Yuki’s room was quiet except for the faint tapping of her fingers against the keyboard. The curtains beside the window were drawn halfway, leaving a narrow gap through which the darkness of the night could be seen. The only real light came from the small desk lamp beside her laptop, casting a warm pool of light over the scattered books, handwritten notes and highlighted pages covering her desk.
Yuki sat hunched over her study materials, one hand moving rapidly across the keyboard while the other reached for a biscuit without taking her eyes from the screen. Her brows were drawn together in concentration, and every few seconds, she paused to reread something before adding another line to her notes.
A soft knock sounded against the door. Her fingers stopped. Yuki glanced towards the entrance and frowned. "Who is it?" she called, rubbing a crumb from the corner of her mouth.
There was a brief pause before Aevia’s gentle voice came from the other side. "Are you still awake?"
Yuki leaned back in her chair. "Yes. The door’s open," she replied.
The handle turned, and the door creaked softly as Aevia stepped inside carrying a covered tray. She closed the door behind her with her foot before looking towards the desk.
"I heard you weren’t feeling well," she said, her voice warm with concern. "So I brought you something to eat."
Yuki straightened in her chair. "You didn’t have to do that," she chimed.
"I know." Aevia smiled as she crossed the room. "I wanted to."
She placed the tray on the small table beside the bed and lifted the cover. The smell of freshly prepared food immediately filled the room. Yuki’s eyes drifted towards it before she could stop herself. Aevia noticed the half-empty packet of biscuits beside her laptop and frowned. "Were you planning to have those for dinner?"
Yuki glanced at the biscuits, then back at her mother. "I wasn’t really hungry." Aevia gave her a look. Yuki returned it with a weak smile. "I was studying," she argued.
"And apparently studying doesn’t require food?" The disdain was obvious.
"I had biscuits," Yuki blurted, but Aevia wasn’t having it. "Biscuits aren’t dinner, Yuki."
Before Yuki could defend herself, her stomach growled loudly. The room went silent. Yuki’s face warmed. Aevia stared at her for a second before a small smile tugged at her lips. "Your stomach seems to disagree with you," she chimed.
Yuki sighed and reached for the plate. "Fine."
Aevia’s smile widened as she sat beside her. "That’s better."
The food wasn’t the usual elaborate meal served at the Ravencourt dining table. Aevia had prepared small sandwiches, fried pastries, pieces of seasoned chicken and a few other finger foods that were easy to eat without making a mess. Yuki picked up one of the pastries and took a cautious bite. Her eyes widened slightly.
"This is good." Her eyes lit up. Aevia watched her with a pleased expression. "Really?" she drawled.
Yuki took another bite before nodding. "Did you make this?" Yuki asked, knowing this wasn’t what they had on the Ravencourt table for dinner.
"I did," Aevia admitted. "They are your favourites."
Yuki paused. She couldn’t remember the last time she had tasted something Aevia had cooked specifically for her. Aevia had been absent for much of her childhood, and when she finally returned, Lydia had already taken over most of the household responsibilities. Lydia had always loved caring for them and rarely allowed Aevia near the kitchen. There had only been a handful of occasions when Aevia had cooked for Yuki.
"You remembered?" Yuki asked quietly.
Aevia looked at her as though the answer should have been obvious. "Of course I remembered. I wouldn’t forget your favourites."
Yuki stared at her plate. It had been years. How could Aevia remember something so small from so long ago? Aevia reached across and gently ruffled her hair, just as she used to when Yuki was younger.
For a moment, Yuki wanted to believe those words without question. She wanted to let herself lean into that familiar warmth and forget everything else. But her heart refused to settle. Aevia loved her. Yuki believed that.
She trusted her sister more than she trusted almost anyone, perhaps even more than she trusted her own judgement. But she wasn’t blind to the way Aevia manipulated situations when it suited her. She had seen enough since arriving in Ravencourt to understand that her sister could be affectionate and calculating at the same time. Yuki had simply chosen not to look too closely. Maybe because admitting the truth would hurt more.
She lowered her gaze and took another bite. Aevia didn’t comment. She simply watched her. Yuki ate carefully, picking at the food while Aevia sat across from her. Every now and then, Yuki glanced up and caught her sister’s knowing expression. It was the same look Aevia used whenever she knew Yuki was avoiding a conversation. Neither of them spoke for several minutes.
Eventually, Aevia broke the silence. "Have you thought about the engagement?" she asked.
Yuki’s hand stopped halfway to her mouth. She slowly lowered the food onto the plate. "No," she admitted.
Aevia released a quiet sigh. "Yuki, I really want you to think about it," Aevia urged, her lips turning into a thin line.
"I am thinking about it," Yuki replied. Aevia sighed, sensing her reluctance. "You’re avoiding it," Aevia said matter-of-factly.
Yuki’s fingers tightened around the edge of the plate. "It’s a lot to decide."
"I know." Aevia’s voice softened. "That’s why I’m not asking you to agree immediately."
Yuki looked at her suspiciously. Aevia reached for her glass and took a small sip before continuing. "Perhaps you should meet some of the candidates," she suggested, and Yuki nearly choked on the bite she had just swallowed.
Aevia continued. "There are several suitable families." Her voice trailed off, but Yuki was still clearly hesitant. "I don’t think that’s necessary," she replied.
"Listen to me first." Aevia placed the glass down, her tone steady but gentle. "There is an Alpha from outside Ravencourt who will be attending the wedding. His family has been allied with Alexander for years. I’ve met him several times, and I’ve been impressed by him."
Yuki stared at her. Aevia continued before she could interrupt. "I’m not telling you to marry him. I’m asking you to meet him."
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