Rains In Heaven

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<div id="sidebar"> <div class="sidebar-header"> <div></div> <h1 class="story-title" data-passage="StoryTitle"></h1> <div class="sidebar-toggle"> <span id="sidebar-toggle-icon" class="lnr lnr-menu-circle"></span> </div> </div> <div id="sidebar-body">  <div class="story-logo" data-passage="StoryLogo"></div>  <h2 class="story-author" data-passage="StoryAuthor"></h2> <nav class="sidebar-nav"> <ul class="story-tools"> <li> <span id="restart-button" class="lnr lnr-redo"></span> <span class="tooltiptext">Restart</span> </li> <li> <span id="saves-button" class="lnr lnr-download"></span> <span class="tooltiptext">Saves</span> </li> <li> <span id="settings-button" class="lnr lnr-cog"></span> <span class="tooltiptext">Settings</span> </li> </ul> <ul class="story-menu" data-passage="StoryMenu"> </ul> </nav> <div class="sidebar-history-nav"> <span id="backwards-button" class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span> <span id="forwards-button" class="lnr lnr-arrow-right"></span> </div> </div>  </div>  <div id="teststory" role="main"> <div id="passages"> <div id="passage-start" data-passage="start" class="passage"> </div> </div> </div>

!Hello !!Hello !!!Hello !!! Checkbox: <<checkbox "$checkboxVar1" false true autocheck>> Checkbox option 1 <<checkbox "$checkboxVar2" false true autocheck>> Checkbox option 2 <<checkbox "$checkboxVar3" false true autocheck>> Checkbox option 3 !!! Cycle: <<cycle "$cycleVar" autoselect>> <<option "Option 1">> <<option "Option 2">> <<option "Option 3">> <<option "Option 4">> <<option "Option 5">> <</cycle>> !!! Listbox: <<listbox "$listboxVar" autoselect>> <<option "Option 1">> <<option "Option 2">> <<option "Option 3">> <<option "Option 4">> <<option "Option 5">> <</listbox>> !!! Radiobutton: <<radiobutton "$radiobuttonVar" "option 1" autocheck>> Option 1 <<radiobutton "$radiobuttonVar" "option 2" autocheck>> Option 2 <<radiobutton "$radiobuttonVar" "option 3" autocheck>> Option 3 !!! Textbox: <<textbox "$textboxVar" "Type answer here">> * List item 1 * List item 2 [[Hello]] <<button "Button" "Hello">><</button>>

Rains In Heaven

<<nobr>> <li>[[Profile]]</li> <li>[[Relationships]]</li> <li>[[Codex]]</li> <li>[[About]]</li> <</nobr>>

<<set $MCname to "NAME">> <<set $MCpronouns to "she/her">> <<set $MCgender to "female">> <<set $haircolor to "">> <<set $hairlength to "">> <<set $naturalhair to "">> <<set $hairstyle to "">> <<set $skincolor to "">> <<set $eyecolor to "">> <<set $height to "null">> <<set $fashionstyle to "null">> <<set $freckles to false>> <<set $scars to false>> <<set $tattoos to false>> <<set $class to "Not yet selected">> <<set $offense = 0>> <<set $intelligence = 0>> <<set $defense = 0>> <<set $expressive = 50, $collected = 50>> <<set $impulsive = 50, $cautious = 50>> <<set $stubborn = 50, $flexible = 50>> <<set $introvert = 50, $extrovert = 50>> <<set $bold = 50, $shy = 50>> <<set $Nolanrel = 50>> <<set $Vromance = 0, $Vfriendship = 0, $Vgender = "they/them", $Vname = "V">> <<set $Eromance = 0, $Efriendship = 0>> <<set $Tromance = 0, $Tfriendship = 0>> <<set $Oromance = 0, $Ofriendship = 0>> <<set $Mromance = 0, $Mfriendship = 0>> <<set $Yromance = 0, $Yfriendship = 0, $Ygender = "they/them", $Yname = "Y">> <<set $metMpassage to false>> <<set $metYpassage to false>> <<set $v_they to "">> <<set $v_them to "">> <<set $v_their to "">> <<set $v_theirs to "">> <<set $v_themself to "">> <<set $v_s to "">> <<set $v_is to "">> <<set $v_theyre to "">> <<set $v_have to "">> <<set $y_they to "">> <<set $y_them to "">> <<set $y_their to "">> <<set $y_theirs to "">> <<set $y_themself to "">> <<set $y_s to "">> <<set $y_is to "">> <<set $y_theyre to "">> <<set $y_have to "">> <<set $Ngift to "null">>  <<set $specialgift to "null">>  <<set $choicesCompleted = []>>  <<set $choicesEthos = []>> <<set $choicesOliver = []>> <<set $choicesV = []>> <<set $eatinghabits to "null">>  <<set $favoritismfeels to "null">>  <<set $ripNgift to "null">>  <<set $childhoodcrush to "null">> <<set $lastMainPassage to "null">>

by peachbear

<h1><center>Profile</center></h1>\ <h3><center>$MCname Lesley</center></h3>\ You are the eldest twin daughter of the Lesley Family. You were born female<<if $MCpronouns is "she/her">>, going by she/her pronouns. <<elseif $MCpronouns is "he/him">> but have now transitioned into a male, going by he/him pronouns. <<elseif $MCpronouns is "they/them">> but now prefers not to be addressed as male nor female, going by they/them pronouns.<</if>> You have $haircolor hair that is $hairlength and naturally $naturalhair. <<if $hairstyle is "tooshort">>Your hair is too short to style. <<elseif $hairstyle is "flowing">>You like your hair to be down and flowing. <<else>>You normally style your hair into a $hairstyle. <</if>>Your $eyecolor eyes compliments your $skincolor skin,<<if $freckles is false>> with little to no blemishes on your face.<<elseif $freckles is true>> and freckles litter across your face like constellations.<</if>> <b><u>Skillsets</u></b> Intelligence: $intelligence Defense Magic: $defense Offense Magic: $offense Chosen Class: $class <hr>\ <center><h2>Personality & Behavior</h2> <b><u>Expressive vs. Collected</u></b> <div id="stat-bar-exp-col"> <span id="exp-fill" style="width: 0%;">Expressive: <span id="exp-value">0%</span></span> <span id="col-fill" style="width:0%:">Collected: <span id="col-value">0%</span></span> </div> <<run updateDualStatBar1($expressive, $collected)>> <div style="width: 250px; margin: auto;"><<if $expressive > 50>>You express your emotions easily. If you want to cry, you'll cry. If you're happy, you'll grin. Your facial expressions, actions, and behavior easily give away what you are feeling.<<elseif $collected > 50>>You keep calm even at the best and worst situations. It takes a thorough and detailed observation of your words and actions for others to know what you are feeling.<<elseif $expressive == 50>> You know when to express your emotions, and when to stay calm.<</if>></div> <b><u>Stubborn vs. Flexible</u></b> <div id="stat-bar-stub-flex"> <span id="stub-fill" style="width: 0%;">Stubborn: <span id="stub-value">0%</span></span> <span id="flex-fill" style="width: 0%;">Flexible: <span id="flex-value">0%</span></span> </div> <<run updateDualStatBar2($stubborn, $flexible)>> <div style="width: 250px; margi: auto;"><<if $stubborn > 50>>When you make a decision, you tend to stick with it to the end. You won't let others sway how you make your decisions, and won't change your decisions even if it's for the best.<<elseif $flexible > 50>>You can make your own decisions, but the opinions of others around you may sway your final decision. You are open to paths that might be better than your original decision.<<elseif $stubborn == 50>>You know when to stand your ground, and when to adapt to your surroundings.<</if>></div> <b><u>Impulsive vs. Cautious</u></b> <div id="stat-bar-imp-cau"> <span id="imp-fill" style="width: 0%;">Impulsive: <span id="imp-value">0%</span></span> <span id="cau-fill" style="width: 0%;">Cautious: <span id="cau-value">0%</span></span> </div> <<run updateDualStatBar3($impulsive, $cautious)>> <div style="width: 250px; margi: auto;"><<if $impulsive > 50>>You trust easily and act without much thinking, sometimes getting yourself into trouble for it.<<elseif $cautious > 50>>It takes a while for you to trust someone, or to make decisions; you make sure to really think and analyze every detail before deciding.<<elseif $impulsive == 50>>You know when you should take risks, and when to think things through before acting.<</if>></div> <b><u>Introvert vs. Extrovert</u></b> <div id="stat-bar-int-ext"> <span id="intro-fill" style="width: 0%;">Introvert: <span id="intro-value">0%</span></span> <span id="extro-fill" style="width: 0%;">Extrovert: <span id="extro-value">0%</span></span> </div> <<run updateDualStatBar4($introvert, $extrovert)>> <div style="width: 250px; margin: auto;"><<if $introvert > 50>>You'd rather not be in places and situations with large crowds. You enjoy alone time or at most being with one or two of your closest friends, but never more.<<elseif $extrovert > 50>>Big crowds draw your attention. You enjoy socializing with everyone and anyone, wanting to fit in and be liked.<<elseif $introvert == 50>>You like having alone time as much as you like being in big crowds.<</if>></div> <b><u> Bold vs. Shy </u></b> <div id="stat-bar-bol-shy"> <span id="bold-fill" style="width: 0%;">Bold: <span id="bold-value">0%</span></span> <span id="shy-fill" style="width: 0%;">Shy: <span id="shy-value">0%</span></span> </div> <<run updateDualStatBar5($bold, $shy)>> <div style="width: 250px; margin: auto;"><<if $bold > 50>>You exude confidence, especially when it comes to romantic or physical things. You are not afraid to do stuff, even if there are consequences.<<elseif $shy > 50>>You lack confidence in yourself, especially when it comes to romantic or physical things. You rather follow someone's lead than take the lead.<<elseif $bold == 50>>You can be bold when you want to be, and shy in other situations.<</if>></div> </center> <center><<link "Return to Story">> <<goto $lastMainPassage>> <</link>></center>

<h1><center>Relationships</center></h1>\ <h3>Nolan Lesley <i><span style="font-size: 12px;">(he/him)</span></i> </h3>\ Your younger twin brother by 4 minutes. He is resilient, stubborn, and selfless; always wanting the best for you despite the unkind treatment you give him. He is loyal and compassionate; never bearing to leave your side, no matter how hard you push him away. He has a bit of a puppy-like innocence that no one can resist, and it's most shown when he's relaxed and with his closest friends. Yet he holds secrets that no one really cares to ask about. You share the same skin complexion, hair color, and eyes with him and, as twins, it would be difficult to tell you two apart if it weren't for the difference in gender. Nolan grows up to follow in your father's footsteps and becomes a knight and royal guard under Theodore's supervision. <span style="color: #16426b;"><b>Relationship:</b> $Nolanrel</span> <hr>\ <h2><b>Romantic Interests</b></h2>\ <h3>$Vname Forrest <i><span style="font-size: 12px;">($Vgender)</span></i></h3>\ Your 20-year-old best friend. <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> are playful and energetic; able to light up a room with a bright and optimistic aura and are always ready for adventure. <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> are caring and loyal; consistently being there for you by listening to your rants and giving you $v_their shoulder to lean on. <<print $v_their.toUpperFirst()>> cleverness and sneakiness keep $v_them out of most trouble, which is learned from the way $v_they were raised by $v_their aunt and uncle. <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> hold a burden that $v_they hide with their positive enthusiasm. $Vname is raised in a tavern inn, and grows up to be skilfull in cooking, an asset for when $v_they eventually take over the tavern inn from $v_their aunt and uncle. <span style="color: #16426b;"><b>Friendship:</b> $Vfriendship <b>Romance:</b> $Vromance </span> <h3>Oliver Astoran <i><span style="font-size: 12px;">(he/him)</span></i></h3>\ Your brother's 20-year-old best friend. He is protective and empathetic, holding a strong desire to protect those who he cares about, especially those whose kindness is exploited. Hence, he resents you for the way you treat your brother. He has a cold and mature demeanor, with his determination and competitiveness marking his mental and physical strength. Being in the same room as him might not be the best idea, but it amuses the rest of your friend group. There's a reason for his behavior after all - not just for you, but for many others. Oliver grows up to join Nolan in becoming a knight and royal guard under Theodore's supervision. <span style="color: #16426b;"><b>Friendship:</b> $Ofriendship <b>Romance:</b> $Oromance </span> <h3>Ethos Van Winston <i><span style="font-size: 12px;">(he/him)</span></i></h3>\ The 21-year-old Crown Prince. He is reserved, guarded, and serious; burdened by the responsibility of being heir to the throne. He used to be one of your closest friends, but now there is a lingering tension between you two. He has a melancholic presence now, contrasting his once carefree attitude. He's self-sacrificing and dutiful, prioritizing his role as the Crown Prince and craving the feeling of worthiness. He has a warmer side somewhere inside him that he has masked, leaving you wondering the reason for his change. Ethos grows up to be a skilled all-rounder, knowing his way around books, swordfighting, and making connections. <span style="color: #16426b;"><b>Friendship:</b> $Efriendship <b>Romance:</b> $Eromance </span> <h3>Theodore Eaves <i><span style="font-size: 12px;">(he/him)</span></i></h3>\ The Crown Prince's 23-year-old personal royal guard. He is caring and mature, with a tendency to act like an older brother, especially to your group. His life as a knight makes him disciplined and stoic, rarely expressing any sort of vulnerability. This focus on duty has left him oblivious to romantic interest, despite his adored reputation due to his looks and status. It's hard to get him to let loose, for reasons that he himself hasn't fully discovered and understood. Theodore is the best knight of the newest batch, having been a part of knightly routines at the mere age of 7 due to his father being the royal knight for the King. <span style="color: #16426b;"><b>Friendship:</b> $Tfriendship <b>Romance:</b> $Tromance </span> <<if $metMpassage>> <h3>Mattie <i><span style="font-size: 12px;">(they/them).</span></i></h3> A young 19 year old Fae your group met near the edge of the mystical forest. They have an intense sense of curiosity for the world outside of the home, often getting themself in trouble. But with their charming personality and resourcefulness, they are able to get themself out of trouble. They tend to be playful, always teasing around and making jokes, and often enjoys the reactions (sometimes chaos) he gets from others, especially if it leads to flustered responses. He's made his way into your group, proving to be an asset, but there is more to him than what meets the eye. Mattie is quite connected with the environment and nature, possessing varoius skills and magic to aid in your journey through the mystical forest. <span style="color: #16426b;"><b>Friendship:</b> $Mfriendship <b>Romance:</b> $Mromance </span> <</if>> <<if $metYpassage>> <h3>$Yname <i><span style="font-size: 12px;">(they/them)</span></i></h3> You're not sure who $Yname truly is. They seem cunning, ambitious, and very unpredictable as they pop in and out of your group, sometimes offering guidance, and other times hindering progress. They can be a risk-taker, deceiving everyone in order to achieve their own goals. But despite their ambiguity, they are definitely charismatic and mysterious enough to intrigue your group. The only thing left is to get under their skin and truly learn who they are and what they have hidden inside. $Yname is a ??? or as they like to call themselves, "a wanderer", searching for herbs and plants in the mystical forest while practicing their magic to ensure their own safety. <span style="color: #16426b;"><b>Friendship:</b> $Ofriendship <b>Romance:</b> $Oromance </span> <</if>> <hr>\ <h2><b>Other Characters</b></h2>\ <h3>Madeline Guinviere-Lesley , your mother</h3>\ The major abuser in your life. If you do something she does not approve of, or if you endanger your younger brother, you will get a brutal scolding and a heavy slap across the face, though it can get worse. As a mage, she owns an apothecary, selling potions and herbs. <h3>Leonard Lesley, your father</h3>\ The king's former royal guard turned Crown Blacksmith after an attack that rendered his mobility limited. You rarely see him around but when you do, he's usually looking at you with a look of disapproval. He doesn't involve himself in your mother's scolding towards you and spends his extra time teaching your brother how to be a strong knight, just like he was. <h3>Celestia Van Winston, the Queen</h3>\ Gentle and kind, Queen Celestia adores you. She sympathizes with you and your relationship with your family and makes sure that you get adequate education and opportunities to make friends for you to develop into a successful individual. She believes that everyone, regardless of their gender, culture, or age, shall receive the same amount of care that an average person in an average family would. <h3>Dion Van Winston, the King</h3>\ You rarely see the king, but you've heard stories from the Prince and the Princess about their father and his intriguing stories. You think he's a good king. <h3>Victor Eaves, the King's royal guard</h3>\ The king's current royal guard. He cares more for your safety and wellbeing than your own father would as you grew up under his watch. If it weren't for the tension between him and your father, you might even call him the only father figure in your life. <h3>Aria Johansson, your maid</h3>\ Your maid since birth. She treats you better than your own mother, and honestly, she is more of a mother figure to you than your biological mother will ever be. <h3>Nestor Salomon, the Oracle</h3>\ Nestor can see the future. Like a seer, he has visions that are useful in decision-making for the King. He can take a glimpse of someone's future just by taking a look at their palm. <center><<link "Return to Story">> <<goto $lastMainPassage>> <</link>></center>

