Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The carriage rocked gently as it rolled over the uneven road, but the silence inside was tense. Cassandra, the white-haired twin, glanced at her sister Alina with a mixture of affection and exasperation. Alina sat with her arms crossed, still visibly ruffled, staring out the window with her jaw set in stubborn frustration.

Cassandra cleared her throat softly, breaking the silence. "Sister," she began, her tone a mix of warmth and mild reproach, "you really should learn to behave more like a princess. What happened back there—" She shook her head, sighing. "You embarrassed us both… and yourself. And you didn't even thank them for saving us."

Alina's gaze shifted, her expression faltering as her sister's words sank in. She looked down, the flush of embarrassment creeping up her neck. "I… I know, Cass," she admitted, an awkward edge to her voice.

"I was a bit… short-sighted." She paused, frowning at the memory. "But can you really blame me? That young man… No, that

brat

—he could have at least talked like a normal person!"

Cassandra stifled a small laugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement at her sister's indignation. "And did you speak to him nicely?" she countered gently. "Besides, Alina, you didn't see what I did. That 'brat' killed three of those creatures while they were coming at us from behind. If not for him…" She left the thought unfinished, the unspoken words lingering heavily in the air.

Alina looked up, her expression shifting from frustration to surprise, and then to something closer to regret. "Wait… really? He… he saved us?"

Cassandra nodded, her tone softening. "Don't you remember my ability? I saw it clearly," she said. "He moved quickly, almost without hesitation. He didn't need to get involved, but he did."

Alina looked away, her shoulders sinking slightly, clearly chastened. She bit her lip and muttered, "I guess… I owe him an apology, then. I'll make sure to apologize properly next time."

Cassandra's face softened with a smile of approval. "Good," she said. "Prepare it well, because I have a feeling we'll be seeing him again soon."

Alina looked back at her sister, raising a brow in curiosity. "How can you be so sure?"

Cassandra chuckled softly, as if amused by her sister's lack of insight. "Think about it, Alina," she said, crossing her arms. "Where do you suppose he's headed?"

Alina tilted her head, considering the question. After a moment, her eyes widened in realization, her mouth dropping open. "The banquet? He's going to the royal banquet, too?"

Cassandra nodded, her expression serene. "Exactly. And, if my suspicions are correct, he's not just any guest. He's probably the lone heir of the Lighthaven family."

Alina's eyes grew even wider, her posture shifting forward in interest. "Wait…

that

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Lighthaven? The one Isabella used to talk about all the time?"

"The very same," Cassandra replied, a glint of amusement in her gaze. "After all, their family's territory isn't far from here."

Alina sat back, letting this revelation sink in, her earlier annoyance giving way to admiration. "I can't believe it. The heir of the Lighthaven family…" she murmured, her mind racing with memories of the stories she'd heard. She glanced at her sister with newfound respect. "How do you always figure these things out so quickly? Why am I not as clever as you?"

Cassandra chuckled, her smile warm. "Well, I could ask the same thing, couldn't I? Why am I not as talented or strong as you?" she teased, nudging her sister's shoulder.

Alina let out a small laugh, the tension of the encounter finally melting away as she relaxed. "Alright, I'll accept that answer. You're clever, I'm strong—so we're a team, right?"

Cassandra gave a fond nod. "Exactly. And if we're going to face this banquet—and possibly cross paths with him again—then we'll both need to be at our best."

Alina nodded, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Well, if we're going to see him again, I'd better prepare that apology. Not that he deserves it," she added, a hint of her usual sass returning. "But I suppose it's only fair."

Cassandra chuckled, giving her sister's hand a reassuring squeeze as their carriage continued its journey, the soft clattering of wheels a quiet lull between them. The road stretched ahead, leading them closer to the royal gathering—and possibly, to another unexpected encounter.

_____ ___ _

The next day.

The grand hall of the royal castle shimmered under the light of chandeliers, their crystals casting soft prisms across the polished marble floor. Nobles from far and wide filled the room, dressed in their finest, engaged in hushed conversations that carried an undercurrent of anticipation. All eyes turned to the entrance as a herald's voice rang out, echoing through the hall.

"Presenting, Her Highnesses, Princess Cassandra and Princess Alina of the Kingdom of Calanthe!"

A hush fell over the gathering, and heads turned toward the entrance as Cassandra and Alina stepped forward. Cassandra moved with a natural elegance, her steps poised and graceful as if she were born for moments like this.

Beside her, Alina's eyes swept over the crowd with a hint of unease, her posture a little stiff, betraying her nerves. Despite her efforts, she was just a touch clumsier in her movements, her attempts to match her sister's stride betraying a lack of ease in such formal settings.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The noble guests murmured approvingly, offering nods and gestures of respect as the twins made their way deeper into the hall. A few even bowed slightly, acknowledging their royal heritage.

Nobles from both their homeland and allied kingdoms smiled and greeted them warmly, offering polite compliments and acknowledging their presence with a mixture of admiration and curiosity.

Alina felt the weight of their attention, her gaze darting to Cassandra for reassurance. Cassandra responded with a subtle, comforting smile, her calm composure lending strength to her twin. As they exchanged a glance, the sound of a familiar voice reached them, warm and inviting.

"Ah, Cassandra, Alina! It's wonderful to see you both again." The voice belonged to none other than Princess Isabella, their childhood friend and the gracious host of the banquet. She moved through the crowd with practiced ease, her presence effortlessly commanding the room's attention as she approached the sisters.

"Isabella!" Cassandra greeted warmly, inclining her head in respect, though her eyes sparkled with genuine affection for their old friend. Alina, finally relaxing at the sight of a friendly face, managed a relieved smile, though her cheeks still held the faintest hint of a blush.

Isabella took Alina's hands, her gaze both affectionate and teasing. "Oh, Alina, I see you haven't changed," she whispered playfully, just loud enough for her to hear. "Still as charming as ever, I see."

Alina stifled an embarrassed laugh, managing a gracious curtsy despite her lingering nerves. "Thank you for having us, Isabella. The banquet is… well, it's stunning," she admitted, glancing around at the grandeur of the hall.

Isabella gave an approving nod, her gaze softening as she addressed them both. "You both look wonderful—and I must say, it's been far too long since we last had the pleasure of your company. Come, let's make the most of this evening. I'll introduce you to a few people I'm sure you'll find interesting," she said, linking her arm with Cassandra's and guiding them forward into the heart of the gathering.

As they moved through the crowd, Isabella's presence seemed to act as a barrier, shielding the sisters from the overwhelming attention of the nobles. She introduced them to various guests, her warm humor and gentle prodding drawing out Alina's confidence and softening Cassandra's reserved demeanor. The sisters exchanged occasional glances, grateful for their friend's support.

Alina relaxed more with every passing moment, her earlier worries forgotten as Isabella skillfully guided them through the formalities. She knew this wasn't just a social event—it was an opportunity, a stage for forging new alliances and showing their presence as representatives of Lyrevra.

And with Isabella by their side, the evening seemed more welcoming, the nobles' gazes softer, and the weight of royal expectations a little lighter to bear.

And then, they heard it, the new guest's name.

"Presenting, the heir of the Lighthaven Family..."

"Adrian Lighthaven."