Miri's POV

We head over to the outpost border of the human realm and use a transportation device that is reserved only for the royal family or those who have permission from them to reach the Shadow Castle.

Upon arrival, we see a huge castle with an amazing dark-themed decor. Everything sparkles, and the ceiling has been painted in such a way that it looks like you’re gazing into a starry night.

“Beautiful!” Ali exclaims, and I nod in agreement.

Still following behind the royal family, we reach what I believe to be the living room of the castle. One of the princes directs us to where we should sit. Ali and I sit side by side while the king and all the princes remain standing, looking at us.

Then the king clears his throat.

“I’m sure you have a lot to say, but that can wait until after introductions, right?”

I shake my head in agreement.

“All right. I am Korrin Velmorne, ruler of the Shadow Empire, father to seven princes and one princess. I am 58 years of age which is quite young and I tower over most at a height of 7 '1 "."

His introduction almost makes me laugh out loud. I dare not look at Ali, because I can already guess her expression, and I know all my restraint will disappear if I do. After composing myself, I finally look at them like I actually look at them. They’re all good-looking.

My father, Korrin, has jet-black hair and matching black eyes, with a slight stubble on his chin. His hair is brushed back in a simple but elegant style, falling halfway down his neck. He does look quite young, but I guess shadows age differently from humans or so I’ve heard. Even with that awkward introduction, he wears a warm smile.

His smile reminds me so much of my dad so warm and comforting that I find myself wanting to hug him. I hold those intrusive thoughts back.

“I am Tarin Velmorne, First Prince of the Shadow Empire and your eldest brother. I am 24 and 6'8" in height. I am so happy to finally meet you.”

I look over at the prince who just spoke, and I can’t help glancing back at Korrin. This boy is an exact replica of the king: same black hair and eyes, even similar expressions and that same warm, loving smile. Even without being told, I can tell this must be what the king looked like when he was younger.

“I am Rian Velmorne, Second Prince and your second-eldest brother. I am 23 years of age and unaware of my exact height, but I’m only a few inches shorter than Tarin, so you’re free to make your assumptions. I am also pleased to meet my beautiful sister and her even more radiant friend.”

He winks at Alira after saying that, which earns a death glare from me.

Unlike Tarin and Korrin, my second brother has silver hair like mine. But while mine is long and straight, his is short and curly. It looks good on him. He has a slight smirk on his face, but I can tell he isn’t a bad person, maybe just a bit playful. Still, I do not appreciate that wink at Alira.

“Well, I am Fenn Velmorne, the Third Prince, and this is my twin, Renn Velmorne, the Fourth Prince. We are really happy to meet you, little sister.”

Wow. The word "identical" was taken way too seriously with these two they’re carbon copies of one another. The only difference is their hair color. Fenn has jet-black hair, short and neat, while Renn has shoulder-length silver hair.

Fenn seems more outgoing, while Renn simply glances at me and turns away. At least I can differentiate them by their personalities and hair.

Suddenly, one of the princes sits next to me and hugs me tightly before pulling away and playing with my cheeks.

“Awwn, my baby sis is so cute. I could just eat you up!”

I do not appreciate the sentiment. I pushed him away.

“Who are you?” I ask, already annoyed.

“Wow, you took Aeren’s attitude. I am your fifth brother, Lior Velmorne. It is my pleasure to meet you, baby sis. If you ever need anything, feel free to tell me.”

Yeah, I can already tell I will not be telling him.

Lior has one of the most unique hair colors I’ve seen: gray with black highlights at the tips. He grew out bangs that cover part of his face, but I can still see enough of his black eyes. Even though he’s annoying, he has a warm smile, like he’s genuinely happy to see me. So… I’ll forgive him.

“Hello, little sister. I am Malric Velmorne, your sixth brother. If you ever need anything, please come to me and not Lior. Well, that is, if you actually want something to be done about it.”

I giggle.

“Hey! Are you trying to call me unreliable in front of our baby sister?” Lior shoots back.

“Of course not. I would never do that,” Malric replies sarcastically. I can tell we’ll be good friends.

“I love your hair, Malric,” I say.

He simply smiles. “Thank you, little sister.”

I couldn’t help but compliment it. He has jet-black hair with silver highlights at the tips and scattered across it. It looks mesmerizing, especially brushed back so neatly. He looks elegant, with a refined aura about him.

“Sister, that’s not fair. You didn’t compliment my hair,” Lior whines.

Tarin steps in.

“Lior, you’re 21. Act it.”

Lior just pouts and says nothing.

I look over to the last prince who hasn’t spoken yet. He’s been hiding his face, not daring or not wanting to look at me. But I can already guess his name is Aeren, based on what Lior said earlier.

This time, Rian speaks up.

“Aeren, won’t you introduce yourself?”

