Eirika stepped out into the courtyard she often played in as a child. The moonlight was her guide as she slowly walked through. The once lush, green, and flowered area was now desolate and broken. It was almost like a graveyard.
Eirika's foot brushed against something. A statue of their ancestor lay in pieces at her feet. She knelt down and felt his broken face.
"It will be all right."
Ephraim's voice startled Eirika. She thought she was alone. He came to her side and took her hand.
"You are trembling."
Tears brimmed in her eyes. She hated seeming scared and weak in his eyes, but her fear and grief was overwhelming.
"I'm so afraid, Ephraim. Everything about this is wrong. Lyon would never hurt anyone. He can't be evil. I just don't understand."
She looked down ashamed.
His hand lifted her chin.
"Look at me."
Eirika searched his eyes. They were so confident yet gentle. Her fear dissolved. She saw their father in him for a second.
"I promise you we will defeat this evil. I will rebuild our kingdom and rule as our father did. I just wish-"
Eirika hugged him tightly before he could finish.
"He knew, Ephraim. Don't worry."
Ephraim smiled when they parted.
"Thank you. We always did know how to comfort each other."
He pet her hair like he did when they were young and Eirika blushed.
"We have a bond that can't be broken. I will always be by your side. You know that don't you, Ephraim?"
Ephraim seemed flustered for the first time.
"But Eirika, that would be….What about—"
"Seth will be there as well."
Eirika leaned up and kissed Ephraim's cheek.
"Goodnight, Brother."
She walked out of the courtyard and into the darkness of the castle.
Ephraim whispered in reply. "Goodnight, my sister."