Suddenly, the carriage halted in front of the house gate on its own, producing a loud sound as if it wished to wake its master. Startled, Nebula awoke, her face blank, carrying only the dullness of boredom.
"Has the destination arrived? Oh… home. I need to meet with my family."
Her tone shifted abruptly, as though realization had just dawned upon her, and she launched herself toward the door.
"You seem rather excited," came a voice that halted her movement.
She suddenly remembered Celestial's presence. Her thoughts spiraled: How will I explain this? My uncle must have already told Father… but how will he react? She stood frozen like a statue until Celestial's calm voice broke through her panic.
"Do not worry. Nothing will change. And if they are truly your family, then they will love you without letting anything alter that."
His words gave her some hope, though uncertainty lingered.
"Yes… I believe in them," she whispered, moving to open the gate—only for it to be opened by someone else.
A handsome young man in his early twenties stood there, startling her.
"We've all been waiting for you, little miss," he said warmly.
He wore luxurious clothes—not flashy, but crafted from rare material and embroidered with magic. Upon his chest gleamed the sigil of House Dark Flame: a black snake with dark wings and a white flame.
Nebula lowered her gaze, a faint blush touching her cheeks. She shifted shyly, a timid yet playful smile tugging at her lips.
"Stop it, Brother… you're making me embarrassed," she murmured softly.
The young man had the same dark hair and crimson eyes that confirmed his bloodline. He was Oliver Spraker Dark Flame, a powerful mage skilled in dark and fire-support magic, as well as healing. Strong, yet devoted to helping others.
"Hahaha," Oliver laughed, his smile wide. "You'd best get used to this treatment. You've proven yourself—and Father will grant you the middle name."
The words shook Nebula's entire world. Her chest surged with overwhelming emotion she could not contain. Tears welled in her eyes as she threw herself into her brother's arms, clinging tightly.
"My real… middle name… I can't believe it," she whispered breathlessly, her voice breaking with disbelief and joy. She pressed her face against his shoulder, holding him as though she would never let go.
It took her several minutes to calm herself.
"There, there," Oliver murmured gently, his hand patting her back in a steady rhythm. "Compose yourself, or else you'll become the talk of the entire kingdom." His tone was half-teasing, half-serious. Then his gaze softened, his words carrying a weight only she could feel. "We may be adults now, but in my eyes you are—and always will be—my little sister. Others, however… they see it differently."
Slowly, and with visible reluctance, he released her. The warmth of his embrace lingered in the air.
"Let's go, Brother," Nebula said softly as she walked toward the grand gates, which swung open at once under the hands of the waiting guards. The sound of iron and stone echoed faintly as the path cleared for them.
Celestial stepped gracefully out of the carriage, his presence carrying an otherworldly weight. Oliver's sharp eyes instantly caught sight of him.
"And who is this?" he asked, his tone cautious.
Nebula glanced back with a calm smile. "He is my summon, Brother."
Celestial placed a hand over his chest and bowed politely. "Greetings. My name is Celestial, and I am bound to Lady Nebula as her contract spirit." His voice was serene, dignified.
"Oh, it's nice to meet the one who helped my sister," Oliver replied with deceptive sweetness. Yet his eyes betrayed another message entirely: Stay away from my sister.
Celestial caught it at once, amused. "Indeed. I am bound to my contractor, so it is my duty to remain with her and offer my aid."
Oliver's composure cracked. "You—did you see my sister bathing? Or… can you feel her body?" His words burst out, drawing a cloak of embarrassed darkness around them.
"Brother!" Nebula shouted, mortified, only to be cut off by Celestial's calm reply.
"For spirits like me, human bodies hold no attraction. And for your satisfaction—I have never touched nor seen her in that way."
Oliver remained unconvinced, his mouth opening for another accusation when a new voice interrupted.
"Big Brother, Father and Mother are waiting. Do not keep our little star standing at the gate for so long."
A young man, slightly older than Nebula, stood nearby. His white hair and crimson eyes marked him unmistakably as family. His presence radiated elegance and power, every movement flowing as though the world itself bent to his will.
"Brother Valtus… I really missed you," Nebula exclaimed, rushing to hug him.
He was Valtus Seraphis Dark Flame, a formidable mage famed for his mastery of fire and control over dark energy. His ultimate gift was the creation of Primal Flame—a fire capable of burning all matter and energy, able even to bypass the highest levels of fire resistance.
"Enough," he said curtly, gently pulling her away. "We're grown now."
"Hmph. You sound different from the brother who once swore he would do anything for his sister, should she fail to summon a spirit," Oliver quipped, earning a sharp glare from Valtus.
"Mother and Father are waiting. Don't waste time standing here," Valtus replied coldly, ignoring Nebula's searching gaze.
Without another word, Celestial shifted into spirit form, returning to Nebula so as not to interfere.
The siblings crossed the gates, entering a vast garden. Fruit trees and flowering plants flourished everywhere, blooming with life regardless of the season. To call it a garden seemed lacking—it was a carefully maintained forest, vibrant and alive.
At its heart stood the Dark Flame estate: a massive white castle, regal and imposing. Though the family owned many grand houses, this was their true home, tended by powerful magic and countless servants.
As Nebula walked beside Oliver and Valtus, every servant they passed bowed silently in respect.
Her eyes searched the estate, noting the absence of certain important figures. Doubt flickered in her heart, though deep inside she already knew the answer.
Finally, she pushed open the towering doors—only to be met with utter darkness.
When the darkness receded, what awaited her left her utterly astonished.