Lila sat stiffly in the Argent estate's private parlor, her fingers nervously tracing the embroidered edge of her sleeve. Across from her, Ciel reclined in his chair, his arms crossed as he studied the note on the table between them. The delicate rose, now slightly wilted, rested beside it, its vibrant red petals a stark contrast to the threat it symbolized.
"We need more guards," Ciel began, his voice firm. "If someone managed to slip this into your room, then we're already at a disadvantage."
Lila shook her head, her dark eyes flashing. "More guards won't stop whoever did this. If anything, it will tell them we're scared." She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "We need to find out who sent this. The danger won't go away if we simply react to it."
Ciel's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue. "Fine. Then we need Callum. He'll know where to start looking."
"Callum," Lila repeated thoughtfully. She'd often underestimated her older brother, his quiet demeanor masking a mind as sharp as any blade. "Yes. He'll have insights into the court's inner workings."
As they rose to leave, a chill swept over her. The note and rose were only the beginning, and they both knew it.
The library of the Argent estate exuded quiet authority, its towering shelves filled with tomes of knowledge. Callum stood near a window, the golden rays of late afternoon casting a halo over his auburn hair. A half-read book rested in his hand, but his piercing gaze was fixed on Lila and Ciel as they entered.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Callum's tone was cool, but his curiosity was unmistakable.
Lila wasted no time, stepping forward with the note clutched in her hand. "This was left in my room. Someone managed to bypass our guards, and I believe it's connected to the court's recent... unrest." She held out the note, her fingers trembling slightly as Callum took it.
He unfolded the parchment carefully, his brow furrowing as he read the cryptic threat. "And the rose?"
"A warning," Ciel interjected, his voice steady. "Whoever sent this wants her scared—and isolated."
Callum's lips curled into a faint smile, but there was no warmth in it. "Isolated? A tactical move, but a flawed one. Lila, you're far from alone." He set the note aside and gestured to a map spread out on a nearby table. "The court is a nest of vipers, but even vipers leave trails. We'll start with those who gain the most from destabilizing your position."
"Do you have suspects in mind?" Lila asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Callum tapped the map, his fingers brushing over key locations in Eldoria. "A few. But we'll need more than speculation. I'll make inquiries—quietly."
"Thank you, Callum," Lila said, her voice sincere.
He gave her a rare, soft look. "You're my sister, Lila. No one threatens an Argent without consequence."
Lila and Ciel had barely stepped out of the library when they encountered Aria in the hallway. She was clutching a bundle of freshly picked flowers, her bright eyes lighting up as she saw them.
"Lila! I've been looking for you," Aria said, her voice cheerful. "I brought these to brighten your room. You've seemed so tense lately."
Lila managed a smile. "That's thoughtful of you, Aria. Thank you."
Aria tilted her head, sensing the unease in her sister's tone. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Ciel opened his mouth to brush the matter aside, but Lila placed a hand on his arm. "It's fine, Ciel," she said softly before turning to Aria. "Someone left a... threatening message in my room."
Aria's face fell, her fingers gripping the flowers tighter. "Threatening? Why would anyone—" She stopped herself, her expression shifting to one of determination. "Do you think it's someone from the court? People talk, you know. They say you've been gathering quite a bit of attention lately."
Lila raised an eyebrow. "Attention?"
Aria nodded, stepping closer. "You're the talk of every gathering. Some people admire you, but others... Well, let's just say not everyone is pleased with how you've changed. You're stronger now, more confident. That threatens them."
Lila exchanged a glance with Ciel. "Have you heard anything specific, Aria? Anything about who might want to harm me?"
Aria hesitated, biting her lip. "There's been a lot of gossip about Queen Morgana's circle. They're not happy with how you've been standing up to her. And... some nobles think you're trying to take control, even if you haven't done anything wrong."
Ciel frowned. "The Queen's influence is vast, but if she's behind this, she wouldn't leave such a direct clue. This seems more like the work of someone desperate."
"Or someone trying to manipulate the situation," Lila added.
Aria reached out and took Lila's hand. "Please be careful, Lila. I don't want to lose you."
Lila's heart softened at her sister's concern, and she squeezed Aria's hand. "Don't worry. I'll handle this."
Aria's eyes lingered on the flowers she still held. "Maybe these won't do much against a threat, but I hope they remind you that you're not alone."
"They do," Lila assured her, taking the bouquet.
As they parted ways, Lila couldn't shake the thought that Aria's observations, however innocent, might hold the key to unraveling the mystery.
Later that evening, Lila wandered the castle gardens, her thoughts heavy with the day's revelations. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of winter blooms, and the faint hum of distant voices reached her ears. She needed clarity, but every path seemed tangled with suspicion and danger.
As she rounded a corner near the reflecting pool, she nearly collided with Elyas Marwood. The nobleman's expression was unreadable, his dark eyes flickering with something that bordered between curiosity and mischief.
"Lady Lila," Elyas greeted, his voice smooth as silk. "Out for a stroll, or are you avoiding someone?"
Lila straightened her posture, refusing to let his words unsettle her. "Neither. Just thinking."
"Ah," Elyas replied, his gaze lingering on her face. "Heavy thoughts, I presume. You wear them so clearly, my lady."
"What brings you out here?" Lila asked, deflecting his observation.
Elyas smiled, a flash of perfect teeth. "Perhaps the same thing as you—seeking clarity. Or maybe I was hoping for an encounter like this."
Lila narrowed her eyes. "You have a knack for appearing at the most unexpected times."
"I've been accused of worse," Elyas said, his tone light but his expression serious. "Tell me, Lila, has something happened? You seem... unsettled."
Lila hesitated. Despite her better judgment, she found herself speaking. "Someone left a message in my chambers. A threat."
Elyas's playful demeanor shifted instantly. His jaw tightened, and a shadow crossed his face. "A threat? Do you have any idea who might be behind it?"
"Not yet," Lila admitted, watching him closely. His reaction seemed genuine, but with Elyas, it was difficult to tell. "Do you?"
Elyas let out a soft chuckle, though it lacked humor. "The court is a nest of vipers, my lady. It could be anyone. But if I were to wager a guess... Perhaps someone who envies your growing influence."
Lila folded her arms. "So, you've noticed."
"I'd have to be blind not to," Elyas said, stepping closer. "You're not the same woman who arrived at court. You've grown into someone formidable. But power attracts enemies as much as allies."
"And which are you, Elyas?"
He paused, considering her question. "That depends on you, Lila. I could be either—or both."
Before Lila could respond, Elyas took her hand and raised it to his lips. "Do be careful, my lady. The game we play is dangerous, and the stakes are higher than you realize."
As Elyas disappeared into the shadows, Lila stood frozen, his words echoing in her mind. Every move she made seemed to draw her deeper into a labyrinth of alliances and betrayals. But one thing was certain: she couldn't afford to trust anyone blindly—not even those who professed loyalty.