The night had grown deep, but my two siblings still hadn't returned from the celebration. I think the general deliberately invited people from both the City of Fire and Sunnyvale to this party, though I'm not sure why. When they came to invite them, they just said it was for a grand occasion, meant to ease some of the rising tensions among the factions under the Sire Palace.
The Sire Palace governs three of the nations on this half of Astrea's map—excluding the Crooked Dame territories. I don't know much about them, as I rarely leave the house, but I've heard they aren't very trustworthy. Valore told me that when we were younger.
I only go out when we need supplies, making the trip to Little Burg for cooking utensils or other necessities. That's where the market is.
Once, Val dragged me to the City of Fire for reasons he never explained. The worst part was he made me carry a heavy trunk the whole way. He said his friend couldn't make it, so I had to come instead—and I wasn't allowed to refuse. I knew what would happen if I did.
He'd probably pin me to a wall with his power, or worse, finish me off if Ba wasn't around to intervene.
I don't know why he holds such searing hatred for me. Maybe it's because I'm not his sibling, and I have nothin to offer. I can't even defend myself. That's probably why I'm always on shaky ground with them. Especially now, after what I did to Val's shirt. But I hope we can mend things in the coming days.
I was in the kitchen, cooking a meal for Ba and myself. The food I made earlier was for Val and Valore. I'd told Ba I'd cook for us, but he refused, insisting he was still full.
Well, I was starving. I hadn't eaten since treating Aphro—the cat Ba rescued from the forest. I named her Aphro for her beautiful, golden-amber eyes and soft ash-gray fur. She was resting on my bed, and Ba was with her, wanting to keep her company and get some rest himself.
He didn't want to be in his own room. He said he'd watch over Aphro for a while. Sometimes, Ba's kindness is so overwhelming I wonder if he's too good for this world. He never wants me to get hurt, not even a scratch. He doesn't even like me acting as a servant, though I've told him it's a role I've grown accustomed to since childhood.
"I smell food."
I turned my head and laughed softly at Ba's voice from the doorway. He was eyeing the meat I was cooking with clear anticipation.
He smiled and sat at the table. "Are you going to wait for Val and Valore?" he asked.
I nodded. I wanted to see them when they returned. Maybe fate would be kinder and give me a chance to reconcile with Val after this morning's disaster.
When Ba and I went to see them off earlier, they'd ignored us. They were already in the carriage, and the driver was signaling to leave before we could even say goodbye properly. We ended up just shouting our well-wishes as the carriage pulled away.
"I want to talk to them," I told Ba, stirring the pot. "And of course, make sure they get home safe." I finished up and walked to the cupboard for plates and utensils. I set two places at the table, handed Ba his fork and spoon, and served the rice and stew before sitting opposite him. "Besides, Aphro seems to be sleeping soundly in my bed."
"Yes, it looks like you have competition for your own cot," he said with a chuckle.
I laughed with him as I served myself. "I'll just have to fight her for space."
"You know," he said softly, taking a bite, "I've told you, you don't have to put up with that room. Why not move into your mother's old room? It's just sitting empty."
I gave him a small smile. "No, Ba. Val and Valore would have something to say about that. Besides, my room is fine. Even if Val fills it with a ton of trunks, I'll manage. I'll sort it out another day."
He frowned. "Speaking of which, do you have any idea what's in those trunks?" he asked. I shook my head because I truly had no clue. They were just heavy. "They don't seem to contain ordinary things. I don't want to ask Val; he's always angry at the world." Ba scoffed.
I shook my head again. "I don't know. Sometimes I wonder, though. I thought I saw something shimmering once. But they're all locked. I don't have keys to peek inside." We fell into a comfortable silence. I then noticed Ba had already cleaned his plate. I laughed. "I thought you said you were full? You finished that rather quickly."
He laughed heartily, patting his stomach. "I couldn't help it! The smell wafted all the way to the room. It's your fault for cooking so well." He sighed, and I noticed the effort behind his smile. He looked heavier, tired in a way that wasn't just physical. "You're a great cook, my girl."
I ignored the compliment, instead watching his movements closely. Something was off. "Are you sure you're alright, Ba?"
He smiled. "Yes, of course. Don't worry about me, Sol," he said. "I'm probably just tired from the trip. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" I pressed. He nodded. "Let me at least help you to your room so you can rest properly. I'll wait up for the others. They should be back soon."
Ba tried to refuse, but I insisted on supporting him. He didn't look well at all—his movements were slow, his speech slightly labored, and his smile seemed forced. I'm no healer, but I feel something on him.
