[color=lightgray][center][h1][color=firebrick]Violet[/color] & [color=teal]Lily[/color][/h1][/center]

[hr]

Violet stepped out of the carriage standing in front of the Estate, Her eyes drawing to its door as she let out a loud drawn-out sigh. Her hand instinctively moved to her cheek attempting to sooth the stinging feeling. 

The feeling of dread warmed her as she removed the hood from her head. Having to have reality was overwhelming. The chaos and memories of her [i] home [/i] haunted her. She thought that she had found some sense of solace with Roman. Her fingers dragged along her skin as her hand fell to her side. 

She had a name, one that was given to her by Alexander. [i]”my scarlet-eyed raven “[/i] His voice haunted her. What would he think of her now? Two murders and an attack on Roman, and she still had the body to hide. 

She couldn’t trust many in her circle anymore. She fell back into a corner and needed to find a way out. A release. Lord Fritz did give her a surprising offer. Perhaps he was someone she could lean on. Her eyes fell to the ground as she sucked in her breath. But, how many times would she allow others to control her life? Maybe it was time she did it herself. 

Violet began walking towards the front door of her home. The entrance was littered with guards on a post, likely a part of the search and rescue team her mother had put together. Approaching the door, the guards looked at each other and Violet walked through entering the Manor as if nothing had happened. 

Violet emerged from the carriage with a hesitant step. Her gaze fixated on the door ahead, a mixture of fear and anger evident in her eyes, underscored by a heavy sigh that escaped her lips. Instinctively, her hand rose to her cheek, fingers grazing the lingering sting where Roman hand print kept its claim on her face.

As she cast off the hood shrouding her, a wave of apprehension swept over her. The stark reality of her situation flooded in, intertwining with the memories that clung to her like a haunting nightmare. She had sought refuge in Roman's company, excited when he was the one who found her, yet even there, solace proved false. Her fingertips traced the contours of her skin. 

He wanted her to claim a name, but she carried a name one given to her by Alexander – "my scarlet-eyed raven" – his voice echoing like a haunting memory in her mind. What thoughts would he hold about her now, with two murders staining her hands? The weight of her actions pressed upon her, a burden too heavy to bear alone. Yet she had to. 

Her trust, once freely given, now lay shattered amidst the fragments of her life. Cornered and desperate, she found herself drawn to Lord Fritz's unexpected offer, a flicker of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. Yet, even as she contemplated this she still stood hesitant.

With each measured step towards her home, she confronted the many guards standing by the door, their presence a testament to her mother's likely frantic search. Approaching the door, the guards looked at each other with confusion as Violet walked through entering inside the Manor as if nothing had happened. The only evidence still stinging her cheek. 

Inside, the familiar opulence of the Estate, Countess Liliane Damien was already at the foot of the stairs. Her eyes widened and she approached hastily, speeding through the foyer toward her daughter with concern and relief evident on her features.[color=teal] "Violet, my dear," [/color] she began, her voice soft, [color=teal] "I’ve been so worried about you… I’m so sorry."[/color] Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. [color=teal]"I cannot even fault you for leaving after all you’ve been through… I want you to know that I'm here for you. Always."[/color] She moved closer, her voice trembling slightly. [color=teal]"… I was desperate. I couldn't bear the thought of you having your life cut short. In my fear, I made a choice—a terrible, hasty choice—without consulting you. I know it’s unfair and I will spend my life making this up to you."[/color]

Liliane reached out, gently taking Violet's hands in her own. [color=teal]"I want to make it right, Violet. I want to help you find a way through this, I want to find you a cure…But I also want you to guide me. Your thoughts, your feelings—they matter more than anything. I want to be here for you, to support you in the way you need. I want us to find a way to reverse this curse together; I don’t want you to feel like you're alone in this."[/color]

Violet's eyes landed on her mother's and then moved down to the hand she gripped so desperately. Slowly removed her hand from her mother's grasp her eyes scanned her face as if trying to seek some kind of empathy. But she had none. 

