Part 4: The House That Raises Lions with Gentle Hands

“Kindness is not the absence of power, but the wisdom to wield it gently.”
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Inside the grand Vaethiel Imperial Fortress, the marble pillars shimmered under golden light, and soft flames danced in crystal sconces. The living room was vast, yet warm—velvet curtains, bookshelves stretching high, and a gentle aroma of vanilla tea. Seated together were the Imperial descendants, glowing with pride and elegance.
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Aunt Dawnthorn, ever regal in a dark green velvet gown, raised her hand lightly and ordered,
Dawnthorn Vaethiel
Dawnthorn Vaethiel
“Prepare desserts fit for the young heirs and their new friend.” 🥰
At that, a few maids bowed and left swiftly.
Selyndraeth’s sharp eyes wandered across the grand corridor connected to the sitting hall. Her gaze halted. Two figures stepped into view—majestic and radiating unmistakable aura. Her eyes widened in recognition.
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
“They’re here,” 🤭
Selyndraeth whispered, tapping her twin.
Eirionox smiled subtly and gestured toward them
Eirionox Vaethiel
Eirionox Vaethiel
“Come. Join us.” 😄
The two children walked in gracefully, like royalty born from the very stars. The girl bore warm brown skin, forest-green hair cascading down her back, and eyes like twin suns—burning yellow with golden flecks. The boy beside her had porcelain-white skin, vibrant ruby-red hair, and calm emerald eyes. Their clothes shimmered in yellow and green, threaded with symbols of protection and battle—fitting for heirs of a mighty bloodline.
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Selyndraeth Vaethiel
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
“This is Thorneveil,” 🤗
Selyndraeth said proudly,
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
“the older sister.” 😘
Eirionox Vaethiel
Eirionox Vaethiel
“And Kaelthorn,” 🤭
Eirionox added,
Eirionox Vaethiel
Eirionox Vaethiel
“The younger brother. They’re our auntie Dawnthorn’s children.” 🤗
Theodora nodded in understanding, eyes wide with awe. Something about them felt ancient and dangerous—but not cruel.
Thorneveil bowed slightly.
Thorneveil Vaethiel
Thorneveil Vaethiel
“May we sit with you?” 😊
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
“Of course,” 🥰
Selyndraeth said with a light smile.
As the twins took their seats beside their cousins, Evergloom, the children’s grandmother and seated regally near Dawnthorn, turned to them. Her voice was soft, but commanding.
Evergloom Vaethiel
Evergloom Vaethiel
“So, what did you two do today?” 😄
Thorneveil grinned in a way that sent shivers down Theodora’s spine—beautiful, composed, and terrifying.
Thorneveil Vaethiel
Thorneveil Vaethiel
“Nothing much, Grandma,” 🤩
She said sweetly.
Thorneveil Vaethiel
Thorneveil Vaethiel
“We sliced the ears off a tribe of evil goblins near the Dark-Type Dungeon in our Vaethiel Domain.” 😍
Kaelthorn leaned forward with an innocent look.
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
“And we chopped an orc into a thousand pieces!” 😇
Theodora blinked rapidly.
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
What?! 😱
Dawnthorn raised a brow.
Dawnthorn Vaethiel
Dawnthorn Vaethiel
“How do you know it was a thousand?” 😑
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
“I counted as we sliced, Mother,” 😇
Kaelthorn said seriously.
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
“We kept track just to make sure.” 😤
Even Eirionox nodded in approval.
Eirionox Vaethiel
Eirionox Vaethiel
“That’s...precise.” 😎
Evergloom laughed softly, pride clear in her eyes.
Evergloom Vaethiel
Evergloom Vaethiel
“Sharp minds. Sharper blades.” 😎
Theodora sat frozen, stunned. Is this normal for them? She glanced between their composed faces and couldn’t tell whether to run or bow. But then again, this was the Vaethiel Family—an Imperial lineage untouched by time, fear, or mercy. Known far and wide for their terrifying strength, cold elegance, and unmatched discipline. The world whispered about their cursed origins, yet here they were, treating each other with love...and now her too?
Strange. Strangely comforting.
Moments later, the door opened and Alicia, a young maid with soft curls, entered carefully, carrying a large, strawberry-laced cake—light pink frosting topped with golden berries. She placed it on the center table.
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Kaelthorn grinned, his fierce energy suddenly softening.
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
“Miss Alicia, this looks amazing! Thank you!” 🤩
Then he added cheerfully,
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
“You may create one for you and your little sister Amyiel to take home today!” 🤭
Alicia’s eyes welled with tears.
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Alicia Marybeth
Alicia Marybeth
“T-Thank you, Young Master.” 😭
Theodora blinked again.
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
Wait... even the terrifying ones are kind to their staff? 💭
Dawnthorn turned gracefully toward Theodora.
Dawnthorn Vaethiel
Dawnthorn Vaethiel
“And you, little one. Where are your parents?” ☺
Theodora opened her mouth, but before she could speak—
Eirionox Vaethiel
Eirionox Vaethiel
“She doesn’t—” 😑
Eirionox started, only for Selyndraeth to tap his arm sharply.
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
“You only answer when you are asked, Brother,” 😑
She said, her tone gentle yet firm.
The room paused. The discipline in her words echoed through the air.
Eirionox bowed his head slightly.
Eirionox Vaethiel
Eirionox Vaethiel
“Understood.” 🤐
Theodora smiled, impressed. Such control, even among children.
She lifted her gaze.