After cleaning up, I helped him to his room and got him settled in bed, tucking the blanket around him. He kept trying to wave me off, saying he could manage.
"Tell me the truth, Ba," I said, holding his attention. "What's really wrong?"
He laughed again, but it sounded strained. I stayed quiet, and his laughter died after a few seconds. He sighed, adjusting himself. "I haven't been feeling well since yesterday, Sol. Probably just the long journey catching up to me. Carried some heavy gear. My body's just protesting. Don't fret. I'll be fine by tomorrow."
I shook my head. "I need to fret over you," I said, smoothing his forehead. "You're the one Val, Valore, and I all depend on. If you're always defending me, it's my turn to look after you. Now, rest. I'll wait for them. Is that okay?"
I stood up from the bed, still looking at him. "Call me if you need anything. I'll wake up if I doze off waiting." I gave him a reassuring smile.
He smiled back, genuinely this time. "Thank you, Sol."
I nodded and turned to leave. As I was about to close the door, he called my name softly. I paused and looked back, asking if he needed something done while I waited. I only had the dishes left.
He shook his head. "Just... what I always tell you, Soleil," he said softly.
I smiled.
"I know, Ba," I replied. "Just don't push yourself too hard. You need to rest." Those were my final words. I gave him one last smile before gently closing the door and heading back to the kitchen.
What he always told me was to pray to the Sun Goddess for guidance. As if I still believed in those old tales. If she were real, why would she let our world become like this? If she left, why? My mother said there were many gods and goddesses, but where were they when everyone was suffering?
The only gods and goddesses now are the people in power, with their affinities and positions.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. I was in the kitchen,and the door was ajar. I thought it might be Ba, but when I peeked, no one was there. The knock came again—not from the kitchen door, but from the front of the house.
I wiped my hands on a cloth and walked to the front door. Maybe Val and Valore were finally back.
I opened the door slowly. A figure stood silhouetted against the darkness. I opened it fully, and the light from inside spilled out, illuminating the person's clothing.
They wore a thin t-shirt with a red scarf wrapped high around their neck and lower face. A strong wind tugged at the ends of their clothes. In their hand was a rolled-up piece of paper, as if they had a message to deliver.
"Is Val here?" they asked, trying to peer past me into the house. I glanced behind me, then looked back at them. They introduced themselves as a friend of Val's, looking for him to deliver a message.
"He's not back yet from Little Burg," I said. I wasn't surprised; Val had mentioned friends before. Though he'd also said his friends never came to Sunnyvale. Maybe this was a new friend who didn't know his whereabouts. "You can come in and wait if you—"
"No," they cut me off. "Just give this to him." They handed me the rolled paper. Puzzled, I took it and offered a polite smile. "And tell him I'm looking for him."
"What was your name again?" I asked. We'd been talking, but I hadn't caught it.
They didn't answer. Instead, they turned and walked away, swallowed by the night. Their behavior was strange. I looked down at the rolled paper in my hand. I was tempted to peek, but I stopped myself. Val would accuse me of snooping.
I closed the door and walked away, but hesitated. He probably wouldn't know if I took a quick look. Besides, they weren't home yet.
I began to carefully unroll the paper. I could already see red ink inside—it looked almost like it was written in blood—when a loud bang at the door made me jump. And I nearly dropped the paper.
The front door blew open with a violent gust of wind that hit me full force. I scrambled after the paper, which was skittering across the floor, before looking up to see who had arrived.
It was Valore, her face a mask of fury. Her right hand was still raised from forcing the door open, and in her left, she held her muddy sandals. I was shocked to see her covered in dirt, the smell of wet earth clinging to her.
"This is so infuriating!" she shrieked, stomping inside and leaving muddy footprints. "Absolutely infuriating!"
I stared at her. "What happened to you?"
She shot me a venomous glare. "What happened to me?" she spat, her eyes drilling into me. She threw her sandals at me and I barely caught them, before tugging at her own hair in frustration. "I had to walk all the way home because of that useless driver! He said the carriage interior was damaged and wouldn't bring me all the way. Damn it! My feet and clothes are covered in filth! That idiot ruined my entire night!"
Serves you right.
I wanted to laugh, but I held it in. She looked like a furious dragon, steam practically coming from her nostrils.
"Uh, where's Val?" I asked, glancing past her at the still-open door, waiting for him to appear so I could give him the letter. "Did he come home with you?"
She rolled her eyes dramatically and marched toward the stairs. "Don't ask me stupid questions, Sol. Do you see him walking in with me? Don't bother me with that, you nuisance!"