Lita who was still trying to catch her breath, gazed at her mother with a puzzled look on her face.
"What is it that Aunt Sylana wants?"
Madam Valliere with her fierce eyes quickly shifted her focus to Lita and her expression was inscrutable.
"That is not a matter of concern for you. Just concentrate on your training."
Flare was looking directly at Madam Valliere and sensing the tension she had been told of. She was aware of the stories concerning Sylana's power and her play to rule more than just her family legacy. Whatever was going on, it was not a minor conflict between the two sisters.
Exposed to the whole scene Lita who was catching the tension of the day between her mother and aunt was confirming that something terrible was going on. The coldness of her mother, Flare's indirect warnings, and Sylana's unexpected arrival were all the signs of a storm that was coming.
Madam Valliere after a long and tense silence finally spoke again. This time she addressed both Lita and Flare.
"Tonight, I will be the one to deal with Sylana. But if anything occurs, Flare, your duty will be to protect Lita no matter the sacrifice."
Flare slightly bowed her head as a sign of respect, even though her jaw got tight. She was well aware of the command's heavy nature.
"I understand, my lady."
Madam Valliere's gaze remained on Lita, now softer but still heavy with the burden.
"Lita, go rest. You will require your energy."
She did not say anything more. Instead, she turned and vanished into the mansion, the black envelope still tightly held in her hand.
That night as the sun was setting behind the horizon, throwing long shadows over the Valliere estate Lita was lying in her room unable to fall asleep. The mansion was unnaturally quiet and the Day's events were a heavy weighed down over her. She was even more than sure that something ominous was about to occur which was far beyond her comprehension.
In the grand hall, Madam Valliere was standing alone and listening for Sylana. She had gotten the word—the battle of the night would be raging in a different arena. Sylana was no more the elder sister who manipulates; she had set her goals higher, and tonight she would be the one to open the case of how far she could go.
A moment before midnight, an icy wind ran through the mansion, and the gigantic oak doors slowly opened with a heavy creak. Sylana entered, the darkness of the veil she wore covering her face, and the chilled air she breathed out filled the whole area like a poisonous gas.
"Sister,"
said Sylana, her voice loud in the hall and a sly smile on her lips.
"A day it has been."
Madam Valliere turned at a snail's pace, her expression serene but with burning ice in her eyes.
"Get to the point, Sylana"
she asked.
Sylana's grin became even more pronounced.
"Should I speak any louder or slower? I'm asking for my rightful share."
She was almost face to face with Madam Valliere now, her eyes exposing her wicked inclination and her intention was to take the Valliere legacy, the power, and Lita.
"You're the one who has been keeping her away from the human race for too long."
Madam Valliere's grip on the dagger hidden at her waist became more intense.
"Lita is not a possession you can claim. You won't ever have her."
Sylana laughed in an evil way, her eyes were like a hawk's, searching in the darkness.
"Sister... confrontation is a precursor to the doom. The chaotic storm that is to come - we will just have to see if you survive it."
Sylana's wicked grin was still on her lips as she walked deeper into the hall; the coldness of her character was becoming more and more noticeable. She had no intention of giving anyone the chance to make her change her mind; she was already prepared for this confrontation and it was merely the beginning of her chaos.
"Sister,"
Sylana said, making herself sound like she was sweet but really she was not,
"You've always underestimated me. You believe you can keep Lita sheltered, but she's already more powerful than you realize. With the right guidance, she could surpass even you. Yet here you are, stifling her potential."