☆☆☆☆☆☆☆♡☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Ray sat rigidly, in the garden pavilion. One leg crossed tightly above the other, and her fingers dug into her pale blue sleeve.
It had only been a day. One day, and someone had already spoken out of turn.
Her gaze fell on Gaia. "My lady," Gaia said softly, lowering her head. "It was madam Elara'case order. I had no choice.
Ray's palm struck the table, the plate's snacks trembled.
"And she would not have restricted my movements," Ray hissed, rising to her feet.
"If Lucian had known to keep his mouth shut."
Her eyes flicked toward the corridor. Guards lined the passageway, all armed. Silent. And watching.
Even if she had wished to step beyond the four corners of the mansion, she would not make it past the second turn.
Just like a bird trapped in a cage. And Ray hated being cornered.
Ray felt restless. She couldn't sit still any longer.
She rose abruptly, gathering the hem of her dress as she stepped out of the pavilion. Gaia hurried after her.
The corridor stretched endlessly ahead. The marble floor neatly polished, tall windows casting pale light across the walls.
And their footsteps echoed.
Hers. Gaia. And the guards that followed one step behind, with every stride, the air felt heavier.
Then, a faint buzz stirred at the edge of her vision.
The blue icon flickered to life, before her once again.
MISSION REMINDER:
Sub-mission: ACTIVE .
Multiple Disappearances: UNRESOLVED.
Host survival rate: DECLINING
Her jaw tightened.
The system had to remind her of her predicament. Her death patiently waiting at the end of the line.
And yet, she could do nothing.
Just then, Ray's gaze snapped toward the open doorway by her side.
Inside, Elara sat poised at a small desk. A letter unfolded between her fingers. Ray stopped walking.
Behind her the guards halted abruptly, their armor clinking as they nearly collided.
Elara's gaze lifted. She stretched out her hand, a letter carefully placed on it.
Its seal, broken, deep blue wax.
Ray's breath hitched, immediately she recognised the silver crest pressed onto its surface.
The Vanlengh's.
It was unmistakable. She had designed that crest herself. A rearing stag, framed with throned laurels.
Why would the House of Vanlengh be writing to Elara?
Elara took a quick glance of the content within, then neatly folded the parchment and handed it over to the maid beside her.
"Take it." She ordered. The maid obeyed at once.
She stepped into the corridor, towards Ray and inclined her head slightly before their eyes met.
Ray extended her hand "may I?" she asked.
The young maid hesitated, glancing briefly toward Elara. Seeing no objections, she handed over the letter.
Ray unfolded the letter calmly. Her brows drew together.
It was an invitation.
For her.
Lady Jane Vanlengh, requests the presence of Lady Celestine Varondulf at an all night gathering.
Ray's lips curved slightly.
This was her opening.
Elara slowly approached, then stopped at the doorway excusing the maid.
"You are here." She said calmly, her arms folded in front.
Ray folded the letter, then lifted it upwards. "It seems lady Jane invited me to her gathering?."
"Yes, I am aware."
"I intend on attending," Ray demanded.
"Need I remind you," she said coolly. " You have been restricted from leaving the mansion unnecessarily?." Elara said, moving away.
Ray followed after her. The guards moved with them.
"But, you know refusing a noblewoman's invitation without proper cause is social suicide." Ray insisted.
"And that is why I shall inform her. You are unwell."
Ray cursed inwardly. Elara was loving toward Celestine, but she could also be very strict when necessary.
Ray steadied herself before she spoke.
"But you know that would only make things worse." Her tone,calmer than normal. But Elara did not bat an eye.
"If my mother was still alive," Ray said slowly. Elara paused.
"She would have probably attended herself."
Elara's gaze shifted towards Ray. Her eyes, darker than usual.
Ray pressed on, taking advantage of the moment. "Don't you remember? She always said a noblewoman must never give society a reason to whisper."
A cold silence stretched between them.
Elara gaze lingered on her for a long moment
Then finally she spoke.
"Who are you?"
Ray's heart dropped.