Chapter 35

Valerian glanced up at Calliope.

After a moment of silence, he walked over to her, his demeanor stern. He grabbed her wrist with a firm grip, his emotions clearly boiling over.

“Calliope, you shouldn’t be here. You’re married now, and hugging random people isn’t exactly appropriate. Be good, it’s time to go home.”

Calliope looked down at his hand on her wrist, then back up at him. “Sorry, but I’m not just hugging anyone. This is my dearest brother. But you, holding me like this isn’t really appropriate, is it? We’re not that close. Valerian, your favorite sister is over there.”

After saying her piece, she yanked her arm free from his grip.

“Brother?” Valerian found it amusing as he gazed at Calliope. “What kind of joke is this? I’m your brother. Even if you’re acting out, there’s no need to find some stranger to play that role.”

“He’s not a stranger, he’s my brother.” Calliope stood next to Norton. “We grew up together, he’s been looking out for me, and always protecting me.”

Valerian’s expression darkened as if a memory had been triggered. He remembered Calliope mentioning siblings before, brothers she played with during her childhood. He had never met them, but he knew of their existence.

He sized up Norton, recognizing him. Norton was quite the name in the racing circles, someone Valerian had competed against a few times. It somehow irked him to think that Calliope might be here to cheer Norton on, not him.

“I’m your real brother,” Valerian insisted. “Calliope, you’re coming with me.”

His words were forceful, reflecting his disbelief that Calliope would ignore him for someone else. He always thought she valued their bond above all.

“Sometimes, family isn’t everything,” Calliope replied with a chuckle. “I’m not fond of selfish people, Valerian. I have no brothers like you. By the way, your beloved sister seems to be calling for you. Might as well go back there.”

Calliope gestured behind him.

Not far away, Lisette watched the exchange anxiously. She’d always clung to her brothers, and seeing them chat for quite a while, she was worried they’d be swayed by Calliope’s presence.

“Valerian, come here! I’ve got something for you!” Lisette’s voice rang out, filled with urgency.

Calliope glanced back at Lisette, her eyes steely and her lips curling slightly. She looked back at Valerian, “If you’re not going to Lisette, then maybe I’ll just take your advice and head home.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Valerian muttered, furrowing his brow.

“Oh no, Valerian! I twisted my ankle! It hurts so much!” Lisette pretended to run toward them before dramatically dropping to the ground. She looked up at Valerian with wide, pleading eyes.