“Hello, little sister. My name is Aeren Velmorne, Seventh Prince of the Shadow Empire, and I am 19 years of age.”

I frown slightly, confused. I’m also 19. How does that work?

As soon as he turns to look at me, I understand. I stand abruptly, unable to believe my eyes. This boy looks exactly like me, even his silver hair. The only difference is his is long and curly while mine is long and straight. I just stare at him, speechless.

“Oh yeah, I forgot to mention,” he says. “I’m also your twin.”

Still stunned, I can’t say anything. He laughs a little and walks up to me. As he puts his arm around me in a hug, I still can’t process it all, but I manage to hug him back. When he pulls away, he looks at me.

“Wow, you really do look like me, huh.”

“What are you talking about? The face clearly looks better on me,” I reply, and we both burst out laughing.

Before I can say anything else, someone else speaks.

“I am Ryden Flintmaw, Third Prince of the Dragonian Empire. I am 22 years of age and also 6'8" in height.”

I look this man up and down and can’t help but feel a strange sense of familiarity in his eyes.

This man is beautiful. That’s my first thought. He has golden hair that shines when light hits it, and his eyes are a bright shade of yellow that some might mistake for gold. His skin is somewhat tanned, and his features are muscular but not overly so. He’s tall, but the muscles don’t feel excessive like with most from the Dragonian Empire. On him, it’s just right.

Even as he introduces himself, his face remains expressionless, giving no hint of what emotions he may be feeling. I sit back down next to Alira, unsure what to say.

The atmosphere turns awkward, filled with a heavy silence. I have no intention of breaking it.

Then suddenly, Alira clears her throat. I look at her as she winks at me before starting:

“Greetings to the Supreme Shadow Ruler of the Night and Custodian of the Day. I am Alira Greystone. I am human, and the only survivor of my family after the incident five years ago. I am a good friend of the princess and would like to apologize for the intrusion.”

“Raise your head, my child. My daughter wanted you to be here,” Korrin replies kindly.

I clear my throat as well.

“Well, I guess I should introduce myself too. I am Miri Morvain, that's the name given to me by the family who raised me. I’m 19 years old and also the only survivor of my family from the incident five years ago. After that, I was sent to the group house at 14, which is where I met Alira. I think that should be all but if you have any questions, I have no problem answering.”

Tarin is the first to speak.

“Your power is so much... how were you able to live undetected for so long?”

“Before my parents died, they taught me how to control it. Thinking I was just a human born with Myrridan, they showed me how to suppress it and manage my energy.”

Korrin speaks next.

“Miri, my daughter, you will have to change your name now that you’ve returned home. A banquet shall be held to officially recognize you before all the realms. Today has been a long day, so your questions can be answered tomorrow.”

“I refuse to change my name,” I say politely but firmly. “That is the name given to me by the people who raised me and loved me. I’d prefer to keep it as it is.”

He sighs.

“You must at least change your surname to Velmorne; it is the royal family’s name. You may keep your first name. Is that all right with you?”

I nod in agreement.

“All right. Aeren, show the girls to their rooms for the night,” he adds, then excuses himself.

We follow Aeren through the large halls of the castle. No one speaks. Eventually, Aeren breaks the silence.

“These are your rooms,” he says, pointing to two doors next to each other.

I enter one, and Alira enters the other. The room is big and spacious, with a massive bed in the center. One door leads to a walk-in closet, and the other to a bathroom bigger than the room we used to share with four other girls.

Alira and I take turns running into each other’s rooms, giggling at how big and pretty they are completely forgetting Aeren is still watching us. We only remember when we hear him laughing.

“I guess you guys like your rooms, then. Have a good night. And Miri, I’m really happy to have my other half back,” he says, walking away and leaving me speechless.

Alira, never one to miss a chance to gossip, drags me into my room and closes the door behind us as she jumps onto my bed.

“Girl, I’m going to tell you all the things I observed. Firstly I might have a crush on your father or your eldest brother. They are so handsome. I want one. And two, your daddy was freaky when he was young.”

“Okayyy. First of all, those two are off-limits since a human can’t be Queen of Shadows. And secondly, what do you mean by that?” I ask.

“Girl, you didn’t notice the little age gaps between you and your brothers? Only a year between each? And there are seven of you guys. So… girl, do the math.”

“ALIRA! Ewwww. What kind of messed up stuff do you even use your brain for?!”

She simply shrugs.

“I’m tired. I want to sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day. You should sleep too. We can talk more about our situation later,” I say, opening my arms.

She cuddles up next to me. We decide to sleep in the same bed on our first night neither of us sleeps well in unfamiliar environments.

As we lay there, she says,

“Riri, no matter what I hope you know I’m always on your side.”

I nod. “I know, Ali. And I love you.”

“I love you too, girl. No matter what your identity may be.”