178: Larissa's return

Larissa's return

Adela, no longer anticipating Egon's arrival, had changed into a more comfortable nightgown. Her gaze was no longer fixed on her falcon, who now occupied the mews. The absence of her feathered companion made her room feel strangely vacant.0

Yes...You tell yourself that...

She settled into a seat by her window and gazed at the moonless sky, her mind began to slow down as the night ticked away, a contrast to the racing thoughts she had about her family's secrets throughout the day. But the emptiness that accompanied her in the silent night seemed to amplify her sense of isolation.

Rarely had Adela felt so lonely in her life.

Suddenly, the quietude of Adela's room was interrupted by a faint knocking on the door just as she was removing her hairpins and letting her hair down. She had been expecting her sister's arrival, but not at that hour and certainly not directly to her chambers.

As expected, Larissa's return boded ill tidings.

The door creaked open, revealing Larissa standing in the doorway. Adela's eyes met hers, immediately picking up on the weariness etched upon her sister's face.

"Lari..." Despite her attempts to brace herself, sadness washed over Adela. "Come here."

Without uttering a word, Larissa stepped into the room and embraced her sister who met her midway in a tight hug.

"Can we talk for a while?" Larissa's voice was thick, but Adela saw no traces of tears in her eyes.

Taking her sister's hand, Adela guided her to the bed, and they sat facing each other.

"...I can't handle it all on my own." Larissa began.

Adela wore a serious expression, matching the determination in Larissa's hazel eyes. "Tell me everything,"

"...I am ending my relationship with Andreas," 

Adela's heart skipped a beat as the words caught her off guard, but she quickly regained her composure, drawing strength from Larissa's resolute gaze. Deep down, she knew she had to support her sister's choice wholeheartedly, but she also wanted to ensure that Larissa fully grasped the weight of her decision. It was crucial for her sister to consider all the potential consequences that lay ahead.

"... He's your mate. You've spent all this time together... Do you really think it's possible for you to leave him at this point?"

"It's what he wants," Larissa replied, her face finally showing signs of distress.

Anger surged within Adela. Andreas couldn't possibly go to such lengths, intimately entwined with Larissa, and then simply ask to end the relationship.

"This can't be," Adela just couldn't believe it.

Larissa's face crumbled further as she confessed, "...I can't stay there. I can't sleep at night. I'm tired of everything... I don't want to be with him anymore."

Adela's heart ached for her sister, "Shh," she whispered, her touch on Larissa's soft face was meant to provide her with comfort. "Don't rush into a decision. You need to think things through. You need to be certain that leaving Andreas is what you truly want."

It was an immense decision, one that could reshape their lives. Adela, although never engaged to Egon and unsure of her own capacity to relinquish him, felt a deep empathy for Larissa's internal battle.

"His heart belongs to her... I can't force her out, and I can't bear to share him with anyone. It's too painful!" 

Adela tenderly caressed her sister's cheek, acknowledging the intricate and fragile nature of the bond between mates. The concept of having two such bonds simultaneously was beyond imagination.

She mourned the flaws in her own destiny and the afflictions that plagued her sister's happiness.

"I asked him to bring me back here, and he didn't even hesitate..." Larissa's expression shifted, betraying a hidden truth. "We went to the King's former estate before coming here because Egon wanted to talk to both of us," she continued, her tone taking on a different quality. "I have decided to stay here from now on," she added, wincing slightly. "I will erase him from my memory."

Adela listened attentively, her mind focused on one goal: ensuring that Larissa didn't make a decision she might later regret.

"What if you end up regretting it?" Adela questioned, searching Larissa's face for any signs of uncertainty. "This is a life-changing decision, and I only want you to be certain of it... What does Andreas think of all this?"

"...What he doesn't say concerns me more than what he does," Larissa's face crumbled as she broke down into sobs, seeking comfort in her sister's embrace.

"Sleep on it," Adela suggested softly, caressing Larissa's long, red locks. "Don't make up your mind while you're upset or angry." Pulling away slightly, Adela contemplated their next steps. "If you're determined to end things, we'll need to address the fact that you stayed alone in Kolhis at the von Conradie estate all this time."

Larissa wiped away her tears and stared deeply into Adela's eyes. "We don't have to address anything, Claude was there with me all along."

Adela's eyes widened in surprise. "Claude?"

Larissa nodded, her expression firm. "Remember how he had to verify what happened in Lanark's Forest with Andreas and me? After that, I asked him to stay..."

Adela was overwhelmed with gratitude and admiration for Claude. He had been a constant source of support for Larissa when she couldn't be there, and she couldn't fathom how to express her deep appreciation for his steadfast commitment.

"I've been hesitant about getting married ever since your father imposed all those dowry conditions on Andreas," Larissa continued, "I don't want to be responsible for the vast fortune he accumulated over the years when he decides to leave me."

When!

Adela's heart swelled with anger at the mistreatment her sister must have endured.

"How are things with Egon?" Larissa suddenly asked, catching Adela off guard.

Adela shook her head, indicating that things were not good between her and Egon. Her wounds were still raw, openly bleeding, making it too difficult to discuss the state of their relationship.

"...Adela, what I heard and saw when Egon summoned us to Uncle's former estate..."

"No!" Adela interrupted, she didn't want to hear anything that might soften her heart towards the man who repeatedly pushed them apart. "Please... He didn't share whatever it was, and I truly don't want to make excuses for him at this point."

Larissa tilted her head, her eyes filled with understanding. "Just give him some time, alright?"

"Alright," Adela replied without much thought, deciding to close the subject. She didn't want to burden her sister with all the other emotions and conflicts she carried within her. Right now, Larissa's well-being was paramount.

"...Welcome home, Larissa," Adela said, her voice filled with love and support.

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