It was several hours until Damion returned home. Celest was laying on her bed, staring at the dark wood ceiling above her when she heard the door slam shut. She glanced at her bedroom door and sighed quietly. While she was upset about being left behind, Celest was even more hurt about how her brother cast her aside the moment something seemingly better came up. There was clattering in the kitchen and heavy footsteps tromped around the room. When they finally started to head towards the twin’s shared bedroom, Celest quickly flicked her gaze back up towards the ceiling. The last thing she wanted was for Damion to tease her about waiting up for her like a lost pup.

The sturdy door flew open and the lanky boy rushed inside, half a loaf of bread in his mouth and leather bound books in his arms. Extra papers were stuffed between the tomes and a charcoal stick was grasped tightly in Damion’s free hand. Without so much as even a glance towards Celest, Damion hurried over towards his oak desk and laid down the books. As he absentmindedly ate his bread, he opened the books one by one and then sat down, his eyes still fixed on the pages. The soft sound of frantic scratching was the only thing Celest heard as she stared at her brother uneasily.

“Damion?” she said, her voice barely audible.

He continued writing and turned another page. Frustrated, Celest jerked up straight in her bed and glared at her brother.

“Damion!”

Her brother jumped slightly and turned around. He stared at her, as if confused by her presence, but then his face quickly lit up in excitement.

“Oh, Celest! I did not see you there.” He smiled broadly and held up the papers he had been marking on. “Is not this incredible? Ari has to be one of the most educated men in all of Almadoa. His research is mainly about the Caretakers, just like me! His notes and findings are incredible! He said that he even might know where to find them. How amazing is that?” He asked excitedly.

Celest spoke flatly, “I didn’t know it took so long to get to the abbey.”

Damion’s smile faltered, “Well Ari invited me in to take a look at his work and I certainly did not want to be rude. Unfortunately, I lost track of time, I will admit to that, and I stayed out longer than I would have like. However,” he held up a finger and smiled triumphantly, “the information I obtained today is priceless. Ari looks at information in such a new and different way. It is amazing.”

A few moments passed and Celest laid back down on her bed, her back to her brother, “I’m sure it is.”

She heard her brother shift in his seat, “Is something the matter?”

“No, no. I’m fine.” She said unconvincingly. “Perfectly fine.”

Damion laughed incredulously. “I do not believe it. You are jealous.”

“What? No!” Celest bolted back up and faced her smug brother. “Why would I be jealous? That’s ridiculous.”

“You are jealous that I chose Ari over you.” He crossed his arms and met her challenging gaze.

“You could have at least walked home with me.” She muttered.

Damion sighed and got up from his seat. He crossed the room and sat down on the bed next to her, “Celest, this man is not my new best friend. He is a resource. While he is only here for a few days, you will be here for the rest of my life. Yes, he is very kind and we have similar interest, but he is not my brother. He is not my sister. He is not my other half like you are.” He ruffled Celest’s hair fondly and she smiled sadly. “You know how I am. I crave new information. And new information is definitely hard to come by in this town.” He laughed. “I did not realize that I had hurt you so much. Do you accept my apology?”

Celest stared at her brother meticulously. Her face slowly broke into a smile. She put Damion into a head lock and ruffled his hair, “Of course I accept it, you idiot. You’re my brother, the only one I’ve got.”

He frantically tapped against her arm and she released him. He gasped for air and cradled his throat, “How ever did I get so lucky?”

Laughing, Celest gently pushed him off the bed, “Alright go back to your stupid books. Try not to keep me up with your deafening writing.” She lifted up her sheets and shifted down into them.

“Of course. Anything for my darling sister.” Damion drawled. He gave a bow and then sniffed the air like a noble. He laughed, “Good night, Celest.”

“Good night, Damion.” She smiled and then rolled over in bed, content for the moment.