Chapter 7: A New Family

CAERA DENOIR POV:

A few days had passed without much happening, but today was different. Nessa had informed me that Scythe Seris had called for me in her office. As we made our way to her chamber, I couldn't shake off the unease that had settled in my stomach. I tried asking Nessa if she knew anything, but her only response was, "You will know once you arrive." Her words were simple, but her tone was off—strange, even—and it left me feeling unsettled.

We soon arrived at the door to Seris's office, and Nessa gently knocked. From within, I heard Seris's voice, firm but composed. "Enter."

Nessa and I stepped through the door, and the moment I saw her face, my unease deepened. Seris was looking at me with an expression that was hard to read, her emotions masked behind a strict demeanor.

"I see you have arrived, Caera," she said, her voice calm but distant.

"Y-Yeah," I stammered, feeling the weight of the room pressing down on me. "Is everything alright? Why did you call me? And why won't Nessa tell me anything?"

A heavy silence followed as Seris studied me for a moment, her eyes sharp but betraying something deeper. Then she spoke. "You are here exactly because of that."

I blinked, confused. "Because of what?"

Seris continued, her words steady and measured, "You are going to Highblood Denoir's house."

"Highblood Denoir?" I repeated, my confusion growing. "Why? Is something wrong?" Highblood Denoir wasn't a name unfamiliar to me. They were one of the most prominent and influential families in Alacrya, a house with power and prestige that spanned the entire continent.

"Nothing is wrong," Seris answered, her tone cool. "I have decided that you are going to be raised by them from now on, as their adoptive daughter."

Her words hit me like a physical blow. I stood frozen, staring at her, trying to comprehend what she had just said. Raised by them? As their adoptive daughter? My mind reeled, and my heart began to race. The woman who had cared for me my entire life, my Mama, was telling me that I would leave her house... that she was giving me to someone else.

"W-Why?" I choked out, tears already brimming in my eyes. "D-Did I do something wrong? I promise I won't do it again, please—"

My words faltered as Seris stood up, her mask of cold resolve cracking for just a moment. She stepped closer and knelt beside me, her hand gently brushing against my cheek. "You did nothing, child."

"T-then, why?" I whimpered, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why are you sending me away?"

Seris wiped away my tears with the back of her hand, her touch soft yet firm. "I am sending you there for your own safety."

"Safety?" I frowned, my mind racing. "But you're so strong, Mama. I'm safest here with you. Who would even try to hurt me?"

She let out a soft sigh, her gaze steady but filled with an emotion I couldn't quite place. "This isn't just about strength, Caera. Your talent... it's beyond what I imagined. And with that talent comes attention. Attention from people who would seek to control you or use you for their own benefit. I can't risk that."

Seris continued, her voice soft but resolute. "Once you are introduced as the adoptive daughter of Highblood Denoir and officially as my disciple, you will be protected by both their name and mine. No one will dare to mess with you, and I can ensure your safety more effectively."

I shook my head frantically, tears flowing again. "N-no, I don't want to stay away from you! I don't care about using mana or this talent if it means I'll be sent away. I don't need it, Mama." I clung to her, burying my face in her chest as I sobbed, my voice muffled by the fabric of her clothes. "I-I just want to stay with you."

Seris held me close, her hand gently patting my head. "You won't be away from me forever, Caera," she said, her voice low but comforting. "As my disciple, I'll still visit you at the Denoir estate, and you'll have the freedom to come here too. Besides," she added with a small smile, "didn't you want to attend the Academy? The Denoir estate is in the Central Dominion, right near Central Academy."

I remembered talking about the Academy, about how Nessa had told me I could make friends there, and experience new things. But still... the thought of leaving Seris felt unbearable.

"But it won't be the same," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I won't have you with me every day."

Seris's hand moved gently through my hair, her expression softening further, though her eyes remained firm. "It won't be the same, I know. But I promise, this is what's best for you, Caera. You'll grow, you'll learn, and you'll be safe. And no matter where you are, you'll always have me."

