Chapter 1
"Have you forgotten what I told you? Why did you escape from your room just to beg for food, you little gremlin?" the terror voice echoed through the small room where I am currently staying.
It's Father, and he's mad again. I don't know why he's mad.
Is he mad because I sneak into the kitchen? Or is it because I eat snacks without his permission?
Or is it because I met his other children?
But why? They are my brothers and sisters! Why am I not allowed to meet them? Is it because I'm a bad child? A cursed child? That's why he dislikes me that much?
"I'm sorry, Father..." That's all I could say in a very low voice.
But instead of easing his anger, I was stunned when he slapped me.
Why?
"Didn't I tell you to stop calling me father? I don't have an accursed child like you!" he snapped before he began beating me again. All I could do was hug myself while lying on the cold and dirty floor.
It hurts. But I can't do anything but cry. If I beg him to stop, he'll just continue beating me again and again.
But why? Why am I not allowed to call you father? While my brothers and sisters can! I'm also your child, Father... Even though we're not blood-related!
You once treated me as your child, so what happened?
Why did my life result this way?
I still could vividly remember how they treasured me like a baby. So why am I experiencing this right now?
After a while, he stopped, but he's still glaring at me. "Don't expect that food will be delivered to you for the time being," he roared before slamming the door closed.
When he vanished from my sight, I slowly got up, and tears continued to fall from my eyes.
What did I do to deserve this kind of treatment?
I just... I just wanted to feel love. I just want my Father's attention. I just want to talk to someone. I don't want to be alone!
So why are they depriving me of that?
Is it because I stole Big Sis Ancia's cookies? That's because I'm so hungry that time, and I've been starving for two days. Or is it because I borrowed Big Brother's pen? That's because it looks so pretty, and I want to look at it closer. I couldn't have one before because you said that I don't need one.
Does that make me a bad child?
To the point that I'm imprisoned in this small and dirty room?
So when can I return back to my old room?
I used to live like a princess, too, despite being an adopted daughter. But when Irene returned, their treatment changed.
Is it because I'm a disgusting orphan? That's why even the maids are grossed out when talking to me, even before. Is it also the reason why I always received a glare from them? Did they think that I felt entitled just because I was adopted? But I never did!
And now, they're sneering at me whenever they see me. When I tried to talk to them, they'd just ignore me. Then they'd report to Father that I snuck out again. And he'll reprimand and beat me again.
It was an unending cycle.
But I don't care if he beat me. At least he spared a glance at a disgusting child like me.
"Right, Rielle?" I smiled while staring in an old mirror. I can see a crying child that is covered with wounds.
Then the child's expression changed into rage. She's no longer crying, but she's staring right through my eyes with contempt.
"I just left for a bit, and now I'll see you in this condition. Just what have you been doing, Faerielle?" the woman who looks exactly like me spoke.
I pouted, but she remained annoyed.
"Since when are you going to forgive that damnable man? You know that you can fight back against him, but you still keep your mouth shut and hold yourself like a moron!"
Rielle was extremely annoyed, but I know that she won't hurt me. In this dark place, Rielle was my hope and salvation. She's the big sister that is always concerned about my well-being.
"I... I can't hurt him! He's my father, Rielle. Our Father," I reasoned out, and I saw how she rolled her eyes in frustration.
"Open your eyes, Faerielle! He's obviously throwing you away! So don't ever consider that damnable man as our father. He isn't and will never be!" she screamed amidst her teeth gritting angrily.
I slumped.
Rielle is always like this. She hated it when I showed concern for our father. But he is our father. He adopted us and cared for us till Irene returned.
But that doesn't mean that he threw me away. If he did, then I won't be able to stay in this mansion, and instead, I'd be wandering in the streets begging for food.
Maybe if he sees my ability, will he accept me as family?
Should I show my ability to him on his next visit?
But when will it be?
I pouted and stared at how my wounds healed instantly. Rielle might've used our powers to heal those wounds.
Then I shifted back my gaze to the cracked mirror. My reflection is no longer wearing that annoyed expression. It looks like Rielle has finally calmed down.
"Faerielle..." she called me in a low voice, and I responded with a 'hmm'.
With a small smile, she caressed my cheeks and mumbled. "If you want a family, I'm here. Whenever you go, I'll always be here. Because I am your older sister. And I'll always take care of you, my lovely Faerielle." Her eyes were filled with tenderness, and I was touched.
Indeed, Rielle is my everything.
"Thank you, Rie..."
In this empty and dilapidated room, she was the one who accompanied me in my dark times. She stands for me when I can't stand on my own.
She is my other half.