Back in the Sorcerer Mansion, Yuki's scream could be heard throughout the estate. She staggered across the room, slamming her head against the wall until blood smeared down her face. Her breath came in bursts as her eyes darted between the shattered mirror and the overturned chair. She then dropped to her knees and struck the floor with her fists, the impact echoing through her room.
At that moment, the door burst open. Koji stood in shock, as his eyes were locked onto her. The color drained from his face.
"What the hell is going on here! Have you been attacked or something?!"
Yuki stared back at him. Her body trembled, blood still dripping down her forehead.
Moments later, the others rushed in, their eyes widening at the sight of blood. Without hesitation, Riko dropped to her knees and pulled Yuki into her arms.
"Hey! Are you okay? Please talk to me, Yuki. Who did this to you?!"
Yuki's eyes wandered past them. Then, she finally spoke.
"Nobody… nobody did this to me."
Koji's eyes narrowed, in disbelief.
Uhh! So she did this to herself…
Shaking his head, Koji pointed his finger at Riko
"Hurry! Go get the medical supplies from the basement. As for you demon, you stay here and make sure she doesn't harm herself."
Both Riko and Sayuri nodded before Riko darted out and Sayuri caught Yuki's head in her lap.
Agitated, Nicholas turned towards Koji, who looked ready to snap.
"Master Koji, I should follow her to the basement, in case she needs my assistance."
Koji pressed his two fingers against his eyes and let out a sharp breath.
"Fine, go ahead."
Then Koji left her room, striding down the hallway.
Has Yuki gone mad… or is this the work of an enemy attack?
***
Riko stopped in front of the basement door. It was the only room in her house that had remained sealed since Nicholas first arrived two years ago. It was also the same time her mother passed.
Awful memories started to surface as she stared at the rusted lock. Then, a hand randomly pressed against her shoulder, her body jolted.
"Wha—!"
"Miss Riko, it's me. You have nothing to fear."
Nicholas maintained his smile, placing a hand over his chest.
"How about I retrieve the first aid kit? I have the keys, after all."
The tone of his voice didn't sit right with her. He sounded uneasy, almost like he didn't want her near the door. But she had no choice. Yuki's plan had already begun, and the only way forward was to reach the basement and retrieve the item she had requested.
"I'll be fine. I'm not a kid anymore. I can handle it, just give me the keys, alright?"
Nicholas closed his eyes, his smile fading.
"I'd rather not repeat myself, Miss Riko. But I must insist that this type of request is part of my duties as the Hoshigiri family butler."
Riko couldn't stand his tone as she snatched the keys from his hand.
"You must've forgotten who you're talking to. Go back to Yuki, I'll bring back the first aid kit."
Riko twisted the lock but as she was opening the door. She was hit in the head, her vision going dark.
***
Inside the basement, Riko's vision was blurred, unable to focus on anything around her. She tried to move but her hands wouldn't budge. Rough rope dug into her wrists, binding her to a pole behind her.
Once her vision cleared a fireplace was in front of her as it burned bright. Above it, hung a skeleton nailed to the wall, its arms spread and legs bound together, surprisingly it wore her mother's wedding dress.
"Is this what you've been hiding all along? Say something, I know you can hear me."
The lights flickered on, revealing the walls covered in multiple paintings of Lady Fuyumi. Nicholas stepped out from behind Riko, his gaze shifting between her and the skeleton above the fireplace.
"I was hoping you wouldn't return from the city, Miss Riko."
"What are you talking about?"
Nicholas ran a hand down his face, his expression filled with frustration.
"Why must you be like your mother? It pains me to see history repeat itself."
Riko's eyes widened as the truth sank in.
"You… you piece of shit!!! You killed her, didn't you?! You took my mother from me!"
Nicholas shook his head, putting his hands up.
"Listen, she got too close to the truth, I had to stop her. But don't misunderstand me, I loved your mother… more than your father ever did. It drove me mad to see how little he cared for that farm she cherished. When I tried to take care of it, that fool refused and said he wanted to keep it the way she left it. What a pathetic old man."
Her brother was right all along. She should have known it was him, but she was too blinded by his kindness and how helpful he was to her mother. She couldn't see him as a person that could possibly kill her mother.
Nicholas paced around until he found the first aid kit, then tore a piece of cloth and pressed it over her mouth.
"Now then, please do not trouble yourself. I could not possibly bring myself to kill you. It simply would not sit right with me, having already dealt with your mother. It is far better that they believe you have returned to the city and things will soon return back to normal. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must attend to that bothersome friend of yours. Goodbye for now."
Her screams came out muffled, veins rising on her forehead. She twisted her wrists, trying to loosen the ropes, but it wasn't enough.
Nicholas locked the door, walking down the hallway towards Yuki's guest room. A grin plastered on his face, knowing his plans were in motion.