She paused, her voice taking on a warmer, reassuring tone. "Besides, Nessa will go with you. She'll be by your side as your maid, and you won't be alone. She'll make sure you're taken care of, just like she does here."

I looked up at her, my tears subsiding a little as I glanced at Nessa, who stood quietly by the door, her usual calm expression unchanged. Knowing she would be with me brought a tiny bit of relief, but it still didn't erase the ache in my heart.

"But..." I began, my voice faltering, "Will you really visit? You won't forget about me, right?"

Seris's eyes softened even more, and she cupped my cheek gently. "How could I ever forget about you, Caera? You are my child, my precious one. I will visit as often as I can, and you'll always be in my thoughts."

Her words, full of warmth and promise, soothed some of the fear swirling inside me. But a part of me still clung to the hope that maybe, just maybe, she would change her mind.

Seris smiled faintly, her hand gently brushing away the last of my tears. "You don't want to greet them with swollen red eyes and a tear-streaked face, right?" Her tone was lighter now as if trying to lift my spirits, but the weight of her words remained heavy in my heart.

I blinked, confused, and asked, "What do you mean? We're not going today... right?"

Her expression didn't change, but her voice was firm. "Not today, Caera. Now."

The shock hit me all at once. "Now?" I echoed, my heart racing. "But... I haven't packed, I haven't said goodbye—"

Seris's hand rested on my shoulder, gently but firmly. "There's no need to worry about that. Nessa has prepared everything, and you'll have time to settle in. You'll see, it won't be as difficult as you think."

I shook my head, feeling the panic bubble up again. "No, please, at least let me stay here for a little while longer. Just a few more days... I need time—"

Seris knelt beside me once more, her eyes soft but unwavering. "I know this is hard, but sometimes the hardest decisions are the ones that are best for us. You are strong, Caera, and you are ready for this, even if it doesn't feel like it right now. Trust me, child."

I bit my lip, tears threatening to spill over again. "But... I don't want to leave you."

Her arms wrapped around me in a warm embrace, holding me close. "You'll never leave my heart, Caera. I'll always be with you, even when we're apart."

I hugged her tightly, my chest heavy with the knowledge that I couldn't fight this. When she finally let go, she nodded toward Nessa, who had been silently watching the entire time.

"Go with Nessa now," Seris said softly. "Change into something formal, and prepare to greet your new family."

Nessa stepped forward, her presence calm as ever, though I could sense a quiet sympathy in her eyes. "Come, Young Lady," she said gently.

Reluctantly, I followed her out of the room, my mind still reeling from the suddenness of it all.

~~

As we stepped through the Tempus Warp, the strange sensation of the rapid travel left my mind slightly foggy, but it quickly cleared as I took in my surroundings. The path before us was lined with rich red paver stones, leading up to the grand Denoir estate. Flanking the path were towering bushes, each in full bloom with bright blue flowers that contrasted sharply with the chill air coming down from the mountains.

The mansion itself was unlike anything I'd ever seen—its sheer size dwarfing even Scythe Seris's estate. The grounds felt almost regal as if I'd stepped into a place meant for royalty, even though such titles didn't exist in Alacrya. Everything from the towering structure to the meticulously maintained grounds gave off an aura of wealth and power.

Seris, walking beside me, glanced down with an amused smile. "So, do you like the mansion you'll be living in from now on?"

I could barely find my voice, still amazed by the lavishness of the estate. It was more ornate and much larger than Seris's own home, which had always seemed grand to me. I managed to nod, still taking in the sight of the enormous mansion and the intricate details on its outer walls.

"Well then," Seris said, extending her hand for me to take, "let's go inside, shall we?"

I reached for her hand, gripping her fingers tightly as we began walking down the path together. Nessa followed closely behind, her footsteps soft and steady. As we approached the mansion, floating light artifacts illuminated the gardens, casting a warm yellow glow over the grounds. The gentle light only made the estate feel more magical, and more imposing.

Just as we neared the entrance, one of the oversized double doors opened, and an attendant dressed in an ash-gray uniform hurried out to greet us. She moved with practiced grace, stopping just before us and bowing low.

