The Sacred Sanctuary where Lord Siamelumis resided was also known as the Silvervein Forbidden Peak. It was the holiest ground of the clan, perched atop the highest mountain in their domain, forever shrouded in snow and mist.
So when Siamelumis summoned Draco to her Sanctuary, it was a great surprise. By ancient law and tradition, only those born with Silvervein blood were believed to have the right to enter.
And Draco—despite being Clan Head—had never once set foot inside.
Because in truth, he was never truly a Silvervein.
Those of the Silvervein lineage were always born with white hair and sapphire-blue eyes, as clear as crystal. But Draco, the Fire Dragon Emperor, bore hair as crimson as flame. He came from a different bloodline entirely, until he married Ariana and took the Silvervein name.
That name granted him the right to enter the brutal contest for Clan Head many years ago. There, he crushed rival after rival, scattering their blood, pride, and ambition across the battlefield. His overwhelming victory earned him both fear and respect, securing his place as leader of the clan.
But such a path was never without cost. Though his strength silenced all opposition, there were always those who resented him for not being of pure Silvervein blood. They dared not speak it aloud, for none could stand against him—but their grudges lingered in silence, festering beneath forced obedience.
Draco knew this well. Even Emilia was aware of it.
Yet so long as those whispers did not swell into rebellion, so long as no fool threatened the unity of the clan, Draco turned a blind eye. To him, strength was enough to smother discontent. And yet, deep within, he knew the truth: resentment never truly died—it only waited.
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Because they would soon depart for the Forbidden Peaks, Lady Ariana helped Emilia change into warmer, more suitable clothing.
The mountains were harsh, their peaks buried in snow and ice. A dress would never do. Ariana prepared something both noble and practical—befitting a Silvervein daughter stepping onto sacred ground.
Emilia slipped into her new attire: a pale blue tunic lined with silk, ivory leggings, and fur-trimmed boots that reached her knees. Over it all, Ariana draped a silver-white cloak of soft fur, flowing to her ankles. Its wide hood framed Emilia's face like a crown of winter, fastened at her throat with a crystal clasp shaped like a blue rose.
She looked warm, regal, and charming—like a little winter princess.
"You look beautiful," Ariana said proudly, adjusting the hood.
"Meoww!" Mimi chimed in, tail flicking.
Emilia smiled. "Thank you, Mimi."
Satisfied, Ariana set aside the cloak for the moment and began braiding her daughter's long hair.
On the couch, Draco sat quietly, broad shoulders finally easing as he watched them. His fiery red hair slipped across his cheek while his thoughts wandered. Mimi, meanwhile, had already curled up on a pillow nearby, tail swaying lazily.
"Father…" Emilia's said softly as she sat obediently, eyes closed, while Ariana carefully touched up her lashes. "About the Albinite Shard incident… have you discovered who was behind it?"
"Ah…" Draco breathed, his expression darkening. "Still nothing."
"But whoever did this," he continued, "they must either hold high standing within the clan, or be skilled enough to slip past your mother's gaze."
Emilia's brows furrowed.
"Wait… someone with high standing in the clan… you mean… my uncles?"
"Like I said, nothing is certain yet," Draco shook his head. "I'm still investigating. Elmandir is assisting me, and we are watching them closely. But so far, there has been nothing unusual."
He paused, his voice turning more grim. "Though… the fact that you only summoned a Noctifelis has already spread throughout the clan. Of course, no one will dare insult you openly, but behind your back…"
"Father, don't worry," Emilia cut in firmly, her eyes flashing with resolve. "I anticipated this. They can whisper all they want, say stuff behind my back all they want. I don't care. Mimi is my summon, my gift from Goddess Fauveline. I will never let their cruel words come between us. But…" She faltered for just a moment before lowering her gaze. "... I am worried about you"
Draco gave a short, amused laugh, shaking his head.
"What? You think I can't handle something so trivial?"
"My dear, have you forgotten who your father is?" Lady Ariana added.
Right…
Draco's power was unmatched. It was no accident he had risen to Clan Head despite being an outsider. Strength, cunning, and a will sharper than any blade—he had proven himself countless times in battle and in clan politics alike.
Even so, his shoulders slumped as he sighed.
"The only thing I'm worried about now is Lord Siamelumis. Ahhh… the wrath of a god… I'm not really sure if I'm ready for it..."
Hearing that, Emilia couldn't help but smile. For the first time that night, the heaviness in her chest eased.
Moments later, she finished dressing. Standing before the tall mirror, she gave a soft twirl. Her cloak fanned out gracefully, her neatly braided hair glimmering with ribbons.
"Meow!" Mimi chirped proudly from her pillow, tail flicking like a tiny banner of approval.
"Oh, wait!" Ariana suddenly gasped, covering her mouth. "There's still someone else who needs to be dressed up!"
Oooh? More dressing up?
Mimi's ears perked as she tilted her head.
But… who? The three of them are already dressed to perfection!
Before she could guess, Emilia bent down and scooped her up!
"It's you, Mimi!!!"
Oh? M-me?!
Wait—ME?!
Mimi squealed, half-shocked and half-delighted, paws flailing.
Ariana chuckled warmly. "Alright then, let's make sure Mimi looks just as cute and warm as her master."
"Yeah!" Emilia beamed.
And just like that, the two Silvervein women fussed over the tiny Noctifelis.
Where they had gotten all those cat-sized outfits, Mimi had no idea. But in the blink of an eye, she was bundled into the most ridiculously adorable ensemble—tiny boots on her paws, a miniature cape across her back, and even a hood with floppy ear holes.
As Emilia lifted her to the mirror, Mimi blinked at her reflection. Her whiskers twitched.
Oh no.
She looked criminally cute!