The sun bathed the green garden in a soft golden glow, its colors alive with countless blossoms. Theodore walked alongside Lucien, his small hands clasped behind his back, eyes full of curiosity.
Lucien's lips curved into a gentle smile.
"Well then, Theo… do you want to see some flowers? I know one that feels just like you."
She bent down, plucked a delicate blossom, and held it before him. Its petals shimmered in shades of yellow and white, blending together like sunlight on snow.
"Here, Theo. A Solara Bloom. It's said to resemble purity and warmth, and its fragrance is gentle, just like you."
Theo's eyes widened. "Wow, Lucien… this looks so beautiful. But does it really feel similar to me?"
Lucien tilted her head, her crimson eyes softening.
"Well of course, Theo. You're cute, admirably kind, and innocent… just like this flower. Almost like an angel from a storybook."
Theo's cheeks turned pink. He held the flower carefully, like a precious treasure.
---
Meanwhile, Lina hid behind a tree, her gaze never leaving them. Her heart pounded in her chest, her small fists tightening.
She's a vampire… I know she is. Why hasn't she attacked Theo yet? Why does she smile like that? Why… does it feel so real?
Her mind raced, preparing herself to leap out if Lucien made one wrong move. But nothing happened. Instead, Lucien only laughed softly, enjoying Theo's company.
---
"Hey, Theo," Lucien said at last, pointing to a bush nearby. "Look at this—it's a rose. Do you know what it represents?"
Theo tilted his head. "No… what is it?"
"It represents love."
Theo's eyes sparkled. "Wow, really? It looks so elegant… it even reminds me of my big sister. She's so kind and strong, like a rose."
Lucien chuckled softly. "Oh? It seems you're very close to your sister, Theo."
"Of course we are—we're twins!" Theo said proudly, puffing out his chest.
But before Lucien could reply, small arms wrapped tightly around Theo's waist. He stumbled forward in surprise.
"Eh—! Crystal?" Theo blinked, turning to see his little sister clinging to him.
Lucien froze, her eyes narrowing slightly. For a moment, she thought it was a random girl. But when Theo smiled warmly, she relaxed.
"Oh, Crystal… why are you here?"
"I was looking for Amethyst and Mikaela," Crystal pouted. "I can't find them anywhere. Where did they go, Theo? Do you know where they were last?"
Theo shook his head. "I don't remember. Were you playing alone this whole time?"
"Yeah…" Crystal mumbled. Then she glanced up, her eyes meeting Lucien's for the first time. "Oh? Who is this, Theo? Is She your girlfriend?"
Lucien blinked before smiling politely. "I suppose you could say I'm… a friend. What about you, Crystal? You seem very protective of your brother."
Crystal puffed her cheeks, unsure if she liked Lucien yet.
---
Elsewhere in the garden…
"Hey, Amethyst," Mikaela muttered, narrowing her eyes. "Who's that weird girl stalking you?"
Amethyst smirked smugly, brushing his hair back. "Huh? Maybe just one of my admirers. I am quite famous, you know. My strength, my looks—pretty much unmatched. They can't help but follow me around."
Mikaela rolled her eyes. "Unbelievable…"
Hidden behind a hedge, the so-called "weird girl stalker" clenched her fists as her eyes burned with jealousy.
"Who is that girl next to him? She looks young, but she acts so mature… and she doesn't feel human. More like a demon. Why… why is she so close to my Amethyst!?"
Her voice trembled with both fury and longing, eyes locked on Mikaela with an intensity that promised trouble.
---
End of Chapter 49