"Lady Nazera," she greeted Seris respectfully before turning her gaze toward me, her eyes studying my face with curious interest. "And… Young Lady Caera?" Her voice lifted slightly as if confirming my identity.

I gave a small nod in response, feeling a flutter of nerves in my stomach.

"Welcome to Denoir Estate!" she said warmly, rising from her bow. "Please, allow me to escort you. The Lord and Lady are eagerly awaiting your arrival."

With a nod from Seris, we followed the attendant inside. As I stepped through the doors of the estate, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of anticipation—and a lingering fear of the unknown. My new life was about to change, and I wasn't sure if I was ready.

As we stepped into the entrance hall, I noticed a few more servants waiting there, all standing in neat rows. Most kept their heads bowed, their eyes respectfully downcast, which I assumed was due to Scythe Seris's imposing presence. The atmosphere felt heavy with formality, making my heart beat a little faster.

We were led further into the mansion, eventually arriving in a posh sitting room. Lavish furniture, upholstered in rich fabrics, was arranged in small, intimate groupings throughout the large room. The space was bursting with vibrant colors—from deep reds to soft golds—giving it a sense of luxury and warmth. It was clear that this house was built to impress.

Standing in the center of the room were two people, whom I immediately recognized as the Lord and Lady Denoir. The woman, dressed in a sprawling maroon gown, had brilliantly white hair that draped over her shoulder, while the man beside her wore a white and navy suit, his olive hair neatly styled. Both of them bowed gracefully as we entered.

"Welcome to our home, Lady Nazera," the man said, his tone respectful and polished. There was a certain formality in the way he spoke, though his posture was relaxed, exuding confidence and power.

"Highlord Corbett and Highlady Lenora, it's a pleasure to meet you again," Seris replied, her voice smooth and unyielding, as always. There was a sense of familiarity between them, though it was clear that respect was maintained.

As they stood upright again, the lady's eyes immediately landed on me. She scanned me from head to toe in a single, swift glance that felt both curious and approving. Her expression softened into a smile, one that was warm yet calculating.

"My! What a pretty girl!" she exclaimed, her voice pleasant but layered with something more. "You must be Caera, correct?"

I nodded, unsure of what to say, still overwhelmed by the grandeur of everything around me. "Y-Yes, ma'am," I managed, my voice a little quieter than I had intended.

Her smile widened as she took a step closer, her gaze never leaving mine. "We've heard much about you, dear. I trust you'll feel at home here soon enough." There was kindness in her words, but I couldn't help but feel like I was being evaluated, every move and word carefully noted.

Seris, still standing beside me, remained calm, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder. "I'm sure Caera will adjust well. She's quite strong for her age."

"Of course, let's sit and finalize the remaining matters," Corbett suggested.

"Yes, but Caera might find this discussion dull. How about she meets her new brothers?" Lenora added casually.

Lenora's words caught me off guard. Brothers? I hadn't thought much beyond moving to the Denoir Estate, but the idea of suddenly having brothers... it was overwhelming.

I glanced at Seris for reassurance, but she simply gave me a nod and an encouraging smile. "Why not? It will be nice for them to bond soon," she said as if this was all part of the plan.

Lenora—who I realized I now had to think of as my foster mother—signaled to an attendant, who quickly stepped forward to guide me out of the room. My heart was pounding, a mixture of nerves and curiosity rising as I followed the attendant out, leaving Seris and Nessa behind to discuss whatever they needed with Lord Corbett and Lady Lenora.

As I walked through the halls of the estate, I couldn't stop my mind from racing. Brothers... Would they accept me? What were they like? Would they see me as just some stranger intruding on their family? Or would they treat me like a sister?

~~

A/N: Well, almost been half a month since I uploaded this ff. Now, though not completely I am coming back. Also, as I have already said, I will be updating this frequently while TBATE: TRUE GOD will be on a short break, I will mostly be focusing on catching up to the timeline of True God to make things relevant. Make sure to vote for the chapter if you enjoy it. Also, I have decided on the weapon(s) Caera will have moving forward with its design, look forward to it, and I am sure you would like the idea.