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
“I don’t have parents. I’ve never met them... Not even once. I grew up in an orphanage. I ran away just before meeting Selyndraeth and Eirionox.” 😀
Evergloom nodded slowly, voice thoughtful.
Evergloom Vaethiel
Evergloom Vaethiel
“And which orphanage?” 🧐
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
“It’s called Maybelle,” 😃
Theodora said softly.
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
“The sisters are kind, but... they don’t have enough to care for us all. Not enough food or money. I didn’t want to be another burden.” ☹️
The air stilled for a moment.
A deep, mature voice echoed from the shadows near the stairs.
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“Even so... it’s dangerous to run away. The sisters must be worried about you.” 😌
Everyone turned as a tall, graceful woman stepped into the room. Her presence was magnetic—power dripped from her every motion. Her white hair flowed like moonlight, and her mismatched eyes—one golden-yellow, the other blood-red—glowed gently.
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Eirionox stood at once.
Eirionox Vaethiel
Eirionox Vaethiel
“Mother.” 🤩
Selyndraeth joined, bowing lightly.
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
“Mother.” 😊
Theodora looked up.
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
So this is their mother... 💭
The woman approached and smiled kindly, then sat beside her son and patted Theodora’s head.
Nymireth Vaethiel
Nymireth Vaethiel
“I am Nymireth, mother of the Mystic Twins. You must be Theodora.” (๑¯◡¯๑)
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
“Yes, Lady Nymireth,” (≧∇≦)/
Theodora replied.
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
“I really don’t know.” 。°(°¯᷄◠¯᷅°)°。
Thorneveil leaned forward, voice eager.
Thorneveil Vaethiel
Thorneveil Vaethiel
“Then we can search for them. While you stay here.” 𖠇ຼ.⸜(* ॑ ॑* )⸝𖠇ຼ.
Kaelthorn clapped.
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
“We’ll even show you around the estate! You’ll love it!” (。•̀ᴗ-)و ̑̑✧
Everyone murmured in agreement.
Theodora’s throat tightened. She hadn’t felt warmth like this—maybe ever. Not from adults. Not from children. Not from anyone.
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
“I... I don’t know what to say,” 𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ ՞𐦯
She whispered.
Nymireth cupped her face softly.
Nymireth Vaethiel
Nymireth Vaethiel
“Then say thank you. And accept our kindness.” ( ꈍ꒳ꈍ)
Theodora nodded, tears gathering behind her lashes.
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
“Thank you... all of you.” ╥﹏╥
Nymireth smiled.
Nymireth Vaethiel
Nymireth Vaethiel
“We’ll also send food, seeds, water, and other valuable supplies to the orphanage. I’ll donate a large sum to Maybelle myself, later today.” ʚ♡⃛ɞ(ू•ᴗ•ू❁)
Dawnthorn placed her hand on her sister’s.
Dawnthorn Vaethiel
Dawnthorn Vaethiel
“I’ll match the donation.” (¬◡¬)✧
Evergloom nodded sagely.
Evergloom Vaethiel
Evergloom Vaethiel
“As will I.” (˵•̀ᴗ - ˵ )
Kaelthorn jumped up excitedly.
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
Kaelthorn Vaethiel
“Let’s go prepare her room!” `⎚⩊⎚´ -✧
Thorneveil Vaethiel
Thorneveil Vaethiel
“I’ll design it,” フッ(⸝⸝⸝≖ᴗ≖​⸝⸝)‧⁺✧*
Thorneveil said with a wink.
As the cousins left to arrange things, Theodora sat still, overwhelmed by it all. She looked around the room—once cold and intimidating, now warm with care. Somehow, she wasn’t a stranger here anymore.
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
“You’re kind,” ૮₍ ˶•⤙•˶ ₎ა
She said suddenly, looking at Nymireth.
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
“Even when the world calls you cursed... you’re kind.” 𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ ՞𐦯
Nymireth laughed gently, her eyes soft.
Nymireth Vaethiel
Nymireth Vaethiel
“Kindness is not the absence of power, Theodora. It is the wisdom to wield it gently.” ꉂ(ˊᗜˋ*)ʱªʱªʱª
Theodora whispered,
Theodora Nightshade
Theodora Nightshade
“I want to be like you one day.” ദ്ദി˶˃ ᵕ ˂ )✧
Selyndraeth smiled and handed her a fork.
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
Selyndraeth Vaethiel
“Then eat with us. That’s the first step.” (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
And in that golden-lit room, with strawberry cake and laughter in the air, Theodora found something she had longed for her entire life— Not just protection. Not just wealth. But a place to belong.
A home among lions who kill with ease... but love with grace.
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PEJ author
PEJ author
I lost track of my thoughts; my writing became incoherent. I made a terrible mess. O(╥﹏╥)o
PEJ author
PEJ author
As an author, I should have reread my work before submitting it, not just typed it out. つ﹏ɵ̷̥̥᷅
PEJ author
PEJ author
It's a mess, but I hope you can still follow and understand the story despite the errors. ╥﹏╥
PEJ author
PEJ author
I'm literally crying, thinking, "Why didn't I reread it before submitting?" ໒𖦹ࡇ𖦹 ͛১
PEJ author
PEJ author
My mind is arguing back, "We did read it! We both just lost track." (💢`Д´)
PEJ author
PEJ author
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading! I'll update with new episodes every weekend—two episodes on Saturdays and Sundays. Inspiration fuels my motivation, and creativity is my ability! Yay! - ̗̀ (ෆ•̀o•́ෆ)۶ FIGHT☆ͦ͗Goー

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