Midnight was making me look like a hero, not the person who couldn't even confront his little sister who missed him dearly.
"Daniel's so cool. Marissa told me all these stories about Daniel and Michael. They use their healing magic for good! Is Mako the Princess Daniel was destined to save with the other knights?" Freila asked.
"Yup. But that's between you, me and your family. No one else knows," Midnight replied, placing her finger on her lips.
Freila seemed to get the idea, nodding quickly and placing her pinched fingers at the end of her lips, moving them along them as if she was zipping her mouth closed.
“My lips are sealed," she vowed.
Midnight nodded. She rose back up and looked down to Freila.
"Do you know how to get back?"
"I do…but..." Freila trailed off, fidgeting nervously as she looked down to the floor.
I knew right away she didn't want to walk back alone now that she wasn’t on a mission for something. Michael and I had been the same, having no issue walking through the castle to get something we really wanted, but having a difficult time going back to where we came from alone.
"Want me to walk you back?" Midnight proposed.
Freila immediately jumped up and down. "Yes, pretty please. I don't like being alone," she confessed, her shoulders slumped as she frowned at the thought.
"Me neither. Let's go," Midnight whispered, offering her hand.
Freila placed her small hand in Midnight's and they walked all the way back to Freila’s room.
I followed along quietly, hiding my presence. I noticed Nightmare was walking above, hopping from pillar to pillar, following them as well. I watched them exchange words; Nightmare joined the conversation when she landed on Midnight's shoulder.
Freila ended up petting Nightmare who looked like she didn't mind, sitting in the palms of Midnight's hands. Eventually, Midnight yawned and Freila must have noticed how tired Midnight looked.
"Thank you, Midnight. I'll be going to bed," Freila announced.
I smiled at her kindness and consideration.
"Sleep well, Freila. Ask Marissa for some earplugs." Midnight winked.
Freila giggled. "I will."
I watched Midnight turn around and I leaned back, not wanting to be spotted just yet.
"Midnight?" Freila whispered.
"Yes, Freila?"
"Can we drink milk together again? No one else has time for me," she revealed. She looked to be on the verge of tears which made my shoulders sink in sadness.
I had thought she’d never had to experience being alone, yet here she was with no one to talk to. At least with Michael and me, we had each other. She had no one and Cecelia was no help in that regard.
I was ready to walk out, but then Midnight turned around, walking back and crouching before her. Even from this far away, I could see the tears pooling in my sister's gold eyes.
"How about this? At night I'll walk around and check to see if you're asleep. Only on days where you can't sleep can we stay up and drink milk. Okay?" Midnight offered.
A wide smile formed on Freila face. "Okay! Night, Midnight." She bid farewell, giving Midnight a hug.
Freila pulled away and gave her one more wave goodbye before making her way back to her room. She opened the door to the loud sounds of Cecelia and I sighed.
No wonder she can't sleep.
Freila rolled her eyes but gave Midnight a smile before she walked in and closed the door behind her.
I sighed, leaning against the wall in the hallway. My poor little sister.
"Mew?" I heard Nightmare’s soft mew, the one that made her sound like she was sad.
"I know. She's lonely," Midnight replied. I heard her soft footsteps as she approached, then turned the corner. She looked exhausted and was dragging her feet. Midnight quickly noticed me and I smiled at her, pushing off the wall.
"How long have you been there?" she questioned with a yawn.
"Since my sweet sister asked for some milk," I revealed, giving her a thankful smile. She didn't know how much her action meant to me. I walked up to her and my eyes scanned her black loose t-shirt and black shorts. Her markings were glowing a dark blue, revealing she was using her own magic to help her walk around instead of Makoto's.
"Oh. Hmm…sneaky," Midnight mumbled, yawning again.
I offered my hand to her and she didn't hesitate, placing hers in my grasp. We walked down the hall together, heading back to her room.
"She misses you," Midnight pointed out.
