Emberclaw : Crimson Phase

The heavy gates of Silvermist Mansion swung open, not with the welcoming grandeur Fourth had perhaps subconsciously hoped for, but with a chilling indifference that mirrored the week he'd been away. He stepped out of the car, weariness etched onto his features, the strain of his self-imposed exile clinging to him The imposing facade of his home seemed colder, taller, more judgmental than he remembered.
He hadn't even crossed the threshold properly when Tay's voice, sharp and unforgiving, cut through the echoing silence of the grand foyer. "Well, look what the cat dragged in. Had your fill of running away, did you? Got bored of licking your wounds in solitude?" Tay stood rigidly, arms crossed, his face a mask of fury. "Thought you could just waltz back in after proving what a coward you are?"
Fourth flinched, the words striking harder than any physical blow. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
"You listen to me," Tay continued, stepping closer, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl. "You are grounded. Confined to your room. No leaving this house, not even for college. Maybe being locked away will finally force some discipline, some intelligence into that thick skull of yours."
Devastation washed over Fourth, a suffocating wave that left him breathless. He lowered his gaze, the ornate marble floor blurring beneath his feet. He couldn't fight this, not now. Without a word, he turned, a defeated slump in his shoulders, intending only to reach the sanctuary of his room.
"Tay, please," New's softer voice interjected, stepping forward, his expression a mixture of worry for Fourth and apprehension towards Tay. "He just got back. Give the boy a moment. He needs time, Tay. I know he'll make us proud eventually. Just... offer him a chance."
Fourth stopped mid-step, his back still to his parents. A bitter, broken sound, almost a laugh, escaped him. "A chance?" he repeated, his voice hollow. "I don't want a chance. Not from you, not from anyone." He finally turned, his eyes - usually bright - were clouded with pain and a chilling finality. "I'm done. Completely done with all of this." With that, he pivoted sharply and stormed towards the stairs, each footstep echoing his anger. The slam of his bedroom door reverberated through the mansion, a definitive, punctuation mark on his despair. New called his name, softly at first, then louder, but the door remained shut.
The next day passed in a blur of silence from behind Fourth's locked door. Breakfast went untouched, lunch ignored. The heavy silence from his room was almost as loud as the previous night's argument.
As night deepened, painting the luxurious mansion in shades of grey and indigo, a soft, hesitant knock broke the stillness at Fourth's door. He dragged himself up, the apathy of the day clinging to him. Opening it a crack, he saw Perth and Pond, their faces alight with a shared, conspiratorial energy.
"What do you want?" Fourth asked, his voice raspy from disuse.
"Mission: Extract Boyfriend is a go!" Pond announced with a grin, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet. "You need to come with us. Right now."
Fourth frowned. "Where?"
"Your one-and-only is parked just outside the main gate," Pond elaborated, leaning in slightly. "Gemini. He's waiting. Look, I promised I'd get you to him, and frankly, this is my prime opportunity to solidify my status as the favourite future brother-in-law. So, you have to play along. Don't blow this for me!"
Perth placed a reassuring hand on Fourth's arm. "Don't sweat Dad," he said calmly. "If he kicks up a fuss about you being gone, I'll run interference. I've got your back. Just go."
A flicker of something - maybe hope, maybe just the desire to escape the suffocating atmosphere - sparked in Fourth. Nodding mutely, he allowed his brothers to guide him. They moved like shadows through the dimly lit corridors, down a back staircase rarely used, and out through a side door concealed by overgrown ivy. The cool night air was a welcome shock to his system. True to Pond's word, a sleek, dark car waited just beyond the imposing gates. Gemini was behind the wheel, his expression softening with relief and concern as Fourth approached. Kaira sat quietly in the passenger seat, offering a small, supportive smile.
The drive to Iris's Cafe was mostly silent, the unspoken tension between Gemini and Fourth a palpable thing in the confined space. Once there, Gemini led Fourth upstairs to a quieter, private seating area, while Kaira opted to stay on the ground floor. Iris, wiping down the counter, slid a steaming mug of hot chocolate towards her.
