Chapter 6
Upon returning home, Thalia was taken aback to find that her former bedroom had been overtaken by Selene’s possessions.
Approaching with a hint of hesitance, the maid, Lilith, informed her, “Miss, this room now belongs to Miss Selene.”
With a gaze tinged with pity, Lilith watched Thalia stand frozen at the doorway for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Thalia found her voice, though it came out hoarse and shaky, “Then… where are my things?”
Moments later, Lilith led her to a dust–ridden guest room, visibly uncomfortable. “Miss, ever since you left, we’ve been using this room to store your belongings. I’ll clean it up right away.”
1/8
Chapter 6
+5 Paints-
Thalia pressed her lips together, opting for silence. For the next half hour, she painstakingly searched the room, only to realize the sole photograph she possessed of her and her mother was missing.
Since her mother’s passing, her father had forbidden any mention of her, removed all traces of her artistic endeavors, and incinerated family photos, claiming they only brought sorrow.
Back then, Thalia had secretly hidden. the solitary picture with her mother in a drawer. Now desperate, she rushed back to her old room and found the photo frame resting beside the bed. The picture was unmistakable, her mother’s gentle smile greeting her as always.
With trembling hands, she picked it up, and
2/8
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
tears she could no longer suppress spilled over. Yet through her tears, she noticed something–a familiar hairpin.
It was the one designed by her brother, along with the necklace her mother had gifted her and the earrings from Cassian, treasures she dared not wear but had safeguarded.
Unable to reign in her emotions any longer, Thalia reached out, determined to reclaim what was hers.
From behind, a startled voice rang out, “Thalia, what are you doing in my room?” Clutching the items more tightly, Thalia turned, wiped her tears, and without hesitation, struck Selene hard.
Selene cried out as she hit the floor, and Cassian rushed over, his face flushed with concern as he helped her up. Angrily, he
3/8
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
glared at Thalia, “Thalia, have you lost your mind? She’s your sister!”
Selene’s tears prompted Cassian to call hastily for ice. Thalia, typically restrained, now seethed with unchecked wrath. “Sister? She’s merely the result of my father’s affair.”
A sharp slap landed on Thalia, and she collapsed, her arm scraping painfully against the floor.
With eyes blazing, she cupped her cheek, raising her head to meet Callum’s contemptuous stare, viewing her as if she were less than human.
Cassian and Callum positioned themselves protectively around Selene. Cassian sneered coldly, “You have no idea how far you’ve gone. The only reason you’re out of that private prison so soon is because of Selene.”
4/8
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
The mention of “private prison” pierced Thalia, resurfacing her darkest memories. Yet the scene before her only deepened her pain, like a dagger repeatedly cleaving into her heart.
Callum, acting as if nothing had happened, extended a hand to assist her, softly inquiring, “Does your face hurt?”
How could he speak that way after slapping her? Fury burned in her eyes as she tore herself from his grasp, standing with defiant resolve. She held the items tightly, gripped by a fear of losing what was rightfully hers.
With a voice taut with outrage, she
demanded of Selene, who hovered behind Cassian, “How dare you take my things without asking?”
5/8
Chapter 6
5 Points
Selene’s expression softened with feigned innocence, “I’m sorry, I just thought the necklaces were pretty. Cassian and Callum gave them to me. I didn’t mean to take what was yours.”
Thalia’s heart ached with a deep sense of betrayal as she turned towards them. “Is that so?”
Cassian and Callum froze, taken aback by the emptiness in Thalia’s eyes, once so full of light.
Both felt an unsettling chill. Callum stifled his unease, speaking coldly, “Selene just arrived and doesn’t have any jewelry. If you want something, I’ll buy it for you.”
Cassian stepped forward, reaching for Thalia’s icy hand. His voice was softer, hopeful, “It’s not a big deal, Thalia. If you
6/8
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
want something, I’ll get it for you.”
Thalia said nothing, her eyes lingering on the gifts they once gave her, reminders of when they went to great lengths to surprise her with the perfect choices.
But now, everything was different. They had changed, and those gifts had lost all meaning.
With a solemn smile, she let go. The jewelry clattered to the ground, loud enough to alter the expressions of everyone present.
Thalia’s gaze fell on Selene, discomfort evident in her stance. Her voice was soft yet piercing, “Selene, weren’t you always the one drawn to others‘ belongings? If you want them, they’re yours.”
Resolved to rid herself of it all–the
7/8
Chapter 6
+ 5 Points
people and their tokens–she relinquished everything. Selene’s expression turned cold, a flash of spite in her eyes. Without warning, she pushed Thalia to the floor, bending down to gather the scattered items.
8/8
