The morning sun filtered through the curtains as Eleana sat quietly at the breakfast table. Her parents were unusually cheerful, their voices filled with excitement as they spoke about the upcoming engagement ceremony.
"We've already finalized the guest list," her mother said, pouring tea with a serene smile. "Everything is falling into place perfectly, dear. Victor is truly a blessing for this family."
Eleana forced a smile, though unease prickled at the back of her mind. She had always trusted her parents' judgment, but lately, their unwavering admiration for Victor felt… unnatural.
"Mother, Father," she began hesitantly, "don't you think things are moving a little too fast? I mean, I barely know him."
Her father chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Nonsense, Eleana. Victor is everything we could have hoped for in a son-in-law. He's kind, wealthy, and devoted to you. What more could you ask for?"
Eleana's gaze shifted to her mother, searching for any sign of doubt. But her mother's expression remained serene, almost vacant.
"You'll see, my love," her mother said softly. "Victor will make you very happy."
The words felt hollow, as though they weren't truly her mother's. Eleana's stomach twisted, but she nodded, unwilling to argue further.
Leon watched from the shadows of the garden, his jaw clenched as he observed the scene through the open window. The spell Victor had cast on her parents was strong, laced with dark magic that even Leon couldn't easily break. It was subtle enough to seem natural but powerful enough to bend their will entirely.
"He's playing a dangerous game," Leon muttered to himself.
The sound of soft footsteps behind him made him turn abruptly, his wings vanishing in an instant. It was Eleana, her expression troubled as she approached.
"Leon," she said in a hushed voice, "why are you always hiding in the shadows?"
Leon relaxed slightly, his stern expression softening. "I'm not hiding, Eleana. I'm watching over you."
She crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. "You said Victor isn't who he seems. If that's true, why does everyone adore him? Even my parents are convinced he's perfect."
"They're under his control," Leon said bluntly.
Her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
Leon hesitated. He wasn't supposed to reveal the full extent of Victor's powers, but Eleana needed to know enough to protect herself. "Victor has… abilities. He can manipulate people's thoughts and emotions. Your parents' devotion to him isn't real—it's a spell."
Eleana took a step back, her hands trembling. "A spell? That's impossible."
"It's not," Leon said firmly. "You've felt it, haven't you? The way they speak about him, the way they dismiss your concerns—it's not natural."
She stared at him, her mind racing. Deep down, she knew he was right. Her parents had been acting strangely ever since Victor entered their lives. But the thought of them being controlled was too horrifying to accept.
"What do I do?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Leon stepped closer, his voice steady and reassuring. "Trust your instincts. Question everything. And most importantly, stay close to me. I won't let him hurt you."
Before Eleana could respond, a cold breeze swept through the garden, sending a shiver down her spine. Leon's eyes narrowed as he turned toward the source of the disturbance.
"Stay here," he said quickly, his tone commanding.
He disappeared into the shadows, his wings unfurling as he soared into the night.
Victor stood in the grand hall of his estate, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. The spell on Eleana's parents was holding perfectly, and the engagement ceremony was only days away. Soon, she would be his, and Leon would fail his mission.
"You always were too soft, Leon," Victor murmured to himself. "Protecting her is your weakness, and I will use it against you."
He turned to the dark mirror on the far wall, its surface swirling with shadowy energy. In its depths, he saw the faint glow of Leon's wings as he approached.
"Right on time," Victor said with a smirk.
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