"With Gemini officially off the market, you must be feeling a bit like a third wheel," Iris commented gently, her eyes kind.
Kaira cradled the warm mug. "Honestly? As long as he's happy, that's all that matters to me," she replied softly.
Iris leaned against the counter. "Does it make you miss your sister more?"
Kaira looked up, a flicker of confusion in her eyes. "Which sister?"
"The one you lost," Iris clarified softly. "Raya. Your triplet. The one who was taken."
A shadow passed over Kaira's face, replaced by a deep, familiar ache. "Every single day," she whispered. "You wouldn't believe it, Iris, but we have this collection... things we've bought for her over the years. Whenever Gem and I go shopping, if we see something perfect, we get one for her too. It's silly, maybe."
"Not silly at all," Iris said warmly. "Hold onto that hope, Kaira. One day, when she comes back, she'll treasure those things. She'll know how much she was missed."
Kaira stared at her, surprised. "You... you really believe she might come back? Seriously?" A small, incredulous laugh escaped her. "Hardly anyone does, you know. Except Gemini and me. Our parents... well, they hope, I think. Maybe because the alternative is too unbearable to face. But for Gem and me, it's different. It's this... feeling. This certainty deep down that she's still out there somewhere, alive."
"Then trust that feeling," Iris said with a gentle smile. "Why shouldn't she return? Miracles happen. And when she does, imagine how incredibly proud she'll be of the amazing person you've become."
Upstairs, the silence between Gemini and Fourth eventually gave way to hushed words, fragmented explanations, and quiet reassurances. Later, the three drove back towards Silvermist Mansion. Gemini watched Fourth slip back through the side door, a silent promise exchanged between them before the car pulled away.
Meanwhile, across the city at Emberclaw Mansion, the night was far from over. Mix padded softly towards the kitchen, thirsty. He was halfway down the main staircase when strong arms wrapped around his waist from behind, pulling him flush against a warm body. He startled, turning his head to see Earth, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Getting a bit bold tonight, aren't we, darling?" Mix murmured, a smile playing on his lips despite the surprise.
Earth didn't answer with words. He leaned in, capturing Mix's lips in a firm, possessive kiss. Breaking away only slightly, he guided Mix backwards towards a plush velvet couch nestled in the alcove under the stairs, pushing him down gently. Before Mix could react further, Earth was shrugging off his shirt, his eyes fixed on Mix, leaning down for another kiss...
Click.
Suddenly, the entire grand hall was flooded with light.
The tableau that unfolded was one of comical, widespread shock.
Earth froze, half-leaning over Mix, shirt dangling from one hand. Mix blinked up at him, then at the sudden brightness.
Kaira and Gemini, having just crept in through the back entrance, were caught mid-step near the base of the stairs, eyes wide.
Pond, having successfully navigated Phuwin's balcony window moments earlier, stood awkwardly near the entrance to the living area, looking utterly busted.
Outside, Chimon, who had been murmuring into his phone in the shadowed courtyard, jerked his head up, momentarily blinded.
From the direction of the kitchen, AJ, JJ, and Joong emerged, looking like startled meerkats - Joong with chip packets clutched in both hands and one sticking out of his mouth, JJ juggling two tubs of ice cream, and AJ holding several bottles of cold drinks.
Win and Bright, who had been nestled together talking quietly on the wide middle landing of the main staircase, scrambled apart, looking flustered.
Phuwin, who had just reached the bottom of the stairs himself, stopped dead in his tracks, taking in the chaotic scene.
All eyes, wide with surprise and varying degrees of guilt, slowly swiveled towards the main light switch.
Standing there, arms crossed imperiously over his chest, was Gun. Right behind him, a picture of calm amusement, stood Off, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
Gun surveyed the scene, his gaze sweeping over his scattered, frozen children and their partners. He walked slowly towards the center of the vast room.
