Morning came bright and deceptively gentle. For the first time in weeks, Seraphina awoke with lightness in her chest. The storm had passed; the birds were singing somewhere beyond her window; even the distant chime of bells felt hopeful.
She lay still for a moment, remembering the night before — Lord Devan's voice, his honesty, his quiet defiance of her father's will. There had been no promises between them, no declarations, yet something in his eyes had told her she wasn't invisible after all.
She smiled faintly to herself as she rose and dressed, choosing a simple gown of soft blue. The corridors were alive with morning activity — servants carrying linens, the scent of bread drifting from the kitchens. For once, Valemont Hall felt almost peaceful.
Until she reached the main hall.
Her steps slowed as she heard voices — her father's deep tone and Selene's laughter, bright and clear. She followed the sound to the drawing room, where both sat before the hearth. A table had been set with documents, quills, and a half-opened letter stamped with House Devan's seal.
Seraphina stopped in the doorway. "Father?"
Lord Valemont looked up, calm and satisfied. "Ah, Seraphina. You're just in time to hear the good news."
Selene turned, her smile radiant — too radiant. "I've agreed to Father's arrangement," she said cheerfully. "Lord Devan and I are to be married before the season's end."
The words hit like a blow.
Seraphina blinked, stunned. "What… did you say?"
Selene laughed lightly, as though the answer were obvious. "Father was right. It's a good match — for the family, for the crown. And Lord Devan himself is kind. I was foolish to hesitate before."
Her tone was bright, her movements graceful, yet there was something off — something hollow in the gleam of her eyes.
Lord Valemont nodded approvingly. "At last, some sense. The banns will be announced within the week."
Seraphina's voice trembled despite her effort to stay composed. "Selene, are you certain this is what you want?"
"Of course," Selene said, smiling again — that same practiced smile, but her gaze didn't quite meet Seraphina's. "Why shouldn't I be?"
Seraphina's throat tightened. Last night, you said you didn't know.
Last night, you were frightened.
She forced a small, polite smile, her mind spinning. "I… suppose I should offer my congratulations."
Selene rose and crossed the room, taking her hand. "Thank you, dearest sister. I know it must seem sudden, but I've realized how wrong I was to doubt Father's wisdom."
Her fingers were cold.
"Everything will be as it should," Selene added softly. "Finally."
When she let go, Seraphina caught a faint scent clinging to her — wax and smoke, the same scent that had lingered in her dream.
Lord Valemont turned back to the papers, already dictating plans for the engagement ball. "You'll both have new gowns ordered immediately," he said. "And Seraphina, I trust you'll support your sister through the preparations."
Seraphina nodded numbly, her heart pounding in her ears.
As she left the room, she glanced back once — and saw Selene staring after her, smile frozen in place, her eyes glassy and unreadable.
In that moment, Seraphina knew with a cold certainty that something had changed inside her twin.
Seraphina found her sister in her chamber a short while later. The door was half open; sunlight poured through the window, catching the pale shimmer of Selene's hair as she stood before the mirror. She was still in her morning gown, her reflection distant and composed — too composed.
"Selene," Seraphina said softly.
Selene looked up, her expression calm. "You should knock."
"I didn't think I needed to," Seraphina replied, stepping inside. "Not with you."
Selene turned slowly, her eyes sharp beneath her serene smile. "You look upset."
"You've agreed to marry Lord Devan," Seraphina said flatly. "After everything you told me — after how you said you didn't want this."
Selene's brow creased slightly. "People change their minds."
"No, not like that," Seraphina insisted. "You were frightened, Selene. You were confused. You said you needed time."
Selene's lips curved faintly. "Perhaps I realized it was foolish to refuse something so… beneficial. He's a good man, Seraphina. I think you of all people should be happy for me."
The words stung like a blade hidden in silk. "You're lying."
Selene's eyes hardened. "Careful."
"You don't even sound like yourself," Seraphina said, her voice breaking. "You're talking like Father — like this marriage is just another chess move."
Selene crossed her arms, tilting her head. "Perhaps you just can't stand the idea that it isn't you he's marrying."
Seraphina froze. "That's not true."
"Isn't it?" Selene's voice was suddenly sharp. "You've always wanted what was mine — my place, my favor, my quiet. You hide behind gentleness, but you've envied me since we were children."
"That's a lie," Seraphina whispered, trembling. "You're not well, Selene. You're not yourself."
Selene stepped closer, her face pale but her eyes dark with anger. "And you've always believed you were the better one. The kind one. But tell me, sister — if you could trade places with me right now, would you hesitate?"
The question hung in the air like a curse.
Seraphina's throat burned. "Stop it."
Selene smiled coldly. "You can't, can you?"
"Enough!" Seraphina snapped, the sound startling even herself. "You don't know what you're saying! You're acting like a stranger—"
"And you're acting like a child," Selene cut in, her voice trembling with contained fury. "Perhaps it's time you stopped pretending the world revolves around you."
The silence that followed felt electric.
Finally, Seraphina whispered, "Sometimes I wish you'd just disappear. Then maybe I'd finally have peace."
Selene's expression froze — then she gave a soft, bitter laugh. "Careful what you wish for, sister."
She turned back to the mirror, her reflection shimmering faintly in the afternoon light.
Seraphina stared at her, chest tight with rage and guilt, before storming out of the room and slamming the door behind her.
The moment the sound faded, the mirror rippled — just once — and in the glass, Selene's reflection turned its head the other way, smiling faintly even though she had not.