"I know. I've just been avoiding it," I admitted, unsure what to say regarding my family issues.
"Too much?" Midnight questioned, looking a little confused.
I nodded. "I'm not good at multitasking. I want to see her, but I wanted to make sure you guys were okay. Plus..." I trailed off, staring at the floor as we walked.
How could I explain to Freila that I really cared when I'd barely seen her? I didn't want to disappoint her with expectations I knew I wouldn't be able to keep. If I saw her, when would be the next time? There's no way I could go back to ArchAilennia. Not yet anyway.
Midnight stopped, halting me when she tugged my hand. I looked up to see her neutral expression.
"You don't want to disappoint her," Midnight realized.
I gave her a sad smile, happy she understood my internal struggle. "When you shatter a kid’s expectations, they remember. It's better for me to watch from a distance," I whispered.
I knew exactly how it felt. To be promised things and have all your hopes shattered when plans changed. It would happen over and over again, to the point you stopped expecting anything. Why continue to be hurt by someone who can't keep their promises?
"Even if she's lonely?" Midnight pressed.
I sighed, hating the reality of my sister’s situation; she deserved better. "I don't want her to be," I said in a hushed tone, my head hung low in defeat.
Midnight took a step forward, pulling me into a hug. I closed my eyes, wrapping my arms around her and resting my head on her shoulder.
She understands me.
"Maybe before the competition you can see her? I bet she'd be happy about that," Midnight whispered.
I nodded, tightening my hold on her. I didn't realize my actions until my lips were pressed against her neck, but I didn't regret it or think it was wrong. I just wanted her to know how I appreciated her.
"Midnight?" I whispered.
"Yes, Daniel?"
"Thank you." I hoped my words were enough.
She pulled back and had a wide smile on her face, something none of us got to see very often from Midnight. "You’re welcome. Can we go back to sleep now?" Midnight asked, looking like she wouldn't be able to keep her eyes open much longer.
I nodded with a wide smile before I lifted her up.
She gave me a look and I chuckled.
"No more magic. Mako has training in the morning and you look exhausted," I emphasized.
She sighed but relaxed in my hold, laying her head on my chest. "You smell nice," she whispered, then her breathing slowed.
I looked down to reply, but she was already asleep. I ever so softly pressed my lips to her forehead, knowing she wouldn't feel it. "Sleep well, Midnight," I whispered. Then I continued walking toward her room.
Meet Freila before the competition…would I be strong enough to face her?
"You've grown."
I blinked, looking around the pure white room. It reminded me of our room back on ArchAilennia, the room from my dreams and nightmares. I looked at the balcony, the white and gold curtains fluttering in the wind that drifted into the room. It was warm and carried the gentle scent of flowers, especially lavender.
Lavender, my mom's favorite scent and the aroma I loved to use whether it was my body wash or cologne.
I lowered my gaze to the room, recognizing the familiar surroundings. I looked over my shoulder at the gentle voice that called out to me. The same woman who always haunted my dreams walked past me, her
long flowing blonde locks blew with the wind as she strode toward the balcony.
A part of me was afraid, scared she would go over the ledge. Yet, there was a stronger sensation that took over, one that overpowered my fear and replaced it: courage.
I followed the woman, step by step. I ignored my doubts and fears and followed the woman onto the balcony. I was shocked at the glorious sight; it was something I'd never seen before.
White flowers blossomed across the field, swaying side to side in the warm breeze. There was some type of city or ancient buildings, all in white with large pillars. I could identify the fountain that shot water up into the sky and even from the distance, I could hear kids’ laughter while they played in the town area.
The sky was just like ours but even during the day, you could see the sparkling stars, some more prominent than others. The sun was present and shone brightly, warming my skin.
I looked at my clothes which were pure white and looked over my shoulder to see large wings emerging from my back, black wings that shifted to white. It was weird, seeing the shift in colors, but I loved how the top half was black and the bottom pure white.
"You finally love who you are?"