!!Under Construction <center><<link "Return to Story">> <<goto $lastMainPassage>> <</link>></center>

!!!<center>Thanks for playing <b>Rains In Heaven</b>, my first Interactive Fiction game.</center> <center><u>Find bugs? Got suggestions?</u> Let me know on <a href="https://discord.gg/yGTphDSeAm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Discord</a>, <a href="https://x.com/nabearbot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a>, or <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/rainsinheaven-if" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tumblr</a>. </center> <center><<link "Return to Story">> <<goto $lastMainPassage>> <</link>></center>

<<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>> <img id="theme-image" class="responsive-img" src="https://i.postimg.cc/nVyq3N1N/TITLE-with-background-removed-cropped.png" alt="Title: Rains In Heaven" style="display: block; margin: -50px auto;"> <div class="yellow-line"></div> <b>Rains in Heaven is a 16+ text-based fantasy romance interactive fiction, inspired by kpop boy group <i>NCT Dream's</i> song of the same name.</b> This story is a work-in-progress and will be updated periodically with new chapters. You are free to flirt with any and all of the romantic interests, with no consequences. However, at one point near the end of the game, you will be prompted to choose one romantic interest. There are no polyamorous routes available at this time. Romance options are marked with ❤︎ <b>Be Advised:</b> The content in this game may not be suitable for everyone. Discretion is advised. You can view the content warnings by clicking the appropriate link. <ul> <li>[[Show me the warnings|Content Warnings]]</li> <li>[[Forget the warnings, let's just begin!|Prologue]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> The content in this story can or will contain: <ul> <li>Parental abuse (emotional and physical)</li> <li>Parental neglect</li> <li>Blood and injuries</li> <li>Profanity</li> <li>Sexism</li> <li>Death of animals and supernatural creatures (very minor)</li> <li>Temporary character death</li> <li>Mental health problems (nothing severe)</li> <li>And more...</li> </ul> This list may be updated as the story progresses. Chapter warnings will also be shown during the start of each chapter. If you feel that I have missed anything, feel free to let me know. <b>Discretion is advised.</b> [[Let's begin!|Prologue]]

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <center> <div class="prologue"> <h1>Prologue</h1> <div class="yellow-line" style="width: 25%"></div> <h3>Welcome to the World, Angels</h3> </div> <style> .prologue h1 { font-size: 2.5em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: -0.5em; } .prologue h3 { font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0.5em; line-height: 1.2; } </style> Warnings: Childbirth, Parental favourtism <<button "Begin" >> <<goto "P-1">> <</button>> </center>

<<widget "setGender">><<silently>> <<if ndef $args[1]>> <<set _rng to random(0,2)>> <<if _rng is 0>><<set _let to "m">><</if>> <<if _rng is 1>><<set _let to "f">><</if>> <<if _rng is 2>><<set _let to "n">><</if>> <<else>> <<set _let to $args[1]>><</if>> <<if $args[0] is "v">> <<if _let is "m">> <<set $v_they to "he">> <<set $v_them to "him">> <<set $v_their to "his">> <<set $v_theirs to "his">> <<set $v_themself to "himself">> <<set $v_s to "s">> <<set $v_is to "is">> <<set $v_theyre to "he's">> <<set $v_have to "has">> <</if>> <<if _let is "f">> <<set $v_they to "she">> <<set $v_them to "her">> <<set $v_their to "her">> <<set $v_theirs to "hers">> <<set $v_themself to "herself">> <<set $v_s to "s">> <<set $v_is to "is">> <<set $v_theyre to "she's">> <<set $v_have to "has">> <</if>> <<if _let is "n">> <<set $v_they to "they">> <<set $v_them to "them">> <<set $v_their to "their">> <<set $v_theirs to "theirs">> <<set $v_themself to "themself">> <<set $v_s to "">> <<set $v_is to "are">> <<set $v_theyre to "they're">> <<set $v_have to "have">> <</if>> <</if>> <<if ndef $args[1]>> <<set _rng to random(0,2)>> <<if _rng is 0>><<set _let to "m">><</if>> <<if _rng is 1>><<set _let to "f">><</if>> <<if _rng is 2>><<set _let to "n">><</if>> <<else>> <<set _let to $args[1]>><</if>> <<if $args[0] is "y">> <<if _let is "m">> <<set $y_they to "he">> <<set $y_them to "him">> <<set $y_their to "his">> <<set $y_theirs to "his">> <<set $y_themself to "himself">> <<set $y_s to "s">> <<set $y_is to "is">> <<set $y_theyre to "he's">> <<set $y_have to "has">> <</if>> <<if _let is "f">> <<set $y_they to "she">> <<set $y_them to "her">> <<set $y_their to "her">> <<set $y_theirs to "hers">> <<set $y_themself to "herself">> <<set $y_s to "s">> <<set $y_is to "is">> <<set $y_theyre to "she's">> <<set $y_have to "has">> <</if>> <<if _let is "n">> <<set $y_they to "they">> <<set $y_them to "them">> <<set $y_their to "their">> <<set $y_theirs to "theirs">> <<set $y_themself to "themself">> <<set $y_s to "">> <<set $y_is to "are">> <<set $y_theyre to "they're">> <<set $y_have to "have">> <</if>> <</if>> <</silently>><</widget>>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <h3><b> In a private chamber at the Royal Palace</b> </h3> <div class="yellow-line align-to-text"></div> <style> .align-to-text { height: 5px; background-color: yellow; width: 67%; /* Adjust width */ margin-left: 0; /* Aligns to the text container */ padding-left: inherit; /* Matches text indentation */ } </style> A sharp wail rang through the grand corridors of the Royal Palace. The sound swept over the bustling servants as they paused their hurried steps to collectively sigh in relief. The wail was a signal that a new life had arrived in the world. In a private chamber, Lady Madeline Guinviere-Lesley was reclined on the bed, face pale and damp from exertion. Her hands were still tight, gripping onto the bed sheets, as the remnants of her strength waned. Her husband, Sir Leonard Lesley, stood nearby, back stiff as he glanced concernedly between the divider that hid his wife’s labor from him and the door, watching midwives, healers, and servants hurry around the room. It had been hours since Madeline first arrived at the palace with the intention of spending time with her husband, despite her swollen belly limiting her movement. What started as an uncomfortable but normal day for Madeline, became excruciating the exact moment she went into labor. As her first baby cried in the arms of a midwife, the room exhaled in relief and the frantic energy was softened. But it was short-lived. Another midwife’s brows furrowed as her hands lingered over Madeline’s abdomen. “There’s another one,” she whispered, her tone threaded with urgency. The air thickened. The servants in and out of the room picked up their paces again, their hurried steps a counterpoint to Madeline’s renewed cries. The chamber was once again filled with words of encouragement and coaxing, murmured from the mouths of the midwives. Madeline’s cries became groans, then gasps as her remaining strength dwindled. “Almost there, my lady. One more push!” Every muscle in her body screamed for rest. Her vision blurred, but she refused to let exhaustion take over. She gave in her final efforts for one last push. Four minutes after the first newborn, the cries of a second newborn rang out. Finally, the pressure in the air loosened in relief. As Madeline’s eyes fluttered shut, her chest rising and falling with heavy breaths and the cries of her newborns wove together in harmony, she could hear a midwife’s cheerful but exhausted voice before she fully surrendered to the darkness: <ul> <li>"[["Congratulations, they're twins!"|P-2]]"</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> Madeline stirred hours later, eyes fluttering open to the soft coos of her newborns. Blinking away the sudden light, her vision focused on Leonard, who was gently dabbing a towel against her damp face while his free hand was enveloped with hers. “You’re awake, my love,” he whispered, voice low and tender. “Would you like to see them?” “Which one came first?” Madeline asked weakly, voice faint but laced with curiosity. The midwife who had been tending to the swaddled babies, turned around with a faint smile. “The girl,” the midwife replied. Madeline’s tired gaze flickered to Leonard, letting him decide. Leonard’s grip on her hand tightened. “Bring the boy first, then,” Leonard said, tone steady and leaving no room for question. The midwife hesitated for a moment, hands hovering over the two cribs with uncertainty. Her eyes darted between the babies and their parents before she exhaled and carefully picked up the boy, crossing the room to hand him to Leonard. Leonard cradled his son delicately, as though holding a treasure too precious for the world. Together, the couple marveled at the boy’s features - the <b><<cycle "$skincolor" autoselect>> <<option "porcelain">> <<option "ivory">> <<option "beige">> <<option "tan">> <<option "honey">> <<option "golden">> <<option "almond">> <<option "chestnut">> <</cycle>></b> complexion of his skin, the <b><<cycle "$haircolor" autoselect>> <<option "black">> <<option "chocolate brown">> <<option "chestnut brown">> <<option "honey blonde">> <<option "platinum blonde">> <<option "strawberry blonde">> <<option "auburn">> <</cycle>></b> hair mirroring Madeline’s, and the round <b><<cycle "$eyecolor" autoselect>> <<option "grey">> <<option "blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "brown">> <<option "black">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "amber">> <</cycle>></b> eyes unmistakably resembling Leonard’s. “Have you chosen a name?” the midwife asked, interrupting their admiration of their son. After a moment of thought, Madeline nodded, not taking her eyes off her newborn baby boy. “Nolan,” she murmured, the name carrying a weight of pride. “It means champion.” Leonard agreed, brushing a finger along his son’s soft cheek as he smiled fondly at him. “Our little champion.” The midwife nodded. Her arms reached out, but paused, glancing between the parents and their rapt attention fixed on the infant in Leonard’s arms. Despite her hands hovering over the boy, no one made movement to pass Nolan back to the midwife. “Shall I bring your daughter now?” she prompted, but still received no reaction from the couple. The midwife then retracted her arms before moving to the other crib. Her hands moved carefully as she scooped up the tiny bundle, cradling the girl against her chest. She returned to the parents, stepping closer to invite them to look at the other infant. “What about a name for your daughter?” she prompted again. Leonard’s gaze flickered briefly towards his daughter, but his hand remained cradling his son as he turned his attention back to Nolan. <ul> <li>[[Next|P-3]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <h3><b> ??? at the Royal Palace </b> </h3> <div class="yellow-line align-to-text"></div> <style> .align-to-text { height: 5px; background-color: yellow; width: 38%; /* Adjust width */ margin-left: 0; /* Aligns to the text container */ padding-left: inherit; /* Matches text indentation */ } </style> An old man stood by the towering window, gaze fixed on the palace where he could see some servants and guards moving like shadows under the torch light. “Nestor, did you see something?” a young voice asked, soft yet probing. Nestor turned slightly, just enough to acknowledge his speaker, but his eyes quickly returned to the view. “Has Lady Madeline given birth yet?” “Yes,” the voice replied. “The healers say she’s delivered twins.” “A boy and a girl?” Nestor asked, his tone calm but traced with unease. “The older one is the girl?” “Yes,” the voice confirmed. At the confirmation, Nestor sighed, the sound heavy as if it carried the weight of years. “If only it had been one child,” he started, more to himself than his companion. “Or a boy, born first - it would have been simple. But this…” he trailed off. “What do you mean? Do you believe the boy was meant to come first?” his companion questioned. Nestor’s gaze was fixed on the distant glow of the moonlight reflecting on the palace’s exterior walls. “The boy came second. Four minutes late. That will not sit well with a family like theirs.” “But surely, it won’t matter, right?” the voice spoke in a hopeful tone. Nestor let out a chuckle at the question, eyes saddening at the thought. “You underestimate human nature. Ambition, pride, and expectations will weigh heavily on that family. People will wonder why the son wasn’t born first, and some may place blame on the girl. And their father, the esteemed first Royal Guard of the King… it won’t be easy for any offspring of his.” “You think this will cause trouble for the family?” Nestor’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Not trouble for the family,” he started in a somber tone. “Trouble for the girl.” The room fell silent, heavy and thick like the clouds threatening a storm. Nestor closed his eyes briefly, and a new unknown and unseen voice spoke to him in his head. When he opened his eyes again, a faint smile tugged at his lips. “She’s lucky though,” he murmured, “she will not suffer alone.” <<button "End Prologue" >> <<goto "Chapter 1">> <</button>>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <center> <div class="chapterone"> <h1>Chapter 1</h1> <div class="yellow-line" style="width: 25%"></div> <h3>Worst Birthday Ever</h3> </div> <style> .chapterone h1 { font-size: 2.5em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: -0.5em; } .chapterone h3 { font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0.5em; line-height: 1.2; } </style> Warnings: Attempted assassination, blood, death of minor characters, parental favouritism, parental physical (slapping) and emotional abuse. <<button "Begin" >> <<goto "C1-1">> <</button>> </center>

