for the first time in years, he wanted to hug someone back.
He held her as she cried—for sixteen long minutes.
When her sobs finally quieted, Arvard gently loosened the embrace. "How do you feel?"
Rustilia didn't let go. "Thank you… For the first time in forever, I feel safe. Like something evil inside me finally let go… Big brother."
Arvard smiled softly. "I think we should stay outside tonight. It's peaceful here."
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
"A little," Rustilia replied. "But it's not… that thirst. I promise."
Arvard chuckled. "Of course I believe you, Rustilia. Now let go—let's eat something."
But she held him even tighter.
"I don't want to go inside…"
"I know, I know," Arvard replied with a knowing smile. "That's why I ordered our food out here. It'll be here any minute."
"Mmm…" Rustilia murmured.
"Do you want to meet Mother?" he asked carefully.
"No." Her reply was instant and firm. "She pretends she cares… but she stood there that day. She let him lock me in."
Arvard nodded inwardly. So I was right. Even if the curse left her, she was still like a frightened cat—scarred inside.
He chuckled.
"Are you… laughing at me?" Rustilia asked, loosening her grip.
"No, not at all," he said. "It's just… I know what you've been through. Let me tell you something."
He looked into the distance as he spoke.
"Eleven years ago, there was a city called Little Ace. There was a gathering of mages, and I got invited. It was a legal, official event. But small cults didn't like it… They banded together and overran the city in one night. They captured everyone. Those who resisted… were burned alive. Only three people managed to escape—by using teleportation magic."
"What's that?" Rustilia asked, her eyes wide.
"It's a high-level spell. Lets you go to any place you know, in a blink."
"Wow! What happened next? Did you fight them?" she asked, her excitement returning.
"Of course not," Arvard grinned. "I followed their every command. They never even realized who they were messing with. For months, they held public executions—but my turn never came. Four months later, we all escaped. Quietly. Thanks to Gelhard's truce."
Rustilia stood up. "But why didn't you escape earlier? You're so powerful!"
Arvard stood with her and gently patted her head.
"The prison was in the center of the city. To escape, I'd have to cross through chaos. There was only a 59% chance of survival. I didn't wait because I trusted anyone—I waited because I knew Gelhard would come. He always does."
He smiled.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is—everyone deserves someone they can trust. And if you'll let me, I'll be that person for you."
He wasn't being fully honest. He hadn't waited out of trust. He'd known Gelhard loved him—and that he was the only way Gelhard could see the world.
But he lied—for her. Because she needed to believe in someone.
"I know, brother," Rustilia said. "In my story, I waited for you, too."
She paused.
"But just tell me… did you take revenge on that city?"
Before Arvard could answer, Victoria appeared, dragging a trolley of food.
"Sorry I'm late. The King kept me with his endless questions," she laughed.
Rustilia immediately hid behind Arvard.
He touched her hand. "No need to hide. That's Victoria. She won't hurt you."
Victoria knelt down and said warmly, "Hello, little princess. Remember me? I was in charge of the southwest wing."
Rustilia peeked out. Victoria caught a glimpse of her eyes—and her new heir.
Victoria smiled and stood. "Aren't you hungry? Your big brother had us make your favorite dishes!"
The aroma lured Rustilia out. She walked forward cautiously. Victoria smiled; Arvard followed close behind.
After dinner, Rustilia quickly warmed up to Victoria. Her trust blossomed.
"You can come out now," Arvard said suddenly.
Cordilia stepped into view.
Rustilia stepped back, wary. "Who's she?" Victoria asked.
"She's Cordilia. A friend… a mermaid."
"Hey there," Cordilia waved. "Arvard told me about you."
Rustilia stared at her.
"Are you really a mermaid?" she asked timidly.
"Yes, little princess," Cordilia said, kneeling beside her. "You can call me big sister if you like."
"No need," Arvard interrupted, chuckling. "Call her Cordilia."
He knew Cordilia would do anything to get close to him—so of course, she'd charm his family.
"Sis, will you tell me about brother's adventures? Not now, but later?"
"Of course," Cordilia smiled.
They all sat and ate together.
Afterwards, Victoria left.
Arvard sat down with Cordilia on his right, Rustilia on his left. Both leaned against him.
"Can I get some space?" he sighed.
Rustilia quickly shifted. Cordilia didn't move.
"No," she said playfully.
Rustilia blinked—no one had ever talked to Arvard like that.
She moved closer again to watch what he'd say.
"Don't teach her bad habits," Arvard muttered.
Later, he stood.
"I'll be back in ten minutes."
Cordilia stood too. "Wait, I'll come with—"
Arvard turned and stared coldly into her eyes.
I'm going because you can't intersect with her memories. If you follow, I swear I won't talk to you again. And talk about something a six-year-old can understand.
He walked off toward the castle.
Inside, he gave his report and met with his stepmother.
Back outside, Rustilia turned to Cordilia. "Did brother take his revenge on that city?"
Cordilia smiled slyly. "You mean Little Ace? He already told you. In his first sentence."
"What?" Rustilia gasped.
"Remember? He said, 'There used to be a city called Little Ace.'"
"Wait… so it's gone?! He destroyed it?!"
"I won't say more. If he didn't tell you, I won't either," Cordilia teased.
"Please, please, sister-in-law!"
Cordilia's heart skipped. Sister-in-law... Her face lit up.
"I can't say… but think it through."
Rustilia whispered, "He said used to be... So that means—"
"Arvard! You're back!" Cordilia interrupted.
Arvard returned, approaching with a smile.
"What were you two talking about?"
"She's very interested in your travel stories," Cordilia laughed.
Arvard placed a hand on Rustilia's head. "Your mother was so happy to hear about your recovery. We'll meet everyone tomorrow."
"She was?" Rustilia asked, surprised.
"Of course. She loves you most of all."
He pulled her into a hug.
"In the list of people who love this little princess—Mother is first, I'm second, Father is third… He won't show it, but he does. Then comes your brother. And then… every vampire who prayed daily for your recovery."
He kissed her cheek.
Cordilia stared, stunned.
He told her he loved her, she thought. And meant it. This girl… she really is a diamond.