Chapter 3: Meal
They stopped in front of the small two-bedroom cottage where Ariana, Ava, and their father stayed. Ariana let out a sigh, her body shivering slightly. This was worse than rain—the light drizzle had dotted her gown with unwanted polka dots, and the sharp wind nipped at her skin, raising goosebumps all over her arms.
She desperately needed a hot bath, but she realized she’d have to wait an extra hour to boil enough water with their tiny kettle to get the perfect amount for a soothing soak.
She exhaled again. Why is life always so cruel to me? she thought. While others had wolves they could talk to and lead, she had none — just her overthinking mind that only ever sparked intrusive thoughts.
"Oh yes, Ava must have prepared dinner," her father said, snapping her out of her thoughts. Ariana was surprised too — a pleasant aroma was drifting from the house. It was rare for her sister to cook unless there was good news or she wanted something from their father.
He moved toward the door and knocked gently.
"Father, just a minute," Ava called out from inside. Soft footsteps followed until the wooden door creaked open—it looked like a little more pressure would break it. Ava stood there, wearing a baggy, milk-colored gown. Her brown hair was tied up in a messy bun, and her brown eyes shifted as they settled on Ariana.
"Sis, you two came back so late. I was getting worried," she said, crossing her arms. Their father’s gaze settled on Ava — they had the same hair color, except for the streaks of white in his that marked his age. His eyes were brown too. It was often said that Ava inherited their father’s features, while Ariana took after their mother—golden-blonde hair and golden eyes. That resemblance only deepened her father’s resentment toward her, as she reminded him too much of his late wife.
"What’s on your face?" her father asked, frowning as he noticed something smeared on Ava’s skin. The three lanterns hanging in the room were their only source of light.
"Oh, this? It’s aloe vera. The neighbor gave it to me—she said it helps with acne and makes the skin glow," Ava replied, and their father simply nodded before stepping inside. Ariana followed, and Ava shut the door behind them.
"We were at the council, settling your sister’s case," their father said as he sat at the small dining table, where food was already served.
Ariana headed toward the other door to prepare for her bath but froze when she heard her father’s voice.