12- FAMILY

CHAPTER TWO

-WILHELMINA-

Hours later, the sun had set, and I finally made it back to my house. Trisha's lessons had been grueling. She spoke at length about diplomacy, patience, and leadership. About strength without arrogance, about compassion without weakness. Her words echoed in my mind as I opened the front door.

The living room was occupied by my father, mother, Weldon, Dermon, and Raina. They all had concerned expressions on their faces, filled with worry and anxiety.

"Wilhelmina," my mother's voice quivered as she rose from the chair, her eyes scouring me for possible signs of distress.

I forced a smile, one that would hopefully mask the turmoil swirling inside me. "I'm fine," My voice echoed throughout the quiet room, bouncing off the wooden walls and heavy curtains. For a moment they didn't respond, their eyes so deeply engrained with worry that my return seemed to make no difference.

Dermon hastily rose from his seat, "You aren't fine. The look in your eyes and the tone of y