Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Orion's Bedroom

Orion's face brimmed with smug satisfaction, a world away from the shy persona he wore in front of others.

His small fingers danced rapidly over his phone screen as he sent a photo of Claire to the group chat.

York Pierce: Wow, what an adorable little girl! Orion, who is she?

Zachary Quinn: Bet you just grabbed that picture off the internet.

Orion: That's my little sister.

York: Your sister? Come on, who are you kidding? Since when do you have a sister?

Zachary: Yeah, you don't even have any cousins, so where'd this cute little sister come from? You must be going crazy with envy because I have a sister!

York: Ugh, I wish I had a little sister too. Orion and Sean don't have sisters either. Zachary's the luckiest.

Zachary: @Sean, are you just gonna lurk, or will you say something?

Sean: @Orion, is she really your sister?

Watching the chat blow up, Orion's smile widened.

Of course, she's my sister! Isn't she the cutest, sweetest little thing you've ever seen? She hugged me and kissed me today. She's so soft and cuddly and smells like sunshine. Totally adorable.

York: Orion, keep bragging and I'm coming over tomorrow to steal your sister for myself!

Zachary: Count me in. I want to see if your little sister is any cuter than mine.

Sean: I'm coming too.

Orion: Get lost! She's mine and mine alone.

After showing off his new sister, Orion set his phone on the nightstand, his heart overflowing with satisfaction.

But when he lay down, all he could think about was Claire's chubby, adorable cheeks. Sleep was impossible.

After hesitating for a long while, Orion finally sat up in bed.noveldrama

"My sister's spending her first night here. She's got to be scared, right? Even She falls asleep, what if she wakes up in the dark? She'll probably cry. I should stay with her tonight."

His reasoning sounded flawless to him.

He climbed out of bed, grabbed his pillow, and tiptoed down the hallway to Claire's room.

Cradling his pillow, Orion crept silently through the moonlit corridor. Silver light spilled across the floor, tracing the outline of his small figure.

He reached Claire's door and pushed it open. The faintest creak echoed sharply in the quiet house, making him freeze. He held his breath, listening for any movement inside. Thankfully, no one stirred.

On tiptoe, he slipped into the room. The moonlight illuminated three figures on the bed.

Mrs. Tempest was cuddled up with Claire, holding her close. Claire's head rested on her mother's chest, sound asleep.

Mr. Tempest lay on the other side, his arm draped casually over both of them, a contented smile on his face.

Orion stared, stunned-and instantly flooded with jealousy. He muttered under his breath, "Weren't you the ones who said you adopted her t keep me company? I haven't even gotten to sleep with her, and you two already claimed her."

He stood beside the bed for a while, searching for even the tiniest spot to squeeze in, but the bed was crammed full-there was simply no room for him.

With a defeated sigh, he circled the bed, hoping for a miracle. No luck.

He finally whispered, "Goodnight, Claire," and trudged back to his own room, reluctant and disappointed.

***

The next morning, Claire slowly blinked awake. The first thing she saw was Mrs. Tempest's beautiful face.

Claire stared in confusion. "Mom?"

"Good morning, sweetheart. Are you awake?" Mrs. Tempest beamed at her, eyes full of warmth.

It was the first time anyone had ever called her "sweetheart." Claire's cheeks flushed pink. "Mom, why are you in my bed?"