Seraphina returned to the manor, her mind heavy with the villagers' words. The fear she had seen on their faces, the whispers of punishment, and the mention of the old ways pressed on her chest like a stone. She needed answers — and there was only one person she could turn to.
She found her mother in the drawing room, seated at her writing desk. The Queen looked up as Seraphina entered, her expression softening.
"Mother," Seraphina began, her voice low, "the people… they say we are being punished. They speak of old worshippers, of angered powers. Was it true? About… Aunt?"
The Queen's hands stilled over her quill. She took a slow breath, then gestured for Seraphina to sit beside her.
"Yes," she said softly, "it is true. Your father's sister… she was not murdered as people believe."
Seraphina blinked, shock rooting her to the spot.
"She was chosen," the Queen continued, her voice trembling but steady. "Chosen to serve as a sacrifice to seal the old ways. Long ago, our kingdom's ancestors had dealings with powers older than men — beings who demanded loyalty and blood. The priests discovered that only royal blood could bind these forces, to keep them from harming the people."
Seraphina's hands clenched in her lap. "You mean… they used her? She… she died to protect Valemont?"
"Yes," the Queen whispered, her eyes distant. "It was the only way. Her life was given to ensure that the old powers would sleep, that the kingdom would remain safe. The priests performed the ritual, and for many years, the seal held."
Seraphina leaned back, trying to digest the revelation. "And now… the villagers say that the old ways are returning. That we're being punished."
The Queen's gaze fell to the floor, her fingers nervously twisting a strand of fabric. "The seal may have weakened. I do not know why, but the protections your aunt's sacrifice brought are no longer as strong. That is why the land suffers, why misfortune spreads."
Seraphina swallowed hard, a cold dread settling in her chest. "So… the chaos, the missing children… it's all connected to what happened to her?"
"Yes," the Queen said quietly. "Her sacrifice saved the kingdom once. And now, perhaps, it is asking for something more."
Seraphina's mind raced. The picture of her aunt, the rituals whispered of in the village, the fear in the people's eyes — all of it pressed upon her. She realized that the past, long thought buried, had never truly ended.
"Mother… what do we do?" she asked, her voice barely audible.
The Queen shook her head, sorrow and fear written across her features. "All we can do is be vigilant, my child. And hope that the sacrifices of the past are enough to hold the kingdom safe — for now."
Seraphina left the room with a heavy heart. The weight of history pressed on her shoulders, and for the first time, she understood that the calmness of the manor and the seeming order of the kingdom were built on blood, fear, and secrets that might soon rise again.
Seraphina found Selene in her chamber, seated by the window with the pale morning light brushing across her hair. Her posture was serene, composed — almost unnervingly so, given everything that had been happening. She looked up as Seraphina entered, her expression soft but unreadable.
"Selene," Seraphina began, her voice trembling slightly, "I… I need to tell you something. Mother… she told me the truth about Aunt."
Selene tilted her head, her lips curling into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Oh? And what truth would that be?"
Seraphina swallowed hard, gathering courage. "She said… she said Aunt wasn't murdered. She was… she was sacrificed. Her blood… it sealed the old ways, to protect the kingdom. The priests said only royal blood could do it, and that's why…" Her voice faltered. "That's why everything was done. And maybe… maybe now, the seal is weakening, and that's why… all this chaos is happening."
For a moment, Selene said nothing. She simply studied her sister with eyes that were unnervingly calm. Then, softly, almost in a whisper, she said, "So the stories were true. I see."
Seraphina took a step closer. "Selene, do you… do you understand what this means? The town, the people… the children? This is serious. Something is happening that we can't ignore."
Selene leaned back, crossing her legs, and let a slow smile curve her lips. "I understand perfectly, Seraphina. And yet… there is nothing to fear. Not for those who follow the rules."
Seraphina frowned, her heart sinking. "Rules? Selene… this isn't a game. People are dying, and the town… the villagers… they're scared. You can't just act like this is nothing."
Selene's gaze sharpened, her smile fading into something colder. "Do you think I could stand by and do nothing? That I would let the balance of our home falter without understanding it?"
"But… why are you so calm?" Seraphina asked, her voice quivering. "Why do you look like this is… entertaining?"
Selene's eyes glimmered faintly, reflecting the sunlight. "Because, sister, fear is a tool. And knowledge… knowledge is power. The people, the town, the old ways… they are all pieces of a puzzle. And soon, we will see the full picture."
Seraphina's stomach twisted. This isn't my sister. This isn't the Selene I know.
"Selene," she said firmly, trying to meet her sister's gaze, "whatever you're planning… whatever you think you know… you have to be careful. Mother told me the truth, and it's dangerous. You… you can't control this alone."
Selene's lips curved into that unnerving smile again. "Control? No, dear Seraphina… I am not trying to control. I am guiding. And in time, you will see that this path is… necessary."
Seraphina backed away, a cold dread pooling in her chest. She had expected worry, fear, maybe even denial from her sister. But this… this calm, almost predatory composure chilled her to the bone.
She turned toward the door, her mind racing. I have to understand what's happening… before it's too late.
And as she stepped into the hallway, she could not shake the feeling that Selene's eyes followed her — patient, calculating, and infinitely distant.