Sarah and Samantha stood on the steps dressed in pristine uniforms they gave off an aura of complete efficiency and confidence. Their cool blue eyes showed curiosity about the girl in front of them.
"Miss Lyra" Samantha began, her voice soft and compassionate "If you follow us we will show you to your room" Lyra could only nod in agreement still in shock of the grandiosity of this place. As she stepped inside, she followed the twins up a grand staircase that seemed to stretch endlessly. The walls were adorned with portraits of stern looking ancestors, their stoic expressions gazing down at her. Sunlight poured through stained glass windows, casting vibrant patterns on the marble floor. Above her, a magnificent chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystal droplets sparkling in the light like pure drops of liquid gold. Iris couldn't help but feel awestruck by the opulence and grandeur of the mansion as she ascended the stairs, feeling as if she had been transported into a fairy tale world.

As Lyra stepped into her room, she was greeted by a stark contrast to the grandeur of the main hall. The spacious chamber was awash in warm light emanating from a large bay window, adorned with soft white lace curtains drawn back to reveal a breathtaking view of the sprawling gardens below. A kaleidoscope of colors, from vibrant blooms to lush greenery, filled her vision and brought a sense of tranquility to her soul. The furnishings were all intricately designed antiques, adding an air of elegance to the already opulent space. And centered in the room was a majestic four-poster bed, fit for a princess. It looked so inviting she may have actually laid down if she wasn't suddenly aware of someone clearing their throat. She spun around quickly and realized Samantha and Sarah were still here.
"Would you like to freshen up?" Sarah asked.
The suggestion was much welcomed after the day she had.

As Lyra entered the ensuite bathroom, she couldn't help but feel as though she had stepped into a luxurious palace. The walls were adorned with delicate floral patterns, the colors blending together in a harmonious dance. A plush cream-colored rug covered the marble floor, begging to be walked upon barefoot. But what caught her eye was the centerpiece of the room - an inviting bathtub, seemingly carved out of pure white marble. Its smooth edges and elegant design beckoned her to soak in its warm waters and forget about the outside world for a while.

As she sunk into the tub the warmth of the water flooded over her and she could feel the tension melting away. The water was soothing to her weak and tired body. She stepped out and donned an exceedingly plush robe that was hung on the door. As she emerged from the bathroom she could see the twins were flittering about the room getting things ready to dress her up. As they rummaged through the depths of the closet, they unearthed a breathtaking dress. Delicately crafted from smooth silk, it glistened in the light like crushed diamonds. Intricate lace detailing adorned every inch of the garment, adding an ethereal touch to its already enchanting appearance. The top was tailored to perfection, promising to hug Lyra's slender figure in all the right places. The skirt cascaded down to the floor in a pool of fabric, its graceful movements reminiscent of a ballerina's dance. The twins helped her into it expertly tying the back and then lead her to a vanity to sit.
The twins stared at her wild curly hair for a bit wondering how this was going to work. Eventually they pulled up their sleeves and went for it. While Sarah gently brushed her hair deftly untangling the curls Samantha picked out some hairpins and clips. The twins worked together and transformed her hair into a stylish updo. As they worked they attempted to connect with Lyra.
"You have your mother's eyes" Sarah remarked staring into her emerald green irises.
"And your father's hair" Samantha chuckled.
"How did you know my parents?" Lyra's voice was just a quiet whisper they didn't seem old enough to know them if she was right that her parents left before she was born.
"Our family has worked here for years. Your parents were like family to us. How we wish we could've been with you all this time." Sarah said with tears forming in her eyes.
Lyra stood up and embraced her knowing all too well the pain she was feeling. She could sense that her and the twins were going to become good friends. Perhaps in these walls lie the answers to the questions burning within her.
A glance at the clock on the mantle sent the twins into an urgent rush. They were late for the meeting with Grandma.

With skilled hands, the attendants put the final touches on Lyra's attire and ushered her into the parlor. As she entered, her eyes were immediately drawn to the grand fireplace that stood at the far end of the room. Its roaring flames cast a warm glow over the elegant furnishings and intricate tapestries adorning the walls.

The mantle of the room was adorned with an eclectic array of knick knacks and figurines, each one carefully placed to create a sense of whimsy. Above it hung a grand portrait, its frame ornately carved and gilded. The painting depicted a striking young woman with long, fiery red hair pulled back into a precise ponytail. Her piercing brown eyes seemed to be made of smoldering embers, while the man next to her exuded confidence with his jet black hair and intense blue gaze. They stood proudly together, looking down upon two young boys - the older one aloof with his dark features and the younger one radiating pure joy with his curly red locks. As Lyra approached, she could just make out the silhouette of a figure sitting in a chair facing the crackling fire. As the figure rose to greet her, Lyra could tell this was her grandmother by the regal aura surrounding her. The woman had an air of authority and demanded respect, with her silver hair elegantly swept up into a bun and her sharp charcoal eyes sparkling in the light. Though time had etched wrinkles onto her face, there was no denying the strong resemblance between her and the woman in the photograph

Lyra's grandmother spoke in a soft, pained voice, "You look just like your father."

Lyra could hear the sadness laced within her words, and it stirred up bittersweet memories within her. She missed her father deeply, especially when she heard him talked about in such a melancholy tone.

"I miss him so much." Lyra barely managed to say her voice was a quiet whisper.
Her grandmother reached out placing a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
"So do I, child," she sighed, her eyes filled with sorrow. "So do I."

Lyra's heart ached at the thought that it had been sixteen long years since her grandmother had seen her father. She could only imagine the depth of her grief.

"It must have been hard for you," Lyra said softly, not wanting to upset her grandmother further. Taking her grandmother's hand in hers, she hoped to offer some comfort, no matter how small.

"More than you can imagine, child," her grandmother replied, gazing longingly at a photo of Lyra's father and uncle.

"Tell me about them?" Lyra asked, hoping that talking about them would bring her grandmother some peace.

"Your father was full of life and mischief," her grandmother began, a wistful smile appearing on her face. "And your uncle, he was quiet but determined - they were two sides of the same coin, practically inseparable."

A long silence followed as both women got lost in their memories.

Eventually, Lyra's grandmother turned back to her and asked, "How much did they tell you?"

"None," Lyra answered quietly.