— Sister... What do you want for your birthday? We could go to the sea, — Reigan whispered softly, gently braiding Lenore’s long curls.
— Your birthday wish is enough for me, — she replied calmly, with that same quiet tenderness in her voice.
Though Lenore couldn’t see the world, she could feel it—she felt her brother beside her. Her hand brushed lightly against Reigan’s cheek. They were two halves of one soul, born into this world together. And maybe, just maybe, they were meant to leave it together...
Reigan smiled, but there was a shadow of doubt in his eyes.
— You don’t want anything else? No jewels, no dresses, no trips?
— What’s the point of it all? — her voice dropped even softer, like an echo deep inside her.
Reigan’s heart clenched. For a moment, he stopped braiding.
— Maybe you’re right... but if my simple “Happy birthday” can make you even a little happy, then I’ll say it to you.
He squeezed her shoulder gently. Lenore returned his smile — a warm, quiet ray of light in the darkness.
Though it was their shared birthday, Reigan’s attention was always on her — his little sister.
He stood up from the bed.
— It’s time for us to sleep. Did you take your medicine?
— If anything hurts, call Nancy or me right away. Goodnight, — he teased, ruffling her hair before leaving the room.
The next morning, Reigan woke before the first light of dawn. He slipped quietly into Lenore’s room. In the dimness, he saw her sleeping, but her breath was uneven.
— Reigan?.. Is that you? — she whispered, barely audible.
— We’re eighteen now... Happy birthday to us, — he smiled, but the laugh in his voice was fragile, like thin ice cracking beneath his feet.
Suddenly, something tightened in his chest. Cold sweat broke out on his skin. His heart pounded faster, and the world spun dark.
— Lenore? — he called out in a whisper filled with panic.
He moved closer and gently shook her shoulders.
— Lenore! Can you hear me?
Her body was warm, but when he pressed his ear to her chest where her heart should beat — there was silence.
— Nancy! Nancy! Come quickly! — his voice shattered the quiet.
The sleepy servant came immediately.
— She’s not breathing... — Reigan’s voice trembled with helplessness.
Nancy bent over Lenore and began to cast a spell, hoping to reignite even the smallest spark of life.
Reigan ran into the hall, shouting:
— Call the doctors! Hurry!
His voice echoed loudly, waking servants who rushed to help.
He stood there, desperate — his twin, his soul. They were meant to go together... But only she was dying. It wasn’t fair. It hurt like nothing else.
Hours later, Baal stood at the door of Lenore’s room, holding Fuegoleon’s hand. He gripped her hand so tightly his knuckles turned white.
Baal’s face was cold, but her eyes hid a heavy sorrow.
Reigan sat on the floor, his head bowed between his knees, while Bismark quietly rubbed his back.
The doctors finally emerged. Reigan lifted his head, hoping against hope to hear his sister’s voice once more.
But all he heard was the cold words:
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I was supposed to post this art at the beginning of summer... But things got a bit delayed, so here’s the moment of Lenore’s death. Sorry for any mistakes in the text.🥹