Grey Blood - Chapter 19: Chapter 19

The realization that she would be attending school soon had settled heavily in Angelina's mind.
For so many years, she had been a shadow, an unseen figure in the world. And now, suddenly, she was supposed to walk into a classroom and act like she belonged?
"Alright," Alec said, leaning back in his chair. "We have a week to get everything sorted before Angelina starts school."
Elias nodded. "She'll need supplies, uniforms, and a proper schedule."
Damien, ever the mother-hen, frowned. "We should also make sure she's eating properly before she starts. I don't want her skipping meals because of stress."
Angelina shrunk a little under the sudden attention.
Leo grinned. "Relax, Little Star. School isn't a battlefield."
Caleb smirked. "Depends on who you ask."
Alec turned to Elias. "You and I will handle the school paperwork."
Elias nodded. "I'll make sure the staff understands who she is."
Angelina blinked. "Who I am?"
Leo snorted. "Angelina, you're our little sister."
Caleb grinned. "Which means no one is going to mess with you."
Jace smirked. "Or else."
Angelina wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or concerned.
"You'll need a shopping trip," Alec continued.
Leo perked up. "Oh! Can I take her?"
Alec gave him a pointed look. "Are you responsible enough to handle that?"
Leo put a hand to his heart. "Dad, that hurts."
Elias sighed. "I'll go."
Angelina blinked. "You will?"
Elias turned to her. "You need proper school supplies. Not whatever ridiculous things Leo would buy."
Leo gasped. "Excuse me, but I have amazing taste."
Jace smirked. "Yeah, sure. That's why your closet looks like a neon rainbow."
"Hey—"
Alec cut in, voice firm. "Leo, Caleb, and Damien will go with her."
Angelina's eyes widened. "All of them?"
Alec gave her a look. "You're not going anywhere alone."
Leo grinned. "Don't worry, Little Star. Shopping with us will be fun."
Angelina wasn't convinced.
Alec suddenly turned serious. "Before we finalize everything... there's one thing I need to make clear."
Angelina stiffened.
"We're covering your tuition."
Angelina immediately shook her head. "But—I can work hard for a scholarship—"
Elias glared. "No."
She flinched.
Damien sighed. "Angelina, why do you keep thinking you have to do everything on your own?"
Jace crossed his arms. "Seriously. You're our sister. That means you're ours to take care of."
Leo smirked. "And we're all filthy rich, so what's the problem?"
Angelina swallowed hard.
Caleb nudged her shoulder. "Bunny, you don't have to fight for survival anymore."
Alec's voice softened. "We just want you to focus on being happy, sweetheart."
Her throat tightened.
Happiness...
The rest of the day passed in a blur of planning.
Her family was with her.
She would finally learn what it meant to live.
Later that evening, after all the school discussions had settled, Angelina found herself in the library. It had quickly become one of her favorite places in the mansion—quiet, peaceful, and away from the overwhelming attention of her brothers.
She ran her fingers over the spines of the books, her gaze scanning the endless titles, when she heard footsteps behind her.
"You like it here?"
She turned to see Elias standing in the doorway, his arms crossed, watching her with that usual unreadable expression.
Angelina nodded. "It's... calming."
A ghost of a smirk played on Elias's lips. "I figured. You seem like the type to appreciate silence."
She hesitated before speaking. "What about you?"
Elias raised an eyebrow. "Do I like silence?" He exhaled sharply. "Considering I live with those idiots, yes."
Angelina let out a small giggle.
Elias motioned for her to follow him, and they sat down on the plush couch near the fireplace. He didn't speak for a long moment, just watching the flames flicker, before finally saying, "You know, I don't think you fully understand how much you mean to us."
Angelina looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"
Elias's jaw tightened slightly. "You act like you're a guest here. Like you still have to earn your place." He turned to her, his dark eyes filled with an intensity that made her heart race. "But you don't. You never had to."
She swallowed hard.
"I don't think you realize just how fiercely protective I am of you," Elias continued. "And it's not just me—it's all of us. Dad, Damien, Leo, Jace, Caleb... We would burn the world if anything ever happened to you."
Angelina's breath caught.
His words weren't just a promise. They were a warning to the universe.
"You're our little sister," Elias said, his voice softer now. "That means you're ours to protect. No exceptions."
Angelina blinked rapidly, trying to fight the warmth creeping into her chest. "I-I don't know what to say..."
Elias leaned back, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You don't have to say anything. Just... start believing it."
She lowered her gaze, biting her lip.
Angelina glanced back up at Elias, who was now watching her with a rare gentleness in his eyes and she smiled giving him a rare genuine warmth.
She sighed happily leaning her head on to his shoulder as he kissed her head