The sun rose over the Argent estate, its golden rays glinting off the dew-laden gardens. Lila stretched in her bed, the events of the previous day weighing heavily on her mind. She had barely slept, her dreams haunted by whispers and shadows.
A soft knock at the door broke her reverie. Aria stepped in, carrying a breakfast tray.
"You're up early," Aria said with a teasing smile as she placed the tray on the bedside table. "I expected to find you still tangled in your blankets."
Lila forced a small laugh. "I couldn't sleep. Too much on my mind."
Aria's expression softened as she perched on the edge of the bed. "You've been through a lot. But you're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Lila. I see it every day."
The sincerity in Aria's words touched Lila, and she reached out to squeeze her sister's hand. "Thank you, Aria. That means more than you know."
As they shared a quiet moment, a commotion outside drew their attention. The faint sounds of raised voices filtered through the open window.
"What's going on?" Lila asked, already moving to get dressed.
"I don't know," Aria replied, standing. "But it sounds serious."
By the time Lila and Aria reached the gardens, the source of the commotion was clear. Several servants were gathered near the east wing fountain, their faces pale with unease.
Callum stood at the center of the group, his expression grim as he examined the fountain. The usually clear water had taken on a faint, murky hue, and a sickly-sweet smell lingered in the air.
"What happened?" Lila asked, hurrying to his side.
"One of the gardeners noticed the water looked off this morning," Callum explained, his voice tight. "We tested it—there's poison in the fountain."
Lila's blood ran cold. "Poison? But why—?"
Adrian appeared, holding a small vial identical to the one the shadowed figure had used the night before. "We found this nearby. Whoever did this was sloppy."
Lila's stomach churned. The realization hit her like a blow. "The fountain is near my window," she whispered. "This was meant for me."
Callum's jaw tightened, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder. "We'll find out who did this. I won't let anything happen to you, Lila."
Ciel arrived at the estate not long after the discovery, his usual calm replaced by a stormy expression.
"I heard about the fountain," he said, striding into the drawing room where Lila, Callum, and Adrian had gathered. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," Lila assured him, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her unease.
Ciel's gaze softened as he approached her, his hand brushing against hers in a brief but comforting gesture. "Whoever is behind this won't stop until they're caught. You need to be vigilant."
Lila nodded, her mind racing. "But why now? What do they want from me?"
"Your growing influence," Adrian said, crossing his arms. "You've managed to charm even the coldest hearts at court. That kind of attention makes enemies."
"It's not just that," Ciel added, his voice quiet but firm. "There's more at play here. Someone sees you as a threat, Lila. We need to find out who—and why—before it's too late."
As the day wore on, Lila found herself drawn to the library, seeking solace among the familiar scent of parchment and leather. She had barely settled into her favorite chair when Elyas appeared, his usual smirk in place.
"Word travels fast," he said, leaning against the doorframe. "The poisoned fountain, the Queen's warning—it seems you're quite the target these days."
Lila shot him a wary look. "If you're here to gloat, I'm not in the mood."
Elyas chuckled, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm not here to gloat, Lila. I'm here to offer my help."
"Your help?" she repeated, skeptical.
Elyas stepped closer, his demeanor unusually serious. "You're playing a dangerous game, whether you realize it or not. And while I enjoy a good spectacle, I don't want to see you become collateral damage."
Lila studied him, her instincts warring with her desire for answers. "Why should I trust you?"
"Because I know more about the court's shadows than you do," Elyas replied, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And I'd rather see you thrive than fall."
Despite her reservations, Lila nodded slowly. "Fine. But if I sense even a hint of betrayal, Elyas…"
He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Understood, my lady. Now, let's find out who wants you dead."
That night, Lila found herself unable to sleep once again. The events of the day replayed in her mind, each revelation more unsettling than the last.
She stepped out onto her balcony, the cool night air brushing against her skin. The garden below was bathed in moonlight, its beauty marred by the memory of the poisoned fountain.
A flicker of movement caught her eye, and she tensed. Her gaze darted to the shadows near the east wing, where a figure moved silently among the trees.
Without thinking, Lila grabbed a cloak and made her way downstairs, her heart pounding. She slipped into the garden, careful to keep to the shadows as she followed the mysterious figure.
The figure paused near the fountain, their back to her. Lila held her breath, her fingers tightening around the dagger she had taken from the drawing room.
Before she could act, the figure turned, revealing a face she hadn't expected.
"Aria?"
Her sister froze, her eyes wide with shock and guilt.
"Lila, I can explain—"
But before she could finish, a voice called out from the darkness, cold and commanding.
"Enough."
Lila turned, her blood running cold as a second figure stepped into the moonlight, their identity hidden beneath a hood.