"Are you guys talking about the arts festival?" Serena's voice was like nails against glass.
Arielle and Melena jolted up, startled by her sudden appearance. Arielle was not sure whether she was more irritated by her entering her new room without permission or crushing our otherwise pleasant mood with her presence alone.
"Sister!" Melena jumped up, though her face darkened almost immediately once she realized Arielle was looking at her with a deep frown etched between her brows. She knew that as a child, she could be easily swayed, yet she still hated that despite being so bright, she chose to remain almost criminally submissive.
"Were you practicing just now?" Serena asked, throwing a quick look at the piano. "It sounded good."
"Well," Melena started awkwardly, her nails digging into the skin of her palms as she clenched her hands behind her skirt. "I was telling Arielle that I wanted to have a grand piano, but––"
