Knock, knock, knock
The first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the still sleeping household. Suddenly, a loud banging echoed through the halls, shattering the peaceful silence. Cedric jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest as he yelled out in frustration from his room.
Sophie groggily rubbed her eyes and stumbled to her door, curious about the commotion. As she made her way downstairs, she could hear the muffled voices of their parents trying to figure out who was at the door so early in the morning. The hardwood floors creaked under her feet as she descended into the main hallway, where she finally caught sight of the persistent visitor outside.
Sophie's gentle voice carried through the door to the person waiting outside, a stranger to her but patient nonetheless.
As Sophie swung open the heavy wooden door, she was greeted by a man of imposing stature. His presence commanded attention and exuded strength and confidence. His dark hair was neatly styled, emphasizing his chiseled features and deep amber eyes that seemed to hold a sense of mystery and depth. He wore a tailored black suit that hinted at nobility and power.
"Can I help you?" Sophie asked, feeling small under the man's piercing gaze. "You must be Sophie," he replied smoothly. "My name is Lito, and I work for Duke Sebastian from Ravenwood. I'm looking for Eliana. Is she home?" Lito's gaze softened as he looked down at Sophie, awaiting her answer.
"Eliana?" Sophie asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. Before she could finish her sentence, Cedric emerged from his room, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and muttering curses under his breath.
"Who the hell is it this early?" he grumbled as he made his way to the front door. But just as he was about to reach the door, he suddenly stopped and spun around, sprinting back upstairs towards his mother's room.
Lito maintained his position, with a smug smile on his face, observing the chaos unfolding before him. Sophie watched in bewilderment as her brother disappeared up the stairs, unsure of what was happening.
Cedric pounded fiercely on his mother's door. "Mom, wake the hell up! We have a problem downstairs," he shouted urgently as he tried to explain the situation. Lito remained downstairs, feeling both confused and curious.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, their mother emerged from her room in a flurry, hastily getting herself ready and rushing down the stairs to assess the situation. The tension in the air was palpable as they all gathered at the front door.
"What can I assist you with today, Lito?" Victoria asked, pulling her daughter close behind her as if shielding her from a wolf.
"How ridiculous," Lito muttered under his breath, making sure no one could hear him talking to himself.
Lito remained composed as he repeated his question to Victoria, "I'm here to inquire about Eliana; is she home?"
"Why do you need her? What has she done now?" Victoria's voice betrayed her annoyance.
"Duchess, please don't think I'm here to cause trouble. My lord has sent me to ensure Eliana is ready for the party," Lito explained his purpose.
"I can handle my daughter myself, and even if needed, I can take care of her," Victoria replied with a forced smile.
Lito was slightly irritated by her response. "So you refuse my lord's kind gesture then? Very well, I will report back and if my lord decides to come and claim your head later, that's not my concern." With a polite bow, he turned to leave.
Victoria's hand shot out, grasping at the sleeve of Lito's finely embroidered jacket. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, what? Why would your lord come for my head?"
Lito's expression remained cool and composed as he gently removed her hand from his arm. "Have you forgotten who you are speaking to, Duchess? We are not one of your subjects, we are a powerful house. And let us not forget that it was you who sent me away when my lord sought an alliance with you to take care of your daughter." His tone held a hint of amusement as he continued, "How do you think it would look to the council if you were to declare war on House Blackwood? My lord is not one to take such insults lightly, and he will defend his honor at all costs. As I have fulfilled my duties,, I shall now report back to him." A smug smile played on Lito's lips as he knew he had won this battle effortlessly. There was no way Victoria could go against his master without facing dire consequences.
"Please come inside I will let Sophie get Eliana for you." Victoria said as she had no choice in the metter, if she decline Sebastian order it would be a war that she could never win.
"I guess you still have some brains in that head of yours," Lito said with a smug but deadly smile as he entered the house, made his way to the living room, and sat down at the head of the dining table, awaiting Eliana to come downstairs.
Cedric's voice trembled with anger and disbelief as he confronted his mother. "What the hell is happening here? Why would you let that monster inside? You never should have let him step foot in Willowbrook again!" But before he could finish, Victoria's hand came down hard on his cheek, leaving a fiery sting. "Shut up, you fool," she seethed through gritted teeth. "That man would have slaughtered us all without a second thought. We were no match for his savagery." She slammed the door shut and barked orders at Cedric to change into his finest clothes while demanding Sophie to retrieve Eliana.
Sophie ascended the stairs and opened Eliana's door. She looked down at the floor as she waited for her to open her eyes. "What's happening?" Eliana asked, puzzled by Sophie's presence. "Someone is downstairs waiting for you. Hurry up and get dressed," Sophie said with an impatient tone, wondering why they were being disrupted so early in the morning. Sophie then went to wake up her other sisters and explain the situation. After a few minutes, they all gathered in the living room downstairs.
Eliana timidly entered the grand living room, her body still bearing the marks of her mistreatment and abuse. Lito, stood up from his chair and approached her with a soft smile.
"Sir Lito?" she spoke, breaking the silence.
"It has been a month since we last saw each other," he replied gently. "My lord has sent me to invite you to his home until the party tomorrow night."
Elise, interjected with a disdainful expression. "There's no way! That girl will stay here, she has chores to do."
Lito's eyes met Elise's in a moment of tension, his deadly aura simmering just beneath the surface. "Be silent, woman," he warned, his bright red eyes flashing for a split second.
"Be quiet, Elise," Victoria, intervened firmly. She pulled Elise aside and gave permission for Eliana to leave the mansion.
Lito instructed, "Get your things, I'll be waiting outside." He heads to the front door and stands by it as he waits for Eliana to come downstairs.
Eliana ascended the stairs, confused and unsure of what was happening. But then, she felt a glimmer of hope in the midst of all the darkness that had consumed her life.