This is the end of the update... for now. Hope you enjoyed! Stay up to date by following the tumblr blog for this IF or joining the discord server. If you find any issues with the game, send me a message on any of the platforms listed in the About section on the sidebar. <3

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “<<textbox "$MCname" "Write a name here">>” he said, the name falling from his lips without any thought or explanation. The midwife suppressed a sigh as she returned the girl back to her crib. Her lips were pressed together as she went to retrieve the birth documents, but she said nothing. Her pen scratched against the paper in hurried strokes before she finally looked back at the parents, gaze steady but her hands lingering on the papers. “Is there anything else you need?” the midwife asked. “No, thank you,” Madeline replied, eyes never straying from Nolan. The midwife nodded, glancing between the two infants. “I’ll ensure your children are well cared for while you rest,” she started. “The king and queen have said they’ll visit tomorrow.” Madeline nodded absently, the words barely registering. Her lips curved faintly into a smile, though the exhaustion in her eyes dulled its brightness. Leonard said nothing, his expression unreadable as he rocked their son gently in his arms. The midwife lingered by the daughter’s crib, adjusting the blanket around the girl as if to shield her from the chill. Casting one final glance at the parents, she slipped quietly from the room. <ul> <li>[[Next|P-4]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <i><b>Tip-tap. Tip-tap.</b> Your tiny feet tap softly against the floor. It's the only thing you can hear in the big and empty hallway. A large door appears ahead of you, and faint murmurs leak through the gaps. You can't undestand them though, like they're talking underwater. You take a peek. A sudden flash of silver blinds you. Then something spatters out, splashing on your skin. It's warm. You try to scream, but no sound comes out. Then a light comes. It's blinding, engulfing you, making you feel warm and safe. Yet a shadow appears in the light - a figure cloaked and holding a glimmering blade. They're getting closer. This time, you don't even try to scream. </i> <center><i> <<button "Wake Up" >> <<goto "C1-2">> <</button>> </i></center>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <h3><b> Your Bedroom, Lesley Residence </b> </h3> <div class="yellow-line align-to-text"></div> <style> .align-to-text { height: 5px; background-color: yellow; width: 53%; /* Adjust width */ margin-left: 0; /* Aligns to the text container */ padding-left: inherit; /* Matches text indentation */ } </style> A soft knock cuts through the quiet stillness of the morning, and the strange madness of your mind. The knock is faint at first, almost blending with the gentle breeze brushing against your window, only loud enough to cause you to stir. Then it comes again, louder, steady. Your eyes blink open as you adjust to the sunlight peeking through your curtains to say hello. “Are you up, $MCname?” The voice beyond the door is soft and warm, paired with the creak of the floorboards outside your door. You slowly sit up, stretching your arms as your blanket slips off your shoulders to expose your skin to the morning chill. You don’t shiver, though. Instead, a warmth of excitement bubbles inside you. <i>Today’s the day.</i> Rubbing your eyes with your small hands, a smile quickly grows on your face. “Come in!” you call, the words tumbling out in a rush. The door opens slowly, and the comforting face of your maid, Aria appears against the natural light of the windows. Her eyes twinkle as she gazes at you, with a hand hidden at her back, as if to hide something from you. “Good morning, $MCname. Happy Birthday!” she starts, shifting your curtains to let the room bask in a warm and natural, sunny glow. “Are you ready for tonight?” she asks, turning towards you with a fond smile on her face. Although Aria is just supposed to be your maid, you found solace with her. She practically raised you, taking care of you when your mother was busy. Sometimes, you think you see her more than you see your own mother. <ul> <li><<link "\"Of course! I'm turning five!\" you say cheerfully, all of your drowsiness disappearing at the mention of your special day." >> <<set $expressive += 1>> <<set $collected -= 1>> <<goto C1-3>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Yes, very. I'm turning five today,\" you mumble, voice still sleepy as you continue to rub the tiredness out of your eyes." >> <<set $collected += 1>> <<set $expressive -= 1>> <<goto C1-3>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “I know! You’re getting so big already!” She exclaims, your bed dipping as she shows you what she had hidden in her hands. “This is from me and Marlowe,” she adds, placing a beautifully wrapped box in your hands. Marlowe was your brother’s butler. Your smile only widens as you rotate the box in your hands. “Can I…?” you start, glancing at your maid to get approval to open your gift before your party tonight. Catching your gaze, she lets out a chuckle before nodding. You immediately rip open the wrapping paper, opening the box to reveal a notebook accompanied with a pen set. <ul> <li><<link "\"Wow! I've always wanted this! Thank you so much, Aria! You're the best!\" you exclaim excitedly as you pull Aria in for a tight hug." >> <<set $expressive += 1>> <<set $collected -= 1>> <<goto C1-4>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Woah... Thank you, Aria. I love it,\" you tell her, voice soft but full of gratitude for Aria and her gift." >> <<set $collected += 1>> <<set $expressive -= 1>> <<goto C1-4>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> Aria’s smile grows even wider, as she wraps an arm around you. “I’m glad you like it. You will need it soon for your lessons.” Lessons. You know all about those from Aria’s stories and Marlowe’s talks. Every child in the Valorian Kingdom starts lessons at the age of five, as long as their family has the coins to pay for a tutor. During lessons, children were taught the basics like numbers, reading and history. But the best part is being able to pick a few extra subjects. Potions, magic, drawing, music, almost anything you could imagine! You’ve also heard that the lessons get harder as you grow older, but that doesn’t scare you. “Thank you again,” you say softly, hugging your notebook to your chest like it’s a treasure. Aria shakes her head, chuckling softly before she stands and moves to your wardrobe. “All right, dear. Let’s get you ready for your special day,” she says, pulling out two outfits with a little flourish. “Which do you like better?” You slide off your bed, making your way to your maid to inspect both outfits, imagining yourself in each. The first outfit is a long navy blue dress with a square neckline. With flowing bell sleeves trimmed with lace, and the hems shimmering with golden embroidery, the dress looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. A pair of pretty heels would match an outfit like this. The second outfit is a navy blue shirt with puffed sleeves and gold embroidery along the cuffs. It’s accompanied by slim trousers with gold trims down the sides. A pair of comfortable but elegant flats would match an outfit like this one. Which outfit do you choose? <ul> <li><<link "The pretty dress. You like wearing dresses." >> <<goto C1-5>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "The fancy shirt and trousers. Even though you're a girl, you don't like wearing dresses." >> <<goto C1-5>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “Perfect! You’re going to look absolutely beautiful,” Aria exclaims, her voice cheerful as she puts away the unchosen outfit. You grin widely at her smile. “Come on, let’s get you washed up and ready for your big day.” Your maid holds out her hand for you. Eagerly, you take her hand, your small fingers curling around hers. The two of you make your way to the bathroom for a comforting bath. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1-6]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> When you return to your bedroom, you notice a change right away - your bed is now perfectly made with no sign of a single wrinkle. It’s as if it was never touched before. You smile a little, before taking a seat at your vanity. Your reflection greets you, round $skincolor cheeks, bright $eyecolor eyes, and a skin <b><<cycle "$freckles" autoselect>> <<option false>> <<option true>> <</cycle>></b> of freckles Aria returns, her gentle footsteps pulling you from your thoughts. She appears behind you and her gaze meets yours through the mirror. “How would you like your hair to be styled today, dear?” she asks, setting down a collection of brushes, hairpins and accessories on the vanity. As you look at yourself in the mirror, your hand reaches up to comb through your $haircolor hair that's naturally <b><<cycle "$naturalhair" autoselect>> <<option "wavy">> <<option "straight">> <<option "curly">> <<option "coily">> <</cycle>></b> and currently <b><<cycle "$hairlength" autoselect>> <<option "shaved bald">> <<option "buzzed">> <<option "in a pixie cut">> <<option "chin length">> <<option "shoulder length">> <<option "mid-back length">> <<option "past hip length">> <</cycle>></b>. <ul> <li><<link "You want your hair in a ponytail." >> <<set $hairstyle to "ponytail">> <<goto C1-7>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "You want your hair in a bun." >> <<set $hairstyle to "bun">> <<goto C1-7>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "You want your hair to be braided." >> <<set $hairstyle to "braid">> <<goto C1-7>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "You want to leave your hair down and flowing." >> <<set $hairstyle to "flowing">> <<goto C1-7>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "Your hair is too short to style." >> <<set $hairstyle to "tooshort">> <<goto C1-7>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <<if $hairlength is "shaved bald" || $hairlength is "buzzed">><<set $Ngift to "pin">><<else>><<set $Ngift to "hairclip">><</if>>Aria nods at your request, <<if $hairlength is "shaved bald" || $hairlength is "buzzed">>taking some hair cream and applying it over your head.<<else>>taking a brush and gliding it through your hair in steady strokes.<</if>> Her hand moves carefully, avoiding any tugs on your hair as she works through the strands. You watch her through your mirror, until a knock breaks through the air. “Come in!” you call, glancing at the door through the mirror. It creaks open, and a boy’s face peeks in - it looks just like yours but as a male. “Happy Birthday $MCname!” Nolan bursts through, a large grin stretching on his face. He nearly trips as he rushes to your side, bouncing excitedly like he has the biggest news he needs to share. “Thanks, Nolan! Happy Birthday to you too!” you reply, matching his grin. Although you cannot move your head as Aria styles your hair, you manage to sneak a glance at how your brother looks for his special day. His $haircolor hair is styled back neatly, and he is wearing a tuxedo but without its blazer. Knowing how excited Nolan can get, it’s good that he’s not wearing his entire outfit. Else he’ll be all stinky and sweaty by the time the party starts. “Did you get a notebook and pen from Aria and Marlowe? I got one and it’s so cool!” Nolan starts, words tumbling out faster than the last. “I’m gonna write everything on it! Oh! And lessons are gonna be so much fun with them. And the party! Mother said the king and queen are coming! And- and maybe we’ll meet kids like us. We’ll make hundreds of friends!” Aria stifles a laugh behind you, her eyes twinkling in the mirror. Your room, once peaceful, now buzzes with Nolan’s lively energy. “Oh! Wait!” Nolan’s eyes widen and clasps his hands together. “I got you a present! Wait for me!” he giggles, dashing out of your room before you can say a word. In seconds, he’s back with a box clutched in his hands. It’s wrapped in paper that’s slightly crinkled and a ribbon sits on top, a little bit wobbly. “I made it look pretty all by myself! Happy Birthday, $MCname!” You take the box out of his hands and peel through the paper and box to reveal a $Ngift in the shape of a flower. Its petals shine in the light as you run your hand over the rims of the flower. <ul> <li><<link "\"It's beautiful! Thank you so much, Nolan!\"" >> <<set $expressive += 1>> <<set $collected -= 1>> <<goto C1-8>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Wow... thank you Nolan. I love it.\"" >> <<set $collected += 1>> <<set $expressive -= 1>> <<goto C1-8>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> Nolan’s grin grows impossibly wider at your response, his happiness almost bouncing off the walls as Aria places the final touch on your hair. You glance at yourself in the mirror to take in your new hairdo. A smile creeps onto your face. “Aria, could you help me put on Nolan's gift?” you ask, handing the gift to Aria. She nods with a soft smile and<<if $hairlength is "shaved bald" || $hairstyle is "buzzed">> carefully places the pin onto your clothes near your chest.<<else>> carefully nestles the flower-shaped clip into your hair.<</if>> Nolan gasps, clapping his hands together so hard that it probably echoes in the room and outside. “Wow! You look so pretty, $MCname! Like, like a painting but even better!” Laughter bubbles out as you turn to look at his wide eyed expression. The sight reminds you of something, and your eyes light up. “Wait right here!” Sliding off the chair, you dart towards your bedside table, taking a neatly wrapped box. Turning back to your brother, you hold the box out with both hands. “Here you go, Nolan. Happy birthday!” Nolan takes the box quickly, eager to unwrap it. Upon opening it, he takes out… <ul> <li><<link "A handmade bracelet." >> <<set $specialgift to "bracelet">> <<goto C1-9>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "A birthday card filled with your best drawings." >> <<set $specialgift to "card">> <<goto C1-9>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "A small pouch etched with a variety of hand drawn decorations." >> <<set $specialgift to "pouch">> <<goto C1-9>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “Woah!! This is so cool!” Nolan exclaims,<<if $specialgift is "bracelet">> slipping the bracelet onto his wrist and holding it up to admire.<<elseif $specialgift is "card">> admiring every drawing and decoration on the card and holding it up like it’s treasure<<elseif $specialgift is "pouch">> opening the pouch to peek inside with wide curious eyes.<</if>> “Thank you $MCname! I’m gonna keep this forever!” His excited energy is infectious, and you can’t help but mirror his giant grin as he admires his new gift, turning it this way and that. “I’m glad you like it,” you say, feeling a warmth grow in your chest. Nolan beams at you before taking a step forward, arms wrapping around you tightly. You let out a happy laugh as you hug back. The warmth of his embrace makes you feel like today truly is special. “This is gonna be the best birthday ever!” he exclaims, practically bouncing in your arms. “It is, but only if you two get out of the room to eat breakfast and get ready for your guests,” Aria interrupts, hands on her hips but a fond smile on her face. Wide-eyed at the mention of food, you and Nolan quickly pull apart. Without a word, Nolan grabs your hand and takes off, his excitement dragging you along. You laugh, managing to keep up. The two of you race down the halls together, heading straight for the dining room, ready for the special birthday breakfast waiting just for you. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1-10]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <h3><b> Courtyard, Lesley Residence </b> </h3> <div class="yellow-line align-to-text"></div> <style> .align-to-text { height: 5px; background-color: yellow; width: 43%; /* Adjust width */ margin-left: 0; /* Aligns to the text container */ padding-left: inherit; /* Matches text indentation */ } </style> You stand beside Nolan, your small hand nervously twiddling with your outfit as you wait to greet the guests arriving for your birthday party. From what Marlowe and Aria told you, almost everyone in Valoria was invited to celebrate, even the royal family. The weight of such an important occasion makes your chest feel tight with excitement and nervousness. The courtyard is already buzzing with noises. A few guests arrived early, mingling and chatting while children run around them, playing. You glance over at Nolan, seeing him twiddling with his fingers nervously just like you, though the twinkle in his eyes and smile on his face betrays his bubbling excitement. The sound of a deep horn blares in the distance, carrying over the streets and quickly silencing the courtyard. All heads turn to the path leading towards the courtyard, as you know the horn is the signal for the royal family’s arrival. You straighten your posture, hearing the faint clatter of hooves growing louder by the second. Moments later, a procession comes into view, with horses elegantly making their way forward, pulling along a grand carriage gilded with enchanting colors. A man on horseback leads the procession, his posture straight and professional - like how you would imagine your father at his occupation as the King’s first Royal Guard. There's a boy, a little older than you, that's sitting behind him. “Who’s that?” you whisper aloud without thinking. Aria and Nolan hear you, and your maid leans down towards you to answer. “That is Sir Victor Eaves. The second Royal Guard of the King, after your father,” she explains quietly. “If this were any other event, your father would be leading, and Sir Victor would be at the sides.” You nod absently, gaze and attention already leaving Sir Victor to look at the carriage that has come closer into your view. “Woah…” Nolan mumbles beside you, eyes wide as he stares at the intricate designs of the carriage, and of the entire procession itself. