Try to calm her.

Shocked at her outburst, you quickly step towards her. You instinctively reach to put your arms around her, but the resigned fear in her eyes stops you short. Instead, you place a hand on her shoulder in a gesture you hope she interprets as reassuring, "I have no intention of harming either of you," You say softly.

Ann eyes search yours for a second, as if seeking if there is any truth in your words. Her expression remains uncertain.

You close yours eyes for a second, taking a deep breath as you gather your thoughts, Its obvious that she's protective of her sister. Its equally obvious that she has been mistreated in the past, likely by my Great Uncle.

When you open your eyes again, you can see Anna standing before you, carefully searching your features. Keeping your voice soft, "Anna, you have nothing to fear from me. I am not my uncle."

Mention of your uncle makes her go rigid, her eyes locked on yours like a deer caught in the headlights, "I inherited this estate, and until I walked through that door, I didn't even know you existed," You brandish the letter in your hand, "I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of this."

You can see her chest rise and fall as she takes a deep breath to calm herself.

"You and your sister live here," You begin, careful to keep your tone gentle, "And since this is my new home, I'd like to meet her too."

"I will be right back with her," Anna says softly.

"Thank you." You reply.

With a quick nod, she begins to walk towards the stairs. She takes the first step up the stairs when you see another girl come running out of the east hallway. Skidding to a halt, she glances at Anna, then looks at you.

Given how Anna has reacted to you so far, You're surprised to see a little excitement on the younger girl's face as she gives you a shy smile and a stiff wave.

You reflexively smile back, giving a little wave of your own.

Almost as if your wave is an invitation, she quickly moves to the stairs and starts down them. The sound of her footsteps drawing Anna's attention.

Watching the new girl, you take in her appearance. She's dressed in a maroon dress, in a similar state of disrepair as Anna's dress. The girl also has a wide red choker around her neck. As the girl bounces down the steps with an amazing degree of energy, you watch her dark red pigtails bounce with each step, That can't be a natural hair color.

Anna reaches out, taking the hand of the younger girl before turning back towards you.

When the younger girl attempts to move towards you, Anna tightens her grip on her sister's hand. The new girl finally comes to a halt about a step in front of her sister.