A few days passed quietly.
For Elowen, they felt… strange.
Peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Laughter echoed through the gardens as she ran across the soft grass, her small shoes barely making a sound. Mira chased after her, giggling, her steps clumsy but full of excitement.
"Elowen, wait!" Mira called, breathless.
Elowen slowed just enough for Mira to catch up, turning with a small smile. It still felt unfamiliar smiling like this. Freely.
"You're too slow," she teased lightly.
Mira puffed her cheeks. "You're just too fast!"
Elowen let out a soft laugh.
For a moment, she almost forgot.
Forgot the book.
Forgot her death.
Forgot the quiet dread that lingered beneath everything.
Almost.
Later that afternoon, she sat beside her brother in the drawing room.
He was reading, as usual.
"Elowen," he said without looking up, "you've been spending quite a bit of time outside."
She tilted her head slightly. "Is that bad?"
He finally glanced at her, his expression softening.
"…No. It suits you."
Elowen blinked.
He reached out, gently patting her head.
"You should enjoy it while you can."
The words were warm.
But something about them felt… distant.
Like they carried a meaning she couldn't quite grasp.
Her fingers curled slightly in her lap.
"…Brother."
"Yes?"
She hesitated.
Then
"Do you like me?"
The question slipped out before she could stop it.
Silence followed.
Her brother's hand stilled.
For a brief moment, something unreadable crossed his face.
Then he smiled.
"Of course I do."
Simple.
Immediate.
But
Elowen watched him carefully.
"…I see."
That evening
The mansion stirred with quiet excitement.
"The young lady has returned from the church."
Servants moved swiftly, preparing, adjusting, whispering.
Elowen stood near the entrance hall, her small figure almost hidden behind the grand pillars.
"…Pippin."
[Yes, Host?]
"Lavinia"
The name felt unfamiliar on her tongue.
But heavy.
[She is an important character in the original story.]
Of course she is.
Before Elowen could ask more—
The doors opened.
A gentle breeze swept in first, carrying the faint scent of incense.
Then
She stepped inside.
Lavinia.
Dressed in soft, flowing white, like something untouched by the world itself. Her long hair fell neatly over her shoulders, catching the light like silk. She looked… perfect.
Pure.
Untouchable.
Her eyes swept across the room.
And then
They landed on Elowen.
For just a moment
Something flickered.
Sharp.
Ugly.
Gone too quickly to grasp.
Elowen's breath stilled.
Jealousy.
She was sure of it.
But just as quickly
Lavinia smiled.
Warm.
Gentle.
Flawless.
She stepped forward gracefully, her gaze softening as if nothing had ever crossed it.
"So this is Elowen."
Her voice was light, almost musical.
She stopped right in front of her.
For a second, Elowen said nothing.
Just watched.
Observed.
Memorized.
Then Lavinia bent slightly, bringing herself closer to Elowen's height.
"I've heard so much about you," she said kindly.
Her hand reached out, gently taking Elowen's.
"I'm so happy…"
A small squeeze.
"To have a little sister."
Silence.
Elowen stared at their joined hands.
Warm.
Soft.
Perfect.
Slowly
She looked up.
And smiled.
"…I'm happy too, ."
Her voice was just as sweet.
Just as innocent.
But her eyes
Her eyes remained quiet.
Careful.
Watching.
Because she saw it.
That fleeting moment.
That crack in perfection.
And Elowen knew
This story wasn't as simple as it pretended to be.