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1-11]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> As soon as the entourage stops, the crowd collectively bows, lowering their heads to greet the royal family. You and Nolan quickly follow suit, mimicking the adults around you. “Welcome, Your Majesties and Your Highness,” the crowd greets in unison. You hear quiet footsteps and the quiet creak of the carriage doors before a commanding voice speaks into the silence. “You may rise,” the voice commands. You look up cautiously to see the king already outside of the carriage, holding out his hand for the queen to take as she descends the carriage with their young son. While the king radiates an authority that is serious and firm, the queen has a warming presence, like the sun on a summer day. The boy - Prince Ethos, you believe - stands close to his mother, his posture formal but his gaze curious. Your parents step forward to greet the king and queen with polite smiles. “Leonard, Madeline,” the king addresses, shaking their hands firmly, a smile forming on his face. You watch your parents exchange polite words with him, voice too low for you to hear from where you are standing. The queen and the prince approach you and Nolan, her kind eyes setting on the both of you. “You two must be the birthday twins,” she says warmly, “Happy birthday,” she adds before nudging her son gently. “I am Prince Ethos Van Winston,” Ethos says, posture still straight but fidgeting slightly. “It’s nice to meet you, and happy birthday.” “Thank you, Your Majesty, and Your Highness,” Nolan says quickly, bowing low before you can. You rush to follow your little brother, repeating his words in a tumble. The queen’s gaze lingers on you both, a soft smile on her lips. “You’ve grown so much since I last saw you,” she remarks. Nolan eagerly starts a conversation with the queen, his nervousness fading to be confident and bright instead. You stand silent, shifting on your feet as you watch the queen and Nolan chat. Your stomach feels tight, unsure of what to say or act. Your parents never taught you much about mannerisms when it came to the royal family; they left that to only Nolan. You wonder why, when you’re the older one. Your eyes drift towards the prince, who stands quietly beside his mother, gaze wandering in curiosity at your home’s entrance and courtyard. The natural sunlight brightens his features - light brown eyes, ivory skin, and neatly styled dirty blonde hair. He wears a suit tailored perfectly for a prince like him. The queen notices your staring and smiles softly. “I hope you two can spend some time with Ethos today. He doesn’t have many friends his age yet,” she says. “Well, other than Theodore, but that boy is always stuck at his father’s side…” “Mother, please,” Ethos groans, tugging at his mother’s sleeve. “Let’s move on.” His cheeks redden in embarrassment as he tries to lead them away. She chuckles, patting his hand with a gaze you’ve seen on Aria when she looks at you. “Alright, alright. $MCname, Nolan, I had some servants bring your gifts inside. I hope you like them.” “Thank you, Your Majesty. I hope you enjoy the party,” you say, managing to speak up before Nolan this time. You and Nolan bow respectfully as the queen departs from you two, stepping inside your home with Ethos and servants in tow. The king soon follows, giving you and Nolan a nod and smile as he passes. Sir Victor, who has dismounted now, approaches you and Nolan. His son stands beside him, looking just like his father. “Happy birthday, you two,” Sir Victor says, his voice kind. His son nods, a little shy though he's hiding it on his face. You and Nolan bow again, murmuring your thanks before the knight moves inside with his boy. A few more guests arrive, but their greetings blur as the day picks up in pace. Soon, your family is ushered inside to start the party. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1-12]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <h3><b> Ballroom, Lesley Residence </b> </h3> <div class="yellow-line align-to-text"></div> <style> .align-to-text { height: 5px; background-color: yellow; width: 43%; /* Adjust width */ margin-left: 0; /* Aligns to the text container */ padding-left: inherit; /* Matches text indentation */ } </style> The party is in full swing. The room is alive with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. Adults chat in clusters, some keeping a watchful eye on their children, while others seem completely engrossed in their discussions. The tempting aromas from the feast prepared by skilled chefs still linger, reminding you of the tastes of the dishes that make your mouth water just by remembering them. You stuck close to Nolan for most of the event, his presence a comforting anchor in the sea of unfamiliarity. But now your mother has called him over to speak with some people you cannot identify. You watch as he hurries over, glancing back briefly to give you a reassuring smile. Your brows furrow a little as you wonder why your mother did not call for you too. It’s your birthday as much as it is his. The thought makes your insides feel ugly, but you quickly shake it off. You should not let thoughts like these ruin your birthday. Now left alone, you glance around the ballroom, glittering chandeliers casting light over the well-dressed crowd. The party continues, with your guests drinking, talking and enjoying themselves. Their voices and laughter mix with the soft music playing in the background. This could be your chance to do something without Nolan’s presence. Maybe make your own friends. You scan the room, searching for someone interesting to approach. You find Ethos, standing with Sir Victor’s son, chatting animatedly. The older boy occasionally nods at whatever Ethos is saying as he takes bites of food. You catch a smile forming on his lips. Ethos himself looks relaxed and confident, different from when you first met him outside. Your gaze then finds Nolan. He’s laughing and gesturing wildly, deep in conversation with an unfamiliar boy. It looks like he’s made a friend. Your curiosity burns as you wonder who this new boy is. Finally, your attention finds a figure standing near a potted plant in the corner of the room. A child about your age, whose eyes dart around the room as though searching for someone. While their expression seems serious, their movement bounces with energy. You wonder what or who they are so focused on. This is it, your first chance at making connections without your little brother by your side. Who will you approach first? <ul> <li><<if !($choicesCompleted.includes("Ethos"))>><<link "You head over to Ethos and Sir Victor’s son.">> <<set $choicesCompleted.push("Ethos")>> <<goto "C1E1">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesCompleted.includes("Oliver"))>><<link "You walk to Nolan and his new friend.">> <<set $choicesCompleted.push("Oliver")>> <<goto "C1O1">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesCompleted.includes("V"))>><<link "You approach the child standing near a potted plant at the corner of the room.">> <<set $choicesCompleted.push("V")>> <<goto "C1V1">> <</link>><</if>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> As you head over to Ethos, his friend drifts away, heading towards the garbage can to throw something away. Ethos notices you and offers a smile, hands fidgeting at his sides. “Hey… $MCname, right?” he asks, tilting his head to show his uncertainty. You nod, dipping into a polite curtsy. “Yes, Your Highness. My name is $MCname,” you tell him. Ethos shakes his head quickly at your politeness, his expression a mix of embarrassment and insistence. “You don’t have to be so formal. At least not right now. You can just call me Ethos.” “Alright, Ethos,” you say, smiling softly. “By the way, who was your friend? The one that just left?” “Oh, that’s Theodore!” his face lights up as he says the name. “He is the son of my father’s second Royal Guard. He’s my best friend.” Ethos straightens himself, looking proud to have a friend like Theodore. You hum thoughtfully, nodding at the new information. “So…” Ethos shifts his weight, voice toned with curiosity. “Was there something you wanted to talk about?” <ul> <li><<link "\"I would like to get to know you more. I think we can be good friends.\"" >> <<set $bold += 1>> <<set $shy -= 1>> <<goto C1E2>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"I um... I want to get to know you a bit more.\"" >> <<set $shy += 1>> <<set $bold -= 1>> <<goto C1E2>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> You walk over to where Nolan stands with another boy. Nolan’s face lights up upon seeing you and he waves excitedly. “$MCname, you’re here!” he calls out, a grin on his face. “This is Oliver. He’s our age,” he adds quieter once you reach them. You stop in front of Oliver, taking him in. His hazel eyes stare at you like he’s trying to figure out a puzzle, and his face is almost blank, with just a tiny smile on his lips. His messy brown hair pokes over his eyes and you wonder how much he could see with his hair over his eyes. He’s well dressed for an occasion like your party, though his clothes are not as fancy as the prince’s outfit. You notice his gaze scan you over, taking in every inch of you like he’s measuring something you can’t see. Blinking out of it, you give the new boy a smile. “Hi Oliver! I’m $MCname, Nolan’s twin sister.” Oliver snaps out of his staring. “Happy birthday,” he says, the tiny smile that was on his lips growing wider. “Thanks!” You grin. Your eyes then gaze over the party crowd, before returning to Oliver. “Are you having fun at the party?” “It’s okay,” he says, shrugging. “I was surprised me and my mother got invited… but I guess with who your family is, they’ll invite everybody.” You can’t tell if that was nice or mean, so you just nod along. “What were you two talking about before I came over?” Nolan perks up. “Oh! I was just asking Oliver some stuff! His mother makes clothes, like she’s a tailor or whatever. You know, those people who sew things with needles and strings and stuff?” Your brother moves his hands around to gesture sewing. Oliver doesn’t correct him, just watches. You look at Oliver again, curious about his family. “Do you know how to do that? Like, make clothes and stuff like your mother?” He shrugs. “I’m learning a little.” <ul> <li><<if !($choicesOliver.includes("Hobbies"))>><<link "\"What else do you like doing?\"">> <<set $choicesOliver.push("Hobbies")>> <<goto "C1O2">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesOliver.includes("Father"))>><<link "\"What about your father? What does he do?\"">> <<set $choicesOliver.push("Father")>> <<goto "C1O3">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesOliver.includes("Growup"))>><<link "\"Do you wanna be like your mother when you grow up?\"">> <<set $choicesOliver.push("Growup")>> <<goto "C1O4">> <</link>><</if>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> You quietly approach the person hiding near the big plant in the corner. They’re making themselves look small, like they’re trying to blend into the plant. Their eyes dart all over the room, not noticing your approach. “Hi! What are you doing?” you ask, voice curious. They jump, almost falling over as they turn to face you. You blink and realize… <ul> <li><<link "It's a girl, dressed in loose pants that almost look like a skirt, a long bell-sleeved shirt and a waistcoat." >> <<setGender "v" "f">> <<set $Vname to "Vera">> <<set $Vgender to "she/her">> <<goto C1V2>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "It's a boy, dressed in neat trousers, a white collared shirt, and a waistcoat." >> <<setGender "v" "m">> <<set $Vname to "Ver">> <<set $Vgender to "he/him">> <<goto C1V2>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “Oh,” the prince replies, tilting his head slightly. “Well if that’s the case, maybe I could ask you some questions too.” You nod eagerly, as your mind buzzes with questions. <ul> <li><<if !($choicesEthos.includes("Prince"))>><<link "\"What's it like being a prince?\"">> <<set $choicesEthos.push("Prince")>> <<goto "C1E3">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesEthos.includes("Hobbies"))>><<link "\"What do you like doing in your free time?\"">> <<set $choicesEthos.push("Hobbies")>> <<goto "C1E4">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesEthos.includes("Friendship"))>><<link "\"How did you and Theodore meet?\"">> <<set $choicesEthos.push("Friendship")>> <<goto "C1E5">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesEthos.includes("Party"))>><<link "\"How are you enjoying the party?\"">> <<set $choicesEthos.push("Party")>> <<goto "C1E6">> <</link>><</if>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “Hmm,” Ethos begins, tapping his chin as he thinks of how to answer. “As a prince, there’s always someone to help me with everything - food, sleep, baths. It’s all done before I can even think about it! It’s kinda nice because I don’t have to do much unless I really want to.” He pauses, a grin forming on his lips as he continues. “The palace is huge! Sometimes even I get lost, but it’s the best for when you play hide and seek.” The more Ethos talks, the more excited he gets, practically bouncing. “There’s so much cool stuff there! A giant library, gardens with so many flowers, stables with horsies… it’s anything and everything you could dream of!” he exclaims. “Woah,” you breathe, captivated by his description of his home. Your eyes are wide as you imagine how the palace might look in your head. You only remember being in the throne room, accompanying your parents in seeing the King. “I’d love to explore it all one day.” “You will! I’ll make sure of it. Me and Theodore can take you for a tour when you come by.” Ethos grins, showing his neat teeth. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1E]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “I like reading,” Ethos starts, voice soft and bright. “After lessons, I like to stay in the library and read more about what I learned. There are so many interesting books about so many interesting things.” He pauses, eyes sparkling in excitement as he thinks of all the fun activities he does in his day to day life. “And I love visiting the horsies too! Since I’m a prince, I have to learn all the important stuff, like riding, fighting, talking to people and history. But the horsies are the best! The baby ones are so tiny and cute!” He grins. You nod, imagining a stable full of horses of different colors and sizes. “I’d love to learn how to ride a horsie when I’m older,” you say, almost to yourself. “You should!” Ethos beams. “Riding is so fun once you get the hang of it. You can also race me and Theodore!” You nod excitedly at the suggestion. Ethos’ excited eyes turn curious as he looks at you. “What about you, $MCname? What do you like to do?” <ul> <li><<link "\"Oh, I like music! Nolan's butler has played lots of stuff for us before. It's so cool! I wanna learn how to play something too someday!\"" >> <<set $hobbies to "music">> <<goto C1E4-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"I like reading too! I've only read fairy tales and kid books so far, but I can't wait to read more! I can't wait to read the big kid stuff in my lessons soon!\"" >> <<set $hobbies to "reading">> <<goto C1E4-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"I like doing art! Aria, my maid, says I have a big imagination. I love drawing my own stories like making my own endings to all the books I read!\"" >> <<set $hobbies to "art">> <<goto C1E4-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"I mostly play with Nolan. I do whatever he wants to do.\"" >> <<set $hobbies to "nothing">> <<goto C1E4-1>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “Well, Theodore’s father is one of my father’s royal guards, right after your father,” Ethos begins, a smile forming on his lips at the topic of his best friend. “So Theodore was always at the palace. He’s two years older than me, so the adults decided we should play together and maybe be friends. I guess it worked.” He lets out a short laugh, visibly relaxing as his shoulders droop. You lean in slightly, listening closely. With only Nolan as a friend, you’re curious to see what it’s like to have another friend. “So… you just started playing together?” “Sort of.” Ethos tilts his head with a thoughtful expression on his face. “I was like three years old when we really started playing together. Theodore was really quiet most of the time, but that day, he had this toy that I’ve never seen before, and I got curious.” The tips of his ear start turning pink as he continues. “I went over to him, but then I tripped and fell flat on my face.” You stifle a laugh as Ethos rubs the back of his neck. His cheeks have turned pink like the tips of his ears. “He ran over to make sure I wasn’t hurt and started comforting me. Through my tears, I told him I just wanted to see what toy he was playing with. And he laughed. And then he shared it with me. That’s how we became friends.” “That’s so sweet,” you say, voice soft as you imagine a small Theodore playing with a small Ethos. “I hope I can have someone like Theodore one day.” Ethos’s smile grows, his embarrassment fading. “You will. We’re kids. We’re supposed to make tons of friends to play with. Hey, I can even introduce you to Theodore sometime. I think he’ll like you, but he’s nice to everyone.” Your eyes light up at the thought of being introduced to Theodore. You have only seen the boy for the first time today, but with Ethos’s description of the older boy, you are super curious about Theodore and who he is. So, you nod eagerly at Ethos. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1E]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “The party’s okay,” Ethos says, shrugging a little. “It’s kinda… stuffy with all the people, but the food is really good. I loved it. And the decorations are nice too. I’m just waiting for the cake now.” “Me too,” you reply, a grin forming on your lips. “If the food was this good, the cake has to be amazing, right?” Ethos nods enthusiastically, eyes lighting up. He then looks at you and tilts his head curiously. “How do you like your party?” You take a moment to glance around the room, before turning back to Ethos. “It’s fine. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many people together before…” you trail off. <ul> <li><<link "\"It's a lot, to be honest.\"" >> <<set $introvert += 1>> <<set $extrovert -= 1>> <<goto C1E>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"I love it!\"" >> <<set $extrovert += 1>> <<set $introvert -= 1>> <<goto C1E>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <ul> <li><<if !($choicesEthos.includes("Prince"))>><<link "\"What's it like being a prince?\"">> <<set $choicesEthos.push("Prince")>> <<goto "C1E3">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesEthos.includes("Hobbies"))>><<link "\"What do you like doing in your free time?\"">> <<set $choicesEthos.push("Hobbies")>> <<goto "C1E4">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesEthos.includes("Friendship"))>><<link "\"How did you and Theodore meet?\"">> <<set $choicesEthos.push("Friendship")>> <<goto "C1E5">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesEthos.includes("Party"))>><<link "\"How are you enjoying the party?\"">> <<set $choicesEthos.push("Party")>> <<goto "C1E6">> <</link>><</if>></li> </ul> <<if $choicesEthos.length == 4>> You’ve asked all the questions you could think of right now. [[Next|C1E7]] <</if>>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <<if $choicesCompleted.length == 3>>As your conversation with Ethos ends, your mother's voice booms across the room. The room turns silent to hear your mother's words more clearly. "Attention, everyone! Cake cutting will happen shortly, so save some room for it!" she announces. A few cheers echo through the room before the chatter picks up again. You decide to get ready for the cake, and head towards the hallway to your room. As you do you think about what you talked about with Ethos. What are your thoughts on the Prince? <ul> <li><<link "He's so cool! I wanna get to know him more." >> <<set $Efriendship += 2>> <<goto C1-13>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "He's really nice... I like talking to him a lot. I hope we can be friends." >> <<set $Eromance += 1>> <<goto C1-13>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "He's alright. I haven't learned anything too interesting about him." >> <<goto C1-13>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<else>>As your conversation with Ethos ends, the prince looks towards where his family stands. "I'm gonna head back to my parents now. Thanks for talking with me, $MCname." "Okay! It was fun talking to you!" you say, giving him a big smile. Ethos waves before running off towards his parents. You watch him go, thinking about everything you talked about and wondering when you'll get to see him again. What are are your first impressions on the Prince? <ul> <li><<link "He's so cool! I wanna get to know him more." >> <<set $Efriendship += 2>> <<goto C1-12-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "He's really nice... I like talking to him a lot. I hope we can be friends. ❤︎" >> <<set $Eromance += 1>> <<goto C1-12-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "He's alright. I haven't learned anything too interesting about him." >> <<goto C1-12-1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <</if>>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <<if $hobbies is "music">>"That's cool! Maybe one day, you can show me the music that you like to listen to! And if you learn, you can play for me too!"<<elseif $hobbies is "art">>"Wow! I'd love to see your drawings someday. I bet they look amazing!"<<elseif $hobbies is "reading">>"Nice, we should tell each other our favourite stories sometime!"<<elseif $hobbies is "nothing">>"That makes sense. He's your little brother after all,"<</if>> Ethos replies, nodding his head in fascination. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1E]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> Alone once again, you scan the crowded room, seeing if there's anybody else that catches your attention. <ul> <li><<if !($choicesCompleted.includes("Ethos"))>><<link "You head over to Ethos and Sir Victor’s son.">> <<set $choicesCompleted.push("Ethos")>> <<goto "C1E1">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesCompleted.includes("Oliver"))>><<link "You walk to Nolan and his new friend.">> <<set $choicesCompleted.push("Oliver")>> <<goto "C1O1">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesCompleted.includes("V"))>><<link "You approach the child standing near a potted plant at the corner of the room.">> <<set $choicesCompleted.push("V")>> <<goto "C1V1">> <</link>><</if>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> Oliver takes a moment to think before shrugging again. “I just do whatever. I don’t really have a favorite thing,” he starts, looking down and kicking at nothing with his shoe. “Sometimes, I try to help my mother, but it’s just me and her, so there’s not a lot I can do. She has to keep an eye on me while she works so I can’t really play outside.” He pauses, gaze shifting around the room. “I read a lot. And I like watching people walk by my window.” You nod, many questions running through your head. <<if $hobbies is "reading">>“That’s cool. I like reading too.”<<else>>“That’s cool. I read sometimes.”<</if>> “Me too! Me too!” Nolan joins in, bouncing on his feet. “Maybe we can share our favorite books someday! And, oh! We could tell each other what we learned in our lessons - “ “Um…” Oliver’s voice cuts in, making you and Nolan freeze to snap your eyes towards the boy. “I might not get lessons.” “What?” you ask, blinking in confusion. “My mom might not be able to pay for it…” He drifts off and keeps his gaze elsewhere. You and Nolan exchange a quick glance. Hearing that Oliver might not be able to have lessons makes you feel… <ul> <li><<link "Sad. Every kid should be able to have lessons, regardless of how much money their family has." >> <<set $intelligence += 1>> <<goto C1O2-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "Indifferent. It's too bad for Oliver to not be able to get lessons, but it is what it is." >> <<goto C1O2-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "Happy. You're glad you're born into a noble family instead of a poor one." >> <<goto C1O2-1>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “That’s… I don’t really know. I never met him,” Oliver says, his voice quiet and sad as his gaze drops to the floor. You tilt your head, frowning. You wonder why that is the case, but seeing the way his shoulders fall tells you that it isn’t the right time to ask. Nolan, of course, doesn’t catch on right away. “What do you mean you never met him? He’s your -” You elbow Nolan lightly, gesturing him to stop by giving him a quick wide-eyed look. Nolan blinks, then finally notices the way his new friend’s face is crumpling, corners of his lips tugged downwards. “Sorry,” Nolan mumbles, shuffling his feet. “I didn’t mean to -” “It’s okay,” Oliver interrupts, his voice soft but not angry. “Don’t worry about it, Nolan.” Nolan frowns, lips jutting out into a pout, but this time, he stays quiet. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1O]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “I don’t know… maybe,” Oliver states. “I do wanna be someone that is strong enough to protect my mother,” he adds, voice steady like he’s thought about this a lot. “What about you guys?” he asks, looking between you and Nolan. Nolan jumps in immediately. “I also wanna be someone that protects others! Like maybe a knight, or…” he trails off, eyebrows furrowing as he thinks of another job that protects others. “I don’t know, but as long as I can keep the people I care about safe!” he finishes, smiling proudly. They both turn to you, waiting for your answer. Your cheeks feel warm at the sudden attention and you stumble to say something. <ul> <li><<link "\"Um... I don't know yet. There's so many things I can do.\" you shrug." >> <<goto C1O4-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Being a knight sounds cool.\" You stick with your brother's answer." >> <<goto C1O4-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"Maybe a healer?\" you say, as it's the first thing that comes to your head." >> <<goto C1O4-1>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> Despite how you feel, you pout at the news. “That’s a shame.” you mumble. Nolan’s face then lights up like he just had the best idea in the world. “That’s okay!” he started, bouncing on his feet again. “I’ll share what I learn with you!” Oliver’s head snaps back towards Nolan, eyes wide, and for the first time, his face stretches into a big grin. Looking at Oliver now, he looks warmer, like a completely different person. It fits him. “If you say so,” he says, voice lighter, like Nolan’s words lifted something off his shoulders and gave him hope. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1O]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <ul> <li><<if !($choicesOliver.includes("Hobbies"))>><<link "\"What else do you like doing?\"">> <<set $choicesOliver.push("Hobbies")>> <<goto "C1O2">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesOliver.includes("Father"))>><<link "\"What about your father? What does he do?\"">> <<set $choicesOliver.push("Father")>> <<goto "C1O3">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesOliver.includes("Growup"))>><<link "\"Do you wanna be like your mother when you grow up?\"">> <<set $choicesOliver.push("Growup")>> <<goto "C1O4">> <</link>><</if>></li> </ul> <<if $choicesOliver.length == 3>> You’ve asked all the questions you could think of right now. [[Next|C1O5]] <</if>>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> You’ve never really thought about what you want to be when you grow up before. Your parents never let you do much outside the house, especially when with them. If Nolan went out with them seven times, you probably only got five. Oliver and Nolan nod at the same time, like your answer makes perfect sense. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1O]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> As your conversation with Oliver and Nolan ends, you glance around the room, eyes landing on the big bowl of punch nearby. "I'm kinda thirsty," you say. "I think I'm gonna get something to drink. It was nice meeting you, Oliver!" Oliver's eyes turn to look at you, his lips twitching into a small smile again. "It was nice meeting you too $MCname. Happy birthday." You wave gently to them as you walk away. Nolan waves back with so much energy you think his arm might fall off. <<if $choicesCompleted.length == 3>> As you get yourself a glass of fruit punch, your mother's voice booms loudly in the hall, capturing everyone's attention and silencing the room. "Attention, everyone! Cake cutting will happen shortly, so save some room for it!" she announces. A few cheers echo through the room before the chatter picks up again. Once you finish your punch, you decide to go and get ready for the cake. You head towards the hallway to your room. As you do you think about what you talked about with Oliver and Nolan. What are your thoughts on Oliver? <ul> <li><<link "I'm still so curious about him. I hope I can see him again and get to know him better." >> <<set $Ofriendship += 1>> <<goto C1-13>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "He's not that interesting to me yet. But I think he can be a good friend for Nolan." >> <<goto C1-13>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<else>>As you get yourself a glass of fruit punch, you think back to what you learned about Oliver. What are your thoughts on Oliver? <ul> <li><<link "I'm still so curious about him. I hope I can see him again and get to know him better." >> <<set $Ofriendship += 1>> <<goto C1-12-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "He's not that interesting to me yet. But I think he can be a good friend for Nolan." >> <<goto C1-12-1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <</if>>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “Oh, hello!” <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> pauses, glancing at your outfit. “You must be the birthday girl! Happy birthday! But don’t scare me like that next time,” $v_they adds, holding a hand to $v_their chest like you just almost gave $v_them a heart attack. You grin. “Thank you! And sorry about that. I didn’t know you were so focused on… whatever you were looking for.” You glance toward the crowd before knitting your eyebrows. “What were you looking for?” “Huh? Oh, I’m not looking for anything or anyone,” $v_they says, $v_their eyes looking back towards the room. “I’m keeping an eye on my aunt and uncle.” You scrunch your nose. “Why?” “Because, if I don’t, then they’ll find me and try to introduce me to someone super old.” “Like… grandfather old?” you ask, raising an eyebrow. <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> shakes $v_their head quickly. “No! More like… ten years older than me. Or ten years old. It’s a range,” $v_they says with a little wave of $v_their hand. You nod, though it still sounds weird to you. You stay quiet for a moment just watching $v_them as $v_their gaze darts around the room. <<print $v_their.toUpperFirst()>> strawberry blonde hair is shiny in the light,<<if $Vname is "Vera">> reaching down to her back<<else>> reaching to his chin and over his forehead.<</if>> <<print $v_their.toUpperFirst()>> grey eyes stand out the most over $v_their peach-colored skin, and despite their dull color, $v_their eyes sparkle like the stars in the sky. “How are you liking your birthday party?” $v_they asks suddenly, gaze turning back to look at you. “I haven’t gotten to see your brother, but with so many people here, he’s probably busy somewhere.” “It’s kinda boring,” you admit, kicking at the floor. “The grown-ups are all talking to my mother and father. And Nolan is the one they call to join them. They haven’t asked me to join them or anything.” “I see.” <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> taps $v_their chin, thinking. “Then would you like to keep me company? It’s also kinda boring to stand here all by myself.” A big grin forms on your face as you nod, eager to make a new friend. “Can we get to know each other too? Maybe we can be friends?” <<print $v_their.toUpperFirst()>> eyes light up like the sun. “Of course! Let’s be each other’s friends!” The grin on your face widens even more, $v_their excitement radiating off to you, making you feel warm inside. <ul> <li><<if !($choicesV.includes("Name"))>><<link "\"What's your name, by the way?\"">> <<set $choicesV.push("Name")>> <<goto "C1V3">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesV.includes("Family"))>><<link "\"What do your aunt and uncle do? Where are your parents?\"">> <<set $choicesV.push("Family")>> <<goto "C1V4">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesV.includes("Hobbies"))>><<link "\"What do you do when you're not busy?\"">> <<set $choicesV.push("Hobbies")>> <<goto "C1V5">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesV.includes("Position"))>><<link "\"How did you even find this spot?\"">> <<set $choicesV.push("Position")>> <<goto "C1V6">> <</link>><</if>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “Oh! I didn’t say my name yet, did I?” $v_they gasps, eyes going wide. “I’m sorry!” You giggle at $v_their reaction. “It’s alright. You were busy. Besides, better late than never.” “Right!” $v_they grins, then holds out $v_their hand super fancily. “My name is $Vname Forrest.” You take $v_their hand for a quick handshake. “Nice to meet you, $Vname. I’m $MCname Lesley.” <<print $v_their.toUpperFirst()>> hand feels a little rough against yours but you don’t say anything about it. “How old are you again? Wait, I know-” You watch $v_their gaze travel around the room, before landing on the big <i>HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY</i> banner that hangs across the wall near where your parents are. “You’re five! Me too!” $v_they exclaims, pointing towards the banner. <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> bounces on $v_their toes, bubbling in excitement. “That means we’re meant to be best friends!” You can’t help but laugh at $Vname’s excitement, mirroring $v_their bouncing. “You wanna be best friends?” “Of course!” $v_they says, face lighting up almost as bright as the sun. “You’ll be my first best friend. And I’ll be yours!” Your chest feels warm, filled with the excitement of making your first best friend. Your grin stretches so wide, you feel your cheeks start to ache. “I’d like that.” <ul> <li>[[Next|C1V]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “My aunt and uncle own one of the most popular taverns in town!” $Vname says, $v_their hand moving swiftly in the air, just like Nolan does when he's talking excitedly. “It’s near the big… uh… thingy. You know, where all the knight guards go.” You tilt your head, trying to picture it. Your father’s mentioned a place like that before, not to you, but you heard him talking about it with your mother. “Oh! I think I know what you mean,” you say. “I don’t think I’ve been there though. But my father probably has.” “Of course he has! He’s the royal guard,” $Vname says proudly. “My uncle says the royal guards are the bestest knights ever. Only the best in a whole batch get picked!” Your chest swells up with pride at that comment. “Yeah! My father is the best knight for the king!” $Vname grins, face softening. “What about your parents?” you ask. “Oh, I never really met them,” $v_they says, looking down for a moment. “My aunt says they left me with her and my uncle when I was just a baby. I don’t really remember them at all. But that’s okay! ‘Cause my aunt and uncle take good care of me… most of the time1” $v_they adds, shrugging like it’s no big deal. You stare at $v_them for a moment, unsure of what to say. <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> doesn’t look sad, like you would be if you were in such a situation. In fact, $v_they seems okay with it. Or maybe $v_they just doesn’t think about it much. “Do you want to know more about them?” you ask, tilting your head in curiosity. $Vname pauses, $v_their grey eyes looking into the crowd with no visible emotion. Then $v_they nods. “Yeah, I would like to someday. They are my parents after all. My aunt and uncle said they’ll tell me more about them when I’m older… Like when I can understand things better.” <<print $v_their.toUpperFirst()>> voice turns quieter, like $v_theyre talking to $v_themself as $v_they adds: “I just hope they keep their promise.” You nod slowly, taking it all in. You can’t imagine what it would feel like if your parents left you. Your chest tightens even at the thought. Thoughts of your parents favouring Nolan over you crash into your mind but you quickly brush them aside. If your parents didn’t want you, then they shouldn’t have given birth to you in the first place. Or they should’ve just given you away the moment you were born. But seeing $Vname’s smile - one that is small but filled with ease - you feel a little better knowing that $v_they has a family who cares about $v_them now. “Your aunt and uncle sound nice,” you say. “They are,” $Vname replies, $v_their grin returning to $v_their face. “Most of the time.” You both laugh a little at that, and the moment turns light - feels lighter. