Luna Arcwell stood at the doorway, arms crossed, brow arched in theatrical annoyance.
"Well, if it isn't my Lily's beloved big sister," she said with a dramatic sigh. "Truly, what an amazing day."
Astra blinked, halfway between smiling and panicking.She had not expected this level of hostility—or jealousy.
Before she could defend herself—
"BIG SISTER ASTRAAAA!"
Lily burst from behind Luna, launching herself into Astra's arms like a missile.
Astra staggered back, nearly losing balance."O–Oh! Lily! Hello!"
Luna's eye twitched.Rose stepped into view, smiling serenely.
"Astra dear, come in. Don't mind Luna, she's… being Luna."
Astra walked inside, still carrying Lily, who refused to let go.
◆ ◆ ◆
The Arcwell Living Room
Astra sat on the couch with Lily on her lap. Luna plopped into the seat beside her with exaggerated sighs.Rose brought tea and snacks, while the soft hum of the Arcwell estate filled the room.
Lily cupped her hands around her mouth.
"I'LL GO CALL BIG BROTHER!"
Her tiny legs pattered across the floor, and she vanished down the hallway.
A moment later—
Raze appeared.
And paused.
He blinked.
Astra sitting in his living room.Lily hugging her tightly.Luna glaring like a jealous dragon queen.Cookies on the table.
"…Did I die and wake up in a confusing dream?" Raze muttered.
Astra laughed lightly."No, you're awake."
They all sat around the table, a strangely domestic scene forming between tea cups and pastries.
◆ ◆ ◆
The Reason Astra Came
Once Lily finished bragging about their last outing and Luna finished being dramatic, Astra finally leaned forward.
"Raze… I came to ask about something important."
Both Raze and Luna turned serious.
"It's about the Nightveil," Astra continued quietly."And the name… Fray."
The room stilled instantly.
Raze lowered his gaze.
"…I don't know anything."
Astra frowned softly. "Not even a little?"
He shook his head.
"Father never told me anything about the Fray incident. Or the Nightveil. I only know what the rest of the world knows."
Astra looked disappointed, not at him—at the mystery growing deeper.
"Your father is hiding something," Astra whispered.
Luna scoffed."That man hides EVERYTHING until he decides to drop truth bombs on us out of nowhere."
Rose placed a gentle hand on Astra's shoulder.
"Child… some truths are difficult. Painful. Dangerous. Roland will speak when he believes it is time."
Astra nodded slowly, though concern clouded her golden eyes.
◆ ◆ ◆
The Conversation Drifts
The tension eased slightly as conversations shifted.
Luna leaned forward, eyes narrowed at Astra.
"Sooo… you went out with my siblings, hm?"
Astra froze.Raze groaned loudly.
"Luna—"
"No no, I want details," Luna insisted.
"It wasn't a date!" Astra sputtered. "We just spent the afternoon—Lily wanted ice cream—"
"And Raze agreed IMMEDIATELY," Luna said.
Astra turned red.Raze covered his face.
Lily proudly added, "Big brother listened because I am the BOSS!"
Rose nearly choked trying not to laugh.
◆ ◆ ◆
Returning to the Mystery
When the jokes subsided, Astra became serious again.
"Raze… what will you do now?"
Raze looked at the floor.
"Tonight, when Father returns, I'll ask him directly. I need answers."
Astra's gaze flickered with quiet trust.
Luna nodded firmly."Yes. Dad can't hide this forever."
Rose brushed a strand of Astra's hair behind her ear gently.
"Stay calm, child. We will find the truth together."
Astra smiled faintly.
"…Thank you."
Then—
The front door clicked.
Footsteps echoed through the hall.
Lily perked up.Rose turned.Luna straightened in her seat.
Raze exhaled slowly.
Because Roland Arcwell had finally come home.
A man who held more secrets than the Hero Association itself.
The one person who knew the truth behind the name Fray…
And Astra, Raze, and Luna all turned toward the hall—
just as Roland stepped into the living room.
His expression was unreadable.