I turned back to the woman who had her back to me, looking across the land while resting her hands on the stone ledge.
"Love who I am?" I repeated.
She nodded, but still didn't turn.
I pondered her words, thinking about what I'd gone through. Everything, from my childhood to rescuing Makoto, the rift in our relationship and finally mending it and healing the wounds that lingered.
The woman's words were right. I did love myself more now. I'd grown into someone I actually was happy with, and even though I had a few areas to work on, I was ready to try my best and face them.
"You’re right. I do love who I've become. I have flaws and I'm nowhere as perfect as the angel shifters may expect of me, but I'll work toward being the best I can be. That's all that should matter," I declared happily.
The woman slowly turned around and she had the biggest smile on her face. I stared into her gold eyes in awe as tears began to fill her eyes. Her nose was just like mine and those long curly locks reminded me of Freila. Her rosy cheeks and pink lips were just like the picture I had of my mother and I knew without a doubt that this was the woman before me.
"Mother?" I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I knew she was gone, but to see her look so alive and well, made me wish she was really here. Wish she could see how I'd grown and blossomed. I longed to see her, just to thank her for giving me a chance at life.
"My son," she whispered, opening her arms to me.
I walked up to her, giving her the tightest hug I could. I knew this wasn't real. My consciousness told me so, but I'd live in this dream, savoring this loving embrace I had always prayed to one day experience with my mother.
"I miss you," I whispered.
"I know, my sweet Daniel," she hummed, her voice like a hymn. Her lavender scent was strong, making me smile as the tears fell. We pulled away and her hand brushed my cheek.
"Everything will make sense, my son. Just be patient and protect the Princess," she sang.
"Do you think I can? That I'm worthy enough?" I worried.
Her smile widened and her eyes twinkled with pride. "Oh Daniel. You do not know the power you hold. You will understand soon enough that you deserve your place as her star knight. Challenge yourself, work together with your fellow knights, and no matter what the darkness has in store for you, don't lose hope. Fight for what you want, my son, and you will be rewarded," she reassured me.
I nodded and hugged her once more, not wanting to leave. "Don't go," I whispered.
"Daniel." I lifted my head to look into her gold eyes.
"Something lost can always be found. You just have to look hard enough."
"Something lost can always be found?' I repeated, not understanding what she was referring to.
"You will understand. I promise. Now wake up. My little angel wants to meet you."
"Little…angel?" I questioned, but my eyes felt heavy all of a sudden. I took one last look at Mother and she cradled my face, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
"Farewell, my son. I love you."
I closed my eyes, letting her image linger in my mind as long as I could manage before the darkness claimed me.
I love you too, Mother.
I opened my eyes to a blurry ceiling. I groaned, feeling as if I hadn't slept at all to begin with. What time is it?
My head turned to stare at the clock on the nightstand. 2:57 A.M. glared at me in pink digital numbers from the clock Marcus had bought Mako on Earthala. I closed my eyes and rolled back over, my hand blindly searching for Mako's warmth, but all I felt was the smooth sheets of the bed.
I frowned, wondering if I should open my eyes or go back to sleep. The dream I just had still lingered in my head, leaving me in wonder. Was it really just a dream?
I opened my eyes slowly and sat up, reaching for my gold glasses on the nightstand. I tapped at the smooth wood surface until my hand landed on the pair of spectacles. I picked them up and slid them onto my face, turning my blurry vision into a clear view of the dimly lit bedroom.
I looked again to Mako's side and knew for sure she wasn't there, the wrinkled sheets the only evidence she'd been sleeping in my arms before we fell asleep. I glanced over to the door, noticing it was slightly open.
She must be sleepwalking. I got up, throwing on a pair of sweatpants and a white t-shirt before making my way out of Mako's room. Tomorrow was the competition and I didn't want her sleepwalking around the castle and exhausting herself.
I combed my hands through my hair, trying to stay awake as I let out another yawn. I turned the corner and walked into the kitchen designated for private guests.