"Kaira. Gemini," he addressed the twins first, his voice dangerously calm. "How many discussions have we had about sneaking out after curfew? Upstairs. Both of you. Now. Sleep." Without a word, the twins scurried past him and up the stairs.
Phuwin took a hesitant step forward. "Dad, I can-"
"No need for explanations, Phuwin," Off interjected smoothly, stepping forward beside Gun. He looked at Pond. "You're Pond, correct? Phuwin's boyfriend?" Pond nodded mutely. "And you're friends with Joong?" Pond nodded again. "Then might I inquire," Off continued pleasantly, "why you favor entering our home via the second-floor window? The front door is perfectly functional. Phuwin has the entry code; he can share it with you."
Gun added, his expression softening slightly as he looked between Pond and Phuwin. "Listen, we're aware he's a Silvermist. But if Phuwin cares for you, that's what matters to us. We aren't heartless traditionalists. We have no objections to you dating, or to you staying over. It's a pleasure to have you. Just... please refrain from the B&E routine, alright? Use the door." Pond and Phuwin exchanged looks of stunned relief.
Gun then turned his attention to the courtyard entrance. "Chimon! Get in here." Chimon walked hesitantly into the light. "Is that Perth on the phone?" Gun asked. Chimon nodded nervously. "Give it here." Reluctantly, Chimon handed over his mobile. Gun put it to his ear. "Hello, Perth?... Yes, it's Gun... No, no need for 'sir.' You can call me Dad if you like, I don't mind... Listen, son, it's perfectly fine for you to talk with Chimon, but don't keep him up all hours. He needs his sleep, otherwise, he's impossible during morning meetings... You're welcome to come over for dinner sometime, just let us know... And perhaps mention to your father that Pond is staying over at a friend's place tonight?... Good. Now, disconnect the call. Chimon is going to bed." He ended the call, handed the phone back to Chimon. "Room. Sleep." Chimon fled without a backward glance.
Gun looked back at Phuwin and Pond, who were still standing there, slightly dazed. "Why are you two still lingering? Upstairs. Go on." A wide, delighted grin spread across Pond's face as he took Phuwin's hand and practically skipped towards the stairs.
Next, Gun's gaze fell upon the snack bandits. "AJ, JJ, Joong. Seriously? Chips and ice cream at this hour? Put it all back exactly where you found it. If you are genuinely hungry, there's cut fruit in labelled jars inside the fridge. You may eat that, but eat it at the dining table. No food in bedrooms. And then, straight to sleep. No video games." The trio sheepishly began retreating towards the kitchen.
He then turned to Earth and Mix on the couch. Earth had managed to hastily pull his shirt back on. "Earth. Mix," Gun said, a knowing glint in his eye. "I am genuinely thrilled that you two are engaged and so clearly happy together. Truly. However," his lips quirked into a mischievous grin, "perhaps reserve the more... enthusiastic displays of affection for the privacy of your own room? Remember, you have younger siblings and impressionable minds residing in this house." Mix flushed slightly, while Earth gave a small, respectful bow. They rose and walked towards their own rooms.
Finally, Gun looked up at Win and Bright on the stairs. "And you two," he said, his tone softening considerably. "It makes my heart glad to see my children nurturing such healthy, loving marriages. But really, must you convene on the staircase in the middle of the night? Go on, back to your room. It's late." Win and Bright smiled sheepishly and headed upstairs.
As the last pair disappeared, Gun turned to Off, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Your children, Off. They are precisely like you. Honestly, when do you think they'll finally decide to grow up?"
Off chuckled softly, draping an arm around Gun's shoulders. "Patience, my love. They're still young at heart. It keeps things interesting, doesn't it?" He glanced towards the dining area where AJ, JJ, and Joong were now dutifully eating fruit. "Boys," he called out gently, "when you're finished, rinse your bowls and put them in the dishwasher. Then lights out, understand?" Getting mumbled confirmations, Off steered Gun towards their own bedroom. "Come on, let the night owls finally rest." The grand hall of Emberclaw Mansion settled back into a relative quiet, the echoes of midnight confessions and corrections lingering in the air.