The concerned sister vanished, replaced by cold calculation.
She turned to face Claire and Lira, "He suspects nothing," she said flatly.
Claire stood, moving to the window where she could watch Zach's carriage departing toward the middle district. "His arrogance will be his downfall. They never suspect the ones they've dismissed as harmless."
"I've been playing the role of the invisible daughter my entire life," Sofia continued, her voice carrying years of suppressed resentment. "Smiling while they made decisions about my future without consulting me. Staying silent while Zach built his empire with Father's money and connections. Pretending not to notice when servants whispered about my brother's... indiscretions."
Lira raised an eyebrow. "You knew? About the girls?"
"I suspected," Sofia admitted. "Servants talk when they think no one important is listening. And Sofia, the vapid noble daughter, is never important enough to guard one's tongue around."
Her expression hardened. "I didn't know the full extent, not until Lady Claire told me about it. But I knew my brother was capable of cruelty. He's always enjoyed having power over those weaker than himself."
"And that doesn't trouble you?" Lira asked, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer. "He's your brother."
Sofia's laugh was bitter and cold. "He's my brother by blood. Nothing more, blood doesn't create loyalty"
Claire's expression showed approval. "The lord chose well when he decided to use you. Most humans cling to family bonds even when those bonds are chains. But you see clearly."
"That is because I woke up to reality, thanks to you two, Lady Claire and Lady Lira," She said and then moved to the window, looking out over the city that would soon descend into chaos. "But I hope the promises still stands"
Claire's eyes met hers, and for a moment, Sofia saw the ancient power lurking behind the beautiful facade. "The Demon Lord does not make false promises. Serve him well, provide what he needs to destroy your family, and you will be granted exactly what was offered. Immortality and power. Transformation into a demon, freed from human weakness and mortality."
"I'll become like you?" Sofia gestured to Claire.
"Yes." Claire answered her with a short answer.
Sofia felt something stir in her chest, anticipation, ambition, perhaps even a dark joy. "What do you need me to do next?"
"Your brother's study," Lira said. "You've mentioned he keeps certain documents locked away. Personal records, guild finances, evidence of his... activities. We need everything. Dates, names, payments made to silence families. Every piece of proof that can be used to destroy him."
"I can get it," Sofia said without hesitation. "He thinks I'm too stupid to pick a lock or forge a key. Father keeps his study locked too, but I've been inside dozens of times over the years."
"Good," Claire purred, "You'll begin gathering the documents from your brother's study"
"Alright." Sofia moved back to the tea table, pouring herself another cup with steady hands.
Claire said softly. "Play your role, sweet invisible daughter, let our lord be proud of you."
Sofia raised her teacup in a mockery of a toast. "To family," she said, her voice dripping with irony. "May they get exactly what they deserve."
…
Far away, in the depths of Nightfall Tower, Raya observed the conversation through a scrying orb.
The image of Sofia, brilliant, ruthless, burning with years of suppressed ambition reflected in his demonic eyes.
"She's perfect," he murmured to himself.
Beside him, Lira's voice echoed through magical communication. "The sister exceeds all expectations, my lord. She requires no compulsion, no threats. Her desire for power and recognition is entirely genuine."
"Good," Raya replied. "A willing collaborator is worth ten controlled puppets. Keep her motivated. Promise her everything she wants, as long as she delivers everything I need."
"As you command, my lord. Phase one is complete. Phase two begins tonight."
The scrying orb shifted, showing Zach's carriage rolling through the middle district, the man himself entirely unaware that his own sister had just set his destruction in motion.
Raya's hand clenched slightly on the armrest of his throne.
Soon, Zach would understand what it meant to lose everything. To watch his world crumble while being powerless to stop it.
Just as Raya had been powerless to save Elena.
…
In the tea room, Sofia set down her cup and smiled.