12: The First Rival

A quiet breeze drifted through the Ravenshade estate's vast garden, carrying with it the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers. The afternoon sun bathed the surroundings in a golden glow, creating an almost serene atmosphere.

Yet, despite the peaceful scene, I sat stiffly on the soft grass, my small hands clenched into fists.

Today… I was meeting him.

My cousin, Lucian Solheim.

My first rival.

Or so I had decided.

---

A Meeting Between Mothers

"Seraphina, it's been too long."

A soft, gentle voice floated through the air, accompanied by the delicate sound of footsteps approaching.

I turned my head slightly. A tall woman with long, flowing black hair and the same crimson-red eyes as my mother stepped forward. There was warmth in her gaze, a quiet tenderness that made her feel… familiar.

"Evelynn," my mother greeted with a gentle smile, stepping forward to embrace her sister. "I'm glad you could make the trip."

"It was long overdue." Evelynn chuckled softly. "And I had a very impatient little boy pestering me about meeting his cousin."

As if on cue, a figure peeked out from behind Evelynn's flowing dress. A small boy—barely taller than me—stood with hesitant but curious blue eyes. His black hair, much like his mother's, was slightly tousled, giving him a carefree look.

He was looking at me.

I was looking at him.

Silence stretched between us.

Then—

"Hi! I'm Lucian!"

He took a bold step forward, his voice filled with excitement. His words were slightly clearer than mine—probably because he was older by three months—but still carried the childish lisp of someone barely past toddlerhood.

I opened my mouth, determined to introduce myself with confidence.

"…Awewis."

…

Wait.

That wasn't right.

I frowned, feeling my face heat up in embarrassment. I meant to say Averis! But my tongue fumbled, and the syllables came out all wrong.

Lucian blinked. Then, a small giggle escaped him.

"Funny name."

I froze.

My hands clenched into tiny fists. Did he just…?

---

An Unspoken Challenge

Lucian, completely unaware of the storm brewing in my tiny body, suddenly pointed at the open field ahead.

"Wanna run?"

Run?

I narrowed my eyes.

Lucian looked… fast. His legs were slightly longer than mine, his stance confident. He must've already had some experience playing like this.

I glanced down at my own chubby legs, then back at him.

…Tch.

Fine.

I nodded. "Mm!"

Lucian grinned. "Okay! Ready? One, two, three—"

Before he even finished counting, he dashed off, his laughter ringing in the air.

…He cheated!

"Gaaaahh!" I let out an unintelligible war cry and ran after him, my tiny feet pounding against the grass.

But no matter how much I pushed forward, no matter how much I willed my legs to move faster—Lucian remained ahead.

It was frustrating.

It was infuriating.

I refuse to lose!

I forced more strength into my stride, ignoring the wobbliness of my toddler body.

I was so close—just a little bit more—

Then my foot caught on something.

The world spun.

And I crashed face-first into the grass.

"…Guuuuh."

Silence.

Then—

Lucian's laughter rang out. "Avewis fell!"

…

I was going to kill him.

---

A Frosty Companion's Amusement

As I lay there, face buried in the grass, I felt a familiar presence watching me.

From the corner of my vision, perched atop a nearby garden wall, the Frost Raven observed the scene with clear amusement.

"You fall quite often, little one," it murmured, its voice cold yet laced with mirth.

I groaned, lifting my head just enough to glare at it. "No… I don't…"

"Mm. If you say so."

Its wings fluttered slightly, sending a small flurry of ice into the air.

I huffed, puffing out my cheeks in frustration. This wasn't over. I would beat Lucian. If not today, then another day.

I swore it.

---

The Gentle Bonds of Family

Before I could attempt another challenge, I felt a pair of warm hands lift me off the ground. My mother's soft voice reached my ears.

"Averis, are you hurt?"

I blinked up at her. Her crimson-red eyes were filled with concern, but also… amusement?

Hmph. She was holding back a laugh.

I pouted. "No…"

Evelynn, who had been watching with an amused smile, gently nudged Lucian forward. "Lucian, what do we say?"

Lucian shuffled his feet before extending a small hand toward me. "Sowwy."

I eyed his hand.

…

I took it.

"Hmph. It's fine."

My words were still a bit clumsy, but I made sure to sound dignified. As dignified as a three-year-old could be, anyway.

Our mothers shared a knowing look.

"I'm glad they're getting along," Seraphina murmured.

Evelynn chuckled. "Yes… though I have a feeling they'll keep us busy for years to come."

---

A Rivalry is Born

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Lucian turned to me with a grin. "Next time, I'll still win."

I scowled. "No."

"Yes."

"No!"

He stuck out his tongue. I did the same.

And just like that…

My first rival was born.

But strangely enough—

It didn't feel bad.