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1V]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “Hmm, one of my favourite things to do is watch my aunt cook,” $Vname says, eyes lighting up as $v_they continues rambling. “I’m not allowed in the kitchen - too dangerous for me, she says - but I can watch from the doorway. Sometimes, she even lets me decorate the plates for the customers! And my uncle, he makes all the drinks. It’s so cool to watch him mix them.” <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> stops to lean a little closer, lowering $v_their voice as if $v_theyre about to share something secretive. “I help out a lot at the tavern. But my uncle always says not to do too much and to be careful because, you know… stranger danger and all that.” $Vname opens $v_their mouth to continue on with $v_their ramblings but you wave your hands in front of $v_their face. “$Vname!” you call, giggling as $v_they snaps out of $v_their rambling. “Oh, sorry!” $v_they says, shaking $v_their head as if to clear all the thoughts clouding $v_their mind. <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> then looks at you with curiosity, tapping $v_their chin. “Do you have a favourite food?” <ul> <li><<link "\"I don't have a favorite, but I love sweet things like pies and cakes!\"" >> <<set $eatinghabits to "sweettooth">> <<goto C1V5-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"I don't have a favorite, but I can eat all kinds of meat and seafood!\"" >> <<set $eatinghabits to "omnivore">> <<goto C1V5-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"I don't have a favorite, but I like eating veggies of all sorts!\"" >> <<set $eatinghabits to "vegetarian">> <<goto C1V5-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"I don't have a favorite, but I only eat veggies and fruit!\"" >> <<set $eatinghabits to "vegan">> <<goto C1V5-1>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <ul> <li><<if !($choicesV.includes("Name"))>><<link "\"What's your name, by the way?\"">> <<set $choicesV.push("Name")>> <<goto "C1V3">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesV.includes("Family"))>><<link "\"What do your aunt and uncle do? Where are your parents?\"">> <<set $choicesV.push("Family")>> <<goto "C1V4">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesV.includes("Hobbies"))>><<link "\"What do you do when you're not busy?\"">> <<set $choicesV.push("Hobbies")>> <<goto "C1V5">> <</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if !($choicesV.includes("Position"))>><<link "\"How did you even find this spot?\"">> <<set $choicesV.push("Position")>> <<goto "C1V6">> <</link>><</if>></li> </ul> <<if $choicesV.length == 4>> You’ve asked all the questions you could think of right now. [[Next|C1V7]] <</if>>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “Okay! If you ever visit our tavern, I’ll ask my aunt to make you something special! <<if $eatinghabits is "sweettooth">>Desserts are her specialty."<<elseif $eatinghabits is "omnivore">>She makes the best dishes.”<<elseif $eatinghabits is "vegetarian">>She can make food that's healthy and good!"<<elseif $eatinghabits is "vegan">>She's really good at making veggies taste good."<</if>> “That sounds so yummy! Now I’m hungry and excited!” you say, laughing softly. $Vname grins and laughs with you. “What else do you like to do?” “Other than working in the tavern?” $Vname tilts $v_their head as $v_they thinks. “Oh! I like drawing and making art! Maybe it’s from all the plate decorating I do, but I just love making things look nice.” <<if $hobbies is "art">>“Me too! I love drawing new endings to the books I read! Maybe we can show each other our drawings one day.”<<else>>“That’s cool! I don’t draw a lot, so I’d love to see your work someday!”<</if>> $Vname gasps, bouncing on $v_their feet at the thought. “Oh my gosh! That would be amazing! You probably have a lot better materials than me, but I can’t wait!” You giggle at $v_their excitement. It’s nice to see someone so excited to share things with you. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1V]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “That’s a funny story,” $Vname says with a mischievous grin, leaning in like $v_theyre about to share a big secret with you. “After dinner, I snuck away from my aunt and uncle when they weren’t looking. I wanted to find the perfect hiding spot, a place they’ll never check. And I was wandering around and found this spot. At first, I didn’t think much about it, but once I looked around… I realized it’s pretty awesome. So I made this my corner!” You nod, imagining $v_them sneaking around the place. “But wouldn’t they be worried? You just ran off without saying anything!” $Vname shakes $v_their head. “I told them before dinner that I was gonna go on an adventure to find new friends my age! So they should have known I would run off somewhere. Also, I wanted to find you and your brother to say happy birthday!” Your mouth forms an “o” as you understand how $v_they got to where $v_they is now. “Ohhh, I see now,” you say. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1V]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <<if $choicesCompleted.length == 3>>As your conversation with $Vname ends, your mother's voice booms across the room. The room turns silent, allowing your mother's voice to be heard clearly. "Attention, everyone! Cake cutting will happen shortly, so save some room for it!" she announces. A few cheers echo through the room before the chatter picks up again. You turn back to $Vname, feeling a little sad to leave your new friend. “I should go get ready for the cake.” $Vname nods, face lighting up like a lantern. “Of course, it’s your special day!” $v_they says. Before you can step away, $v_they pulls you into a big hug. “It was so fun talking to you! Happy birthday again!” You giggle, hugging back tightly. “Thank you, $Vname. I’m really glad I met you today!” Pulling away, you wave goodbye before heading off. You glance back for a moment and see $Vname still standing in $v_their corner, a big smile on $v_their face as $v_they waves at you enthusiastically. You exit the ballroom, thinking about the things you talked about with $Vname. What are your thoughts on $Vname? <ul> <li><<link "<<print $v_theyre.toUpperFirst()>> cool! I hope we become best friends for life!" >> <<set $Vfriendship += 2>> <<goto C1-13>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "<<print $v_theyre.toUpperFirst()>> a little too energetic to me, and $v_they kinda reminds you of Nolan's energy. You really only need one Nolan in your life." >> <<goto C1-13>> <</link>></li> </ul> <<else>> As your conversation with $Vname ends, you scan the room to see where everyone is. "$MCname, I think I'm gonna quickly sneak my way to get some punch and come back. You're free to leave and talk with someone else," $Vname says, gazing at the table holding the bowl of punch. You nod, though you are a little sad to leave your new friend. "Okay," you reply. $Vname smiles and pulls you into a big hug. "It was so fun talking to you though! Happy birthday again!" $v_they says. You giggle, hugging back tightly. "Thank you $Vname. I'm really glad I met you today!" Once you pull away, you split up, with $Vname heading towards the punch table and you returning into the crowd. What are your thoughts on $Vname? <ul> <li><<link "<<print $v_theyre.toUpperFirst()>> cool! I hope we become best friends for life!" >> <<set $Vfriendship += 2>> <<goto C1-12-1>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "<<print $v_theyre.toUpperFirst()>> a little too energetic to me, and $v_they kinda reminds you of Nolan's energy. You really only need one Nolan in your life." >> <<goto C1-12-1>> <</link>></li> </ul> <</if>>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <h3><b> Hallway, Lesley Residence </b> </h3> <div class="yellow-line align-to-text"></div> <style> .align-to-text { height: 5px; background-color: yellow; width: 43%; /* Adjust width */ margin-left: 0; /* Aligns to the text container */ padding-left: inherit; /* Matches text indentation */ } </style> You head towards your room to get ready for cake cutting. Your mother always says to look “presentable” especially when it comes to occasions like your birthday party. You don’t really know what it means to be “presentable” but you guess just making sure your clothes weren’t dirty. The halls are quiet as you walk, and all you can hear is the sound of your shoes tapping on the shiny floor. It feels strange, like you’ve done this exact walk before with the exact same atmosphere. But you shake the thought away, because you walked through this hall many times. You keep going, but something catches your attention - a door slightly open, just enough for you to peek inside. It’s your father’s office. He’s in there with someone dressed in all black. Your curiosity bubbles up inside you as you watch. They’re talking quietly, so quietly that you can’t make out much of the words, but your father’s face looks different. You usually see a strong, prideful expression on your father’s face, but right now… he looks worried. You peek closer, trying to hear better, when something shiny flashes in the light. Your eyes squint at it. Is that metal? A knife? Before you can figure it out, your father’s voice suddenly gets loud, and then there’s a terrible yell. You flinch at the sudden noise as something splashes on the floor. Your eyes widen when hints of red splatter across the floor. <ul> <li><<link "A loud gasp slips out of your mouth before you can stop it." >> <<goto C1-14>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "You quickly slap your hands over your mouth, but your elbow bumps the door, echoing in the silence." >> <<goto C1-14>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> The attacker freezes for a moment, hearing the sudden noise. Then he spins around, facing the door. Your heartbeat quickens as the man darts for the door. You stumble back, trying to run, but the door swings open too quickly. There he is. Up close, the attacker is terrifying. His face is half hidden in a mask, and a dark hood casts shadows over what little you can see. Despite his cloak dark in color, you can see spots of red smeared onto it, and your father’s blood drips from the edge of the knife that he is holding in his hand. You scream, turning to run. But in a panic, your feet get tangled beneath you and you fall hard onto the cold floor. It’s over. You curl up, trembling as you look back towards the man. He towers over you, raising the knife high. Light catches the blade again, making it gleam in the hallway. You squeeze your eyes shut. Waiting. <<timed 1s>>And waiting.<</timed>> <<timed 3s>><i>Oompfh.</i><</timed>> <ul> <li><<timed 4s>>[[Next|C1-15]]<</timed>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> Warmth wraps around you, followed by heavy breathing and the sound of metal falling onto the ground. Confused, you open your eyes and find yourself in the arms of Nolan. He’s holding onto you so tightly that you can barely breathe. “Nolan?” you whisper, voice shaking. Nolan looks at you, eyes filled with fear and concern. Your gaze then shifts to behind him, where the killer slumps to the floor, a sword buried deep in his back. You barely have time to understand what happened before the hallway fills with footsteps. Guards and knights rush towards you. “$MCname, Nolan, are you alright?” Sir Victor’s voice breaks through the chaos. His eyes are sharp, but worry creases his forehead. “Theodore, get them out of here,” he calls, and his son approaches you two from behind his father. Nolan’s hold on you loosens. “Two of you - deal with the body,” Sir Victor commands, pointing to two guards. “You - inform Lady Madeline of the situation. The rest, with me inside the office,” he orders the rest, marching towards the office with a group of knights following. Theodore walks up beside you guys, gaze filled with concern. He offers his hands for the two of you to take. You take one hand and Nolan takes the other. Before you start moving, you glance over at the fallen attacker, blood pooling around him. The sight makes your stomach churn, but for some reason you can’t look away. Nolan, on the other hand, pales at the sight of the blood, avoiding gazing at the area around the body. “Don’t look,” Theodore says firmly. He blocks the view of the dead body and ushers you guys away from the scene. You take this time to look at Theodore. He’s dressed in an outfit that allows for smooth and easy movement, while still matching the party. It is similar to what Nolan has worn before when your parents took you both to see the king and queen. His chocolate brown hair goes well with his tanned skin tone. After a while, he stops and turns to face you guys. His green eyes, bright and still full of concern meet yours. “Are you guys alright?” he asks softly. “How are you feeling after… after all that?” You and Nolan exchange concerned and uncertain glances. <ul> <li><<link "\"That was so scary!\"" >> <<set $expressive += 1>> <<set $collected -= 1>> <<goto C1-16>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "\"I'm glad it's over. I really thought I was done for.\"" >> <<set $collected += 1>> <<set $expressive -= 1>> <<goto C1-16>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> Nolan nods eagerly, his small hands gripping yours tightly. “I saw you with the bad guy, and I was so scared for you! I just jumped in front of you without thinking!” he explains, his voice trembling. Your chest tightens at the words. “Thank you, Nolan, but… you could’ve gotten hurt,” you say softly. Theodore crosses his arms and nods, his expression serious. “Your sister’s right. What you did was brave, but it was also risky. If my father hadn’t thrown his sword in time, you might’ve been…” His voice trails off, but the weight of what he doesn’t say hangs heavy in the air. Nolan pouts, looking down at his shoes. “I just wanted to protect her…” “I know,” you whisper, giving his hand a squeeze. