We walked back to Ravenswood Manor, basking in the warm glow of victory and newfound love. Father's redemption seemed possible, Evelyn was alive, and Asher's eyes sparkled whenever he looked at me.
But as we entered the manor, Mother stood in the foyer – a serene smile on her face. Yet, something about her demeanor seemed... off.
"Welcome back, my family," she said, voice dripping with sweetness. "I see Malakai's darkness has been vanquished."
Father approached her, tears of joy in his eyes:
"Yes, my love. Our family is redeemed."
Mother's smile grew wider – but her eyes flashed with malevolent intent for a fleeting instant. I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Evelyn noticed my unease and grasped my hand. Asher's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing tension.
Mother opened her arms for an embrace:
"Come, let us celebrate together – as a family whole once more."
As we drew near, she whispered – her voice low and menacing:
"Fools. You've only strengthened my power... Malakai was merely my puppet."
The room froze. Father's face contorted in horror:
"What sorcery is this, my wife?"
Mother's eyes blazed with dark magic:
"I am the true mastermind –
*My intense gaze continues the story*
Mother's voice dripped with malice:
"I manipulated Malakai, using your fears and darkness against you. My magic remained hidden, even from him."
Evelyn's grip on my hand tightened in shock:
"How could you, Mother? Your own family..."
Mother's laughter sent chills down my spine:
"Family bonds are weaknesses. I exploited yours – Father's greed, Evelyn's innocence, Aria's compassion... and Asher's love for you."
Asher stepped forward, eyes blazing:
"You've manipulated everyone. But your plan ends now."
Mother sneered:
"Foolish boy. My plan merely adapted. With Malakai defeated, my dark magic – fueled by your family's bloodline – becomes unstoppable."
Father collapsed to his knees, horror-stricken:
"My wife... our children's mother... what darkness consumed you?"
Mother's voice was pure evil:
"The same darkness you invited into our home years ago... I just embraced it fully."