My eyes scanned the room and spotted two glasses in the drying rack, the small droplets of water still evident on their clear surfaces. I guess I missed them.
"Mew."
I blinked and looked down to Nightmare sitting at my feet, her tails wagging cheerfully. I smiled and bent down on one knee to pet her.
"What you doing here, Nighty? Aren't you supposed to be with Mako?" I knew she always followed Makoto when she was sleepwalking, even through the house back at Knightwood. Her being here meant Mako must be nearby.
"Mew, mew." She brushed her head against my hand before she turned and began walking down the hall. I followed, knowing she wanted me to and we walked down the hall and turned the corner. We passed the room that Freila had entered yesterday, leaving me curious as to where we were going.
As we turned another corner, I could hear the soft sounds of high-pitched giggles, one that was rather familiar to my ears. Mako?
Nighty reached the library door and began to scratch at the gold painted wood. I lifted an eyebrow at her as I went over and crouched down to pick her up. She relaxed and I placed her on my shoulder before facing the door.
The soft laughter came a little louder and I knew for sure that Makoto was in there. I opened the door and something soft slammed into my face.
"Oh shit!"
"Double shit!"
The pillow fell to the floor in front of me. I looked up to see Mako frozen with a pillow in her hand on my right side and Freila with a smaller pillow on my left. White feathers were raining down around us and there were tons already on the dark pink carpet beneath our feet.
"How fast do you think we can hide?" Freila whispered.
"Maybe he thinks he's dreaming," Mako suggested.
I rolled my eyes and Nightmare wrapped her tails around my neck.
"Mew," she spoke up, snuggling her head against my cheek.
"Hmm, I agree, Nighty. Let's brainwash him," Mako declared.
"That's a horrible plan and wouldn't work," I argued as I closed the door.
She gave me a pout. "It totally would," she mumbled.
"BROTHER!" Freila shouted, throwing her pillow to the ground.
I
smiled in relief as I knelt down and opened my arms in preparation for her hug. She ran into my embrace and I lifted her up with ease, giving her a tight squeeze. Nightmare unhooked herself and jumped down to the floor, running over to Mako who had lowered her pillow to watch us.
"Hey, little sis," I whispered.
"I'm not little! I'm taller now," she countered.
I smirked as she pulled back to give me a frown. "Indeed. You did get taller since last time, and even more beautiful than you already were," I praised.
Her frown turned into a wide smile before her eyes began to pool with tears. "I missed you, brother," she cried, tears flowing down her cheeks.
"Hey, no crying. I missed you even more," I whispered, holding her tight. I felt horrible for making her cry, yet a part of me was happy that it meant there was a chance for me to fix this, hope that she still loved me as a brother, even though we'd been so far apart for most of her life.
I looked up to see Mako smiling as she leaned against the bookshelf. Nightmare was chasing the white feathers that were floating in the air thanks to some type of magic.
I walked over to the chair, sitting down and placing Freila on my lap. I gave her a small smile and she reached out and pulled my glasses off.
"No point in using these if you’re crying," she pointed out.
I grinned and used my hands to wipe her wet cheeks.
"You can just admit you like them. Just don't take them. I like that pair," I pointed out, knowing she would take them with her and I'd never get them back, reminding me of Eli's habit of doing the same.
She pouted, blinking her eyes at me. "I want them," she pleaded.
I sighed, nodding my head in approval. "Fine."
She squealed and slid them on her face. I heard Mako giggle as she walked over to us. Freila turned to her. "Don't I look like brother now, Mako?" she asked excitingly.
Mako smiled, nodding her head. "Yup. Totally look like Daniel, just with longer hair."
"Daniel! We're having a pillow fight. You have to join!" Freila exclaimed.
"A pillow fight?" I asked. I never had one with Michael when we were small so I was confused.
DANIEL (The Starlight Gods Series Book 6) Page 17