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1-17]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> Before you can ask about your father, the clacking of heels echoes through the hallway. Your mother appears, her gown flowing behind her, flanked by a few maids. She rushes to Nolan first, face painted with worry. “Nolan! Are you hurt? Let me see,” she says, kneeling down and inspecting every inch of him. Nolan shakes his head quickly, assuring her that he’s fine, though her hands don’t stop fussing over him. You feel a slight pang of jealousy, longing for your mother’s same attention. “Lady Madeline, I-” Theodore begins, but your mother cuts him off. “Yes, I’ve heard,” she says curtly, still focused entirely on Nolan. “One of the knights informed me. I came straight here looking for you.” “Mother…” you mumble, your voice small and uncertain. Her head snaps towards you, but the worry in her eyes vanishes, replaced with something cold and stern. “I’ll speak with you after the party,” she states sternly, sounding more like a scolding than comforting words. You don’t understand why, but the tone in her voice makes your chest ache. You nod quietly, swallowing the lump in your throat. “Come, Nolan,” she says, her voice softening again as she takes his hand. “Let’s get you ready for cake cutting.” You watch them walk away without you, eyeing tearfully at the warmth reserved for your brother. Your eyes sting, but you rub at them quickly. “Are you okay, $MCname?” Theodore’s calming voice pulls you back. “I-I’m fine,” you manage to say, though your voice wavers. “$MCname!” Aria’s cheerful but concerned voice rings out, and you look up to see her hurrying towards you. “Don’t cry, silly. It’s your birthday!” she says brightly, trying to cheer you up. “Yeah!” Theodore adds, smiling wide. “Think of all the presents waiting for you. I bet there’s something in there you’ll love!” You sniffle and nod, their warmth melting some of the hurt. You turn to Theodore. "Do you know if my father will be alright? Is he alright?" "I don't know. But my father will make sure that only the best healers will tend to him. He will be alright. I promise," Theodore says, patting your shoulder for comfort. You smile a little brighter at his promise before turning to Aria. "Okay, let's go Aria. It's my birthday and I still have cake to eat, and my presents to open." Taking Aria’s hand, you look over at Theodore. “Thank you.” He rubs the back of his neck, looking bashful. “No problem, $MCname. That was… probably a lot. You’re really strong, I hope you know that.” You smile faintly, cheeks turning slightly pink. You wave at the older boy as Aria leads you away. “See you at cake cutting!” As you walk through the halls towards your room, you think about Theodore. What are your thoughts on him? <ul> <li><<link "He's so kind! And his eyes... they're so pretty. ❤︎" >> <<set $Tromance += 1>> <<goto C1-18>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "He's pretty cool. I hope I can get to know him more." >> <<set $Tfriendship += 1>> <<goto C1-18>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "He kinda scares me. How can he be so calm after all that?">> <<goto C1-18>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <h3><b> Ballroom, Lesley Residence </b> </h3> <div class="yellow-line align-to-text"></div> <style> .align-to-text { height: 5px; background-color: yellow; width: 46%; /* Adjust width */ margin-left: 0; /* Aligns to the text container */ padding-left: inherit; /* Matches text indentation */ } </style> Cake cutting didn’t go the way you hoped. Before the cake came out, your mother stood in front of everyone to inform them of where your father was. “My husband, Sir Leonard, is currently resting as he was feeling unwell earlier,” she announced, voice serious. Most of the guests just nodded, but you caught a couple of frowns. When the cake finally arrived, Nolan stood right in the middle, front and center. Your mother was all over him again, fussing with his collar and wrapping her hands around his fingers on the knife. You shuffled closer, waiting for your turn, but your mother didn’t seem to notice you. Not until a guest in the crowd said, “Don’t forget about your daughter!” It was only then when your mother glanced at you, giving you a quick smile, and nudged you forward with a hand on your back. “Come on, $MCname,” she said, guiding you toward Nolan and the cake. But her hands stayed on the knife with him, so you had to squish in awkwardly. The birthday song started. Everyone clapped and cheered when Nolan blew out the candles. You tried to join in, grinning as the knife pressed into the cake, but for some reason, it didn’t feel quite right within you. After the cutting, your mother handed Nolan a tray of cake slices to give out. She looked so happy, her face glowing as if nothing bad had happened. For a second, you thought everything was okay. But then, her fingers curled around your arm, and her smile dropped, along with your heart. “$MCname, go to your room,” she said, tone low but sharp. Your chest tightened. “But it’s -” “No buts!” Her voice got slightly louder, but not loud enough for all the guests to hear. “You think I forgot how much trouble you’re in? You already embarrassed yourself - and us - once today. I won’t let you do it again. Out. Now.” Her fingers stabbed towards the door that led you back in the hallways. Your lips wobbled, but you nodded. Talking back felt impossible, not with your mother’s eyes flashing like that. You turn away, head low, as you shuffled out of the room. The chatter and laughter behind you grew fainter with every step. The long hallway felt colder than usual. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1-19]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <h3><b> Your bedroom, Lesley Residence </b> </h3> <div class="yellow-line align-to-text"></div> <style> .align-to-text { height: 5px; background-color: yellow; width: 46%; /* Adjust width */ margin-left: 0; /* Aligns to the text container */ padding-left: inherit; /* Matches text indentation */ } </style> <i>What did I do wrong? Why is my mother so mad at me?</i> Your nose stung and you rubbed your eyes. By the time you reached your room, you felt too heavy to keep walking. You flopped onto your bed, crossing your arms and pouting. Nolan always gets everything. He gets the cake, the hugs, the smiles, everything good. You get the scolding. The thoughts about your mother’s favoritism swirled and tightened in your chest, hot and messy. <ul> <li><<link "It makes you feel so angry. You want to throw something. You want to scream at how unfair you were being treated by your own mother. " >> <<set $favoritismfeels to "anger">> <<goto C1-20>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "It makes you feel so sad. You just want to curl up into a ball and cry." >> <<set $favoritismfeels to "sadness">> <<goto C1-20>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> You don't know how long you sat there, <<if $favoritismfeels is "anger">>your hands clenched tightly on your bedsheets to the point where your knuckles have turned white.<<elseif $favoritismfeels is "sadness">>your arms wrapped tightly around your knees.<</if>> Your emotions bubbled inside you like a shaken glass bottle of fizzy lemonade, so much that you feel like your chest is about to burst. A knock on the door brings you out of your thoughts. Aria peeks in, holding a plate with a slice of cake. “Hey $MCname,” she calls softly, stepping inside. “I brought you some cake.” The sight of your cake, with its swirly icing and bright colors, makes something inside you snap. Your lower lip wobbles, your eyes start to sting, and suddenly, you burst into tears. Aria rushes to you in a heartbeat, setting the plate down and wrapping an arm around you. “Oh no, don’t cry, dear. It’s alright. I’m here.” You hiccup, choking on your sobs as you bury your face into Aria’s chest. “Why can’t I celebrate my own birthday? D-does my mother hate me?” Aria rubs your back, her hand warm and comforting. “Of course not, silly. If she hated you, do you think she’d give you such a beautiful room? Or this big party?” “But she doesn’t act like she likes me,” you cry, your voice muffled. “What did I do wrong?” Aria sighs, touch never faltering. “You didn’t do anything wrong, $MCname. You’re just… growing up. And sometimes, grown-ups want the older kids to be more responsible. It doesn’t mean they don’t love you. They just have funny ways of showing it sometimes.” You sniffle, pulling away from Aria’s chest slightly. You glance at the plate she had brought. The cake stares back at you, its frosting almost too cheery. “Here,” Aria says, picking up the plate and holding it out for you. “Have a bite. Cake always makes things a little better, doesn’t it?” You hesitate, but the sweet smell is too tempting for you. You nod and take the plate, scooping up a bite. The icing melts on your tongue and you close your eyes to savour the sweet taste, sniffling again but softer. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1-21]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> Aria pats your back, with a small fond smile. “See? Not so bad, right?” “Maybe,” you mumble, and it’s true. The sweetness of the cake is <<if $favoritismfeels is "anger">>melting away your fiery anger<<elseif $favoritismfeels is "sadness">>chasing away the sharp edges of your sadness.<</if>> “I met some new friends today,” you say after a moment, your mouth still full. “Oh?” Aria chuckles, <<if $hairlength is "shaved bald" || $hairlength is "buzzed">> wiping the tearstains on your cheeks.<<else>>brushing your hair back from your damp face.<</if>> “Tell me more about them - after you swallow, of course.” You gulp down the bite and sit up straighter. “Well, I met the prince. He’s really nice. He said he’d show me around the palace when I go there, and it’s huge! He said there’s a place for horsies, gardens with lots and lots of flowers, and a big library with a ton of books!” Aria smiles as you talk, nodding along as if this was the most fascinating story she’d ever heard. “And Nolan met a boy named Oliver. He’s cool too, but kinda mysterious. He said his mother can’t afford a tutor, and he doesn’t have a father. Why doesn’t he have a father? And why can’t his mother afford a tutor for him?” “That’s a lot of questions,” Aria says with a laugh. You grin, scooping up another bite of cake. “Oh, and there’s this happy <<if $Vname is "Vera">>girl<<else>>boy<</if>> - $v_theyre so fun! <<print $v_they.toUpperFirst()>> said $v_their aunt and uncle own a tavern and $v_their aunt’s gonna make me something super special whenever I visit. Isn’t that cool?” “Very cool,” Aria agrees. “You made quite a few friends today.” You nod happily, swallowing the last bite of your cake. “Do you think I’ll see them again?” Aria pauses, a small smile forming on her face. “If they’re meant to be in your life, you will. Friends like that tend to find their way into your life whether you want to or not.” Satisfied with her answer, you hand her the empty plate. “Thanks for keeping me company, Aria.” “Always, dear,” she says, standing up and heading towards your door. “Just keep thinking about the happy things, alright?” “I will,” you say, watching her leave. The door is closed gently behind her, and the muffled sound of the party drifts back into the quiet room. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1-22]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <h3><b> Your bedroom, Lesley Residence </b> </h3> <div class="yellow-line align-to-text"></div> <style> .align-to-text { height: 5px; background-color: yellow; width: 46%; /* Adjust width */ margin-left: 0; /* Aligns to the text container */ padding-left: inherit; /* Matches text indentation */ } </style> You lose track of time while you're in your room. You try to doodle on paper to pass time, creating places that probably don’t exist, or flipping through a book with too many words. But no matter what you did, the hum of the party below slips under your door, tickling at your ears. Are they dancing? Laughing? Having fun without you? Eventually, the noises fade. You glance at the little clock on your desk. It's getting late - too late for guests to still be here. A knock comes at your door. You freeze, your pencil still in hand. “$MCname,” calls a muffled voice. “Your mother would like to see you in the common room.” It's one of the general maids. You recognize her voice from the way she always sounded like she was in a rush, even when she wasn’t. “Okay,” you answer, voice small. Setting your pencil down and straightening the scattered items on your desk, you slip off your chair and exit your room. <ul> <li>[[Next|C1-23]]</li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <h3><b> Common room, Lesley Residence </b> </h3> <div class="yellow-line align-to-text"></div> <style> .align-to-text { height: 5px; background-color: yellow; width: 53%; /* Adjust width */ margin-left: 0; /* Aligns to the text container */ padding-left: inherit; /* Matches text indentation */ } </style> The common room always feels warm and familiar - a place for cozy comfort and relaxation, especially after a long day. You used to love it here, with its soft chairs, and the large fireplace that kept you warm as you admired how the sunlight shone through windows, dancing on the walls in the afternoons. But tonight, it feels different. Upon approaching the common room, your mother is sitting on her favourite chair, talking to Nolan. Her face is bright and happy as she speaks with him, but the moment her eyes flicks to you, her expression turns dark. “Nolan,” she says sharply. “It’s time for bed. I need to speak with your sister.” Nolan turns, his face breaking into a smile when he sees you. But behind it, his eyes spill with worry. He doesn’t move. “Marlowe,” your mother calls, her voice firm. “Take Nolan to his room.” The butler appears like magic, as he always did. He gently tugs at Nolan’s arm. Your brother hesitates, looking at you. But Marlowe guides him upstairs and he reluctantly follows. His eyes never leave yours until he disappears around the corner. You shuffle forward, each step feeling heavier than the last. Aria stands nearby, her hands clasped nervously. “Mother,” You say, your voice barely above a whisper “Aria,” your mother calls, not even looking at her. “You’re dismissed.” Aria flinches. “But my lady - “ “Dismissed,” your mother snaps, her tone like a knife. Aria hesitates, lips pressing into a thin line. She gives you one last look, full of something you can’t quite name - is it sadness? Worry? Then she's gone. Your mother’s gaze settles back on you, cold and sharp. “Kneel,” she commands. Your heart thuds in your chest. You drop to your knees without thinking, the soft carpet rough under your skin. “Do you know what you did wrong today?” she asks. You search your memory, trying to think of anything you did today that your mother considers a terrible thing. But nothing could make sense. “I… I don’t know,” you whisper, staring at the floor. She scoffs, the sound sharp and cruel. “Of course you don’t.” You peek a glance at your mother. Her eyes look like ice, cold. “You have embarrassed this family,” she hisses. “How many guards and knights saw your little brother protecting you? Do you have any idea what they must think of us now? That we raised someone weak, and useless." Your brows knit together in confusion. “How was I supposed to know -” The slap comes out of nowhere, stinging your cheek and snapping your head to the side. Your hand reaches up to hold your cheek, the burn spreading like fire on your face. “Do not talk back to me,” she says, voice low, stern, and dangerous. Tears well up in your eyes, but you hold them back. You turn to look at her again. “You are his older sister,” she continues, her words biting. “You are supposed to protect him, not the other way around. What would you have done if he had died protecting you?” “But he didn’t!” you cry, the words tumbling out before you can stop them. Your mother’s hand slams against the armrest of her chair, the sound echoing the quiet room. “You almost got someone killed today, and you feel no guilt, no remorse!” “But I would’ve died!” you shout back, the words tasting bitter. “If Nolan and Sir Victor hadn’t done anything, I wouldn’t even be here!” Your mother suddenly stands, her movement sharp and deliberate. She grabs your face, fingers digging into your cheeks, forcing you to look up at her. “So you’re saying you’d rather let Nolan sacrifice himself for you?! Is that it, you disgraceful brat?” Her grip hurt, adding more pain to your already stinging cheeks. Tears spill freely down your face, out of your control. “That’s not what I meant!” you sob, but she shoves you back. You fall onto the floor, your knees scraping against the carpet. She raises her hand again and swings. It comes down burning your cheek far worse than the first slap did. Your cries fill the room, but her next words cut through them like a knife. “Nolan’s life,” she starts, her voice cold, “is ten times more important than yours will ever be.” <ul> <li><<link "Your heart feels like it shattered into a thousand tiny pieces. Your tears fell even faster as your mind echoes the words again and again. Your cries became louder, sounding more and more raw." >> <<set $favoritismfeels to "heartbroken">> <<goto C1-24>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "Something hot and sharp bubbles inside you. You grind your teeth, hands clenching into fists. You want to scream back, to throw something, but all you can do is cry." >> <<set $favoritismfeels to "rage">> <<goto C1-24>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> “Stop crying!” Your mother’s commanding voice cracks the air like a whip. “Stop being so worthless!” You try to swallow your sobs clawing their way out of the throat. You try to wipe away as many tears as you can. You bite your lip, clench your fist, but nothing works. The tears won’t stop flowing. She sighs, the sound heavy and full of irritation. She looks at you with disdain, like you are something broken. “I hope you’ve learned your lesson, $MCname. Don’t embarrass your family next time,” Her voice drops quieter now, eerily calm. “Go to your room. And don’t come out unless I say so.” With wobbly legs, you stand up, the weight of her words pressing on your chest like stones. You don’t say anything. You don’t dare to say anything. Head down, you rush to your room unsteadily, closing the door behind you with shaking hands. Once alone, your tears return, pouring out uncontrollably. You climb onto your bed, curling into a ball as you sob. You press your face into your knees, trying to muffle the sound of your sobs, but the ache inside you isn’t quiet. <i>Why does she love Nolan more than me? What does Nolan have that I don’t? Why is it always Nolan? Why don’t they love me?</i> The questions swirl in your mind, each one sharper than the last. You cry until your throat feels raw, until you feel that maybe you ran out of tears. But they still continue flowing. A soft knock breaks through the sad haze. You sniffle, lifting your head to see Aria peek into the room. Her eyes are filled with worry as she steps inside, a small pained smile on her face. “Hey, dear,” she starts, voice gentle as she approaches. “Let’s get you ready for bed.” Her gaze drift over to your tear stained cheeks, pausing at the red hand marks on your cheeks. Your gaze moves to the mirror across the room. And there it is. The <<if $hairlength is "shaved bald" || $hairlength is "buzzed">>pin<<else>>hair clip<</if>> - Nolan’s birthday gift to you. For a moment, all the sadness inside you twists into something else. Anger. Hot and sharp, rising like a volcano about to erupt. <<if $hairlength is "shaved bald" || $hairlength is "buzzed">>You reach for it, yanking the pin off your clothes. You hold the pin in your hand, staring at it intently.<<else>>You reach up, yanking the clip off your hair. You hold the clip in your hand, staring at it with too much emotion.<</if>> Nolan. The boy your mother adores. The boy she would always choose. Your fingers tighten around the $Ngift, the edges digging into your palm. <ul> <li><<link "You can't contain the rage." >> <<set $ripNgift to "broken">> <<goto C1-25>> <</link>></li> <li><<link "You want to be angry at Nolan." >> <<set $ripNgift to "safe">> <<goto C1-25>> <</link>></li> </ul>

<<nobr>><<set $lastMainPassage = passage()>><</nobr>> <<if $ripNgift is "broken">>His present stared back at you, mocking you, remind you that he was perfect and everyone loved him. You didn't want it anymore. With a sharp cry, you throw the $Ngift across the room, shattering it into pieces. Then all of a sudden, the rush of anger vanishes, leaving you empty and trembinlg. As you stared at the sharp pieces on the floor it only made you feel worse. Aria looks between you and the shattered $Ngift, concern written all over her face. She doesn't say anything though, and moves to get your pajamas.<<elseif $ripNgift is "safe">>Your hands held the $Ngift tight, ready to erupt, trembling with the urge to throw it across the room. But something inside you held oyu back, telling you not to be angry at Nolan. Your grip loosened as you hesitated, rage misplacing and tangled with everything else you don't understand. <i>It's not his fault.</i> You shove the $Ngift into Aria's hands, turning your head away from it Aria hesitates, looking at you and the $Ngift now in her hands. "Are you sure, $MCname?" she asks. Without looking at her eyes, you nod stiffly. "I don't want it." Upon hearing your response, Aria tucks the $Ngift away in her pocket before moving to get your pajamas.<</if>> You slip out of bed silently, your feet landing on the cold floor. Aria moves with quiet efficiency, helping you into your pajamas. Normally, you would chatter or giggle, making silly faces in the mirror, or asking random questions. But tonight, you say nothing. When Aria offers to read you a bedtime story, her voice gentle and hopeful, you shake your head. “No.” It's barely a whisper, but it carries the weight of your exhaustion. It's unusual, because you love bedtime stories. Aria looks at you with worry, but decides not to press further. You crawl back into bed, turning away from your maid as she tucks you in. The room falls into a heavy silence, broken only by the soft click of the door as Aria exits your room. Sleep doesn’t bring peace. Your dreams twist with everything that had happened - the attack on your father, your mother’s harsh words, the sting of her slaps, the coldness in her eyes. Even in your dreams, you can’t help but cry. The pain is following you everywhere, like a shadow. But somewhere else in the house, you aren’t the only one crying. Another heart, burdened by its own kind of pain, cries silently in the night. <<button "End Chapter One" >> <<goto "End">> <</button>>