Her mother however didn’t need to continue through the torture. She had to be bigger than her. The sting on her cheek continued to pulse as a constant reminder.[color=firebrick] “You don't get to do that.” [/color] she said .

[color=firebrick]“ You don’t get to choose for me anymore. You used your chances.”[/color]  She settled her hands in front of her dress as she unbuttoned her cape, Violet's red eyes unbreaking from hers..[color=firebrick] “ You don't choose to reverse what you’ve done because of your guilt. You don't get to choose who I spend my time with or where I decide to spend my time.”[/color] She paused taking in a deep breath as she continued to talk to her calmly. 

[color=firebrick]“ How much did you pay him?”[/color] she asked her pointedly about Roman leaving it open in case other names slipped out. Who exactly did she involve? 


Liliane took a step back, her face anguished.  [color=teal] "Violet, I... I never wanted to hurt you. I thought I was protecting you. I see now that I was wrong, terribly wrong." [/color] She clasped her hands together, her voice breaking.  [color=teal] "I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I beg for it nonetheless. Not for my sake, but for yours. You deserve to live free from the shadows of my mistakes." [/color]

She took a deep breath, looking more vulnerable than Violet had ever seen her.  [color=teal] "If you want to leave, to find your own way, I won’t stop you. But if you stay, let me help you on your terms. I want to support you, to follow your lead. You don’t have to forgive me, but please, let me try to make things right, even if that means giving you space so you can still utilize your own home here…"[/color] 

Liliane’s eyes filled with genuine tears.  [color=teal] "I’ve arranged for blood to have on stock for you… You should only need it once a week, but I won’t force it on you. It’s here if you need it. And I promise, I will find a way to cure this curse. You deserve that chance, and I will do everything in my power to give it to you. On your terms, Violet. Always on your terms."[/color] 

She looked down, her hands shaking.  [color=teal] "I never paid Alexander.. or Roman… Anyone for matter… to assist. We all just wanted to know you were safe. ”[/color]

Silence crept over the two of them, only the pitter-patter of the feet of the maids running around attempting to prepare their nightly chores could be heard echoing. [i]Alexander…[/i] her mind echoed him name. Did he want her safe, or was he worried she would let out his little secret? Roman’s idea of helping was already clear. That moment alone made her realize just how little trust she held for anyone. 

Violet took note of the compassion her mother held but even a murderer could be remorseful. All she spoke of was simply a reflection of her conscience and not shame for what she truly did. She knew she held the power. Three small words would likely ease her mother's discomfort and give her a false sense of security. 

[color=firebrick]“I will stay,”[/color] her voice breaking their silence..[color=firebrick] “But I require space. Space to choose my path since you..stole” [/color]Her voice dropped as she attempted to keep herself from shouting.[color=firebrick] “ You stole that from me the first time.”[/color] She looked at Liliane's eyes and she could feel the feeling of pity start to appear..[color=firebrick] “ I cannot forgive you,”[/color] her voice dropped to a sad whisper..[color=firebrick] “...not yet”[/color] she added her voice nearly cracking. She cleared her throat and adjusted herself pulling her back into the cold-hearted expression she held when she first entered..[color=firebrick] “ I have to take care of something tonight. I am going to wash up and head out, but I will return home when it's done.” [/color] Her red eyes drifted over to the dining room. 

She suddenly remembered her mother mentioning that the blood would last her for a week. She could barely manage minutes let alone a week between each time she has fed. Her heart thumped with anxious feelings as it confirmed something was wrong with her. .[color=firebrick]“How do you know about all of this? Was there a book? Some kind of “fuck up your kid with vampirism manual?” [/color]Violet's red eyes returned to her mother. .[color=firebrick]“Or is there some support group that you’ve been seeking asylum with?” [/color]

 [color=teal] “ Take all the space you need dear… I understand.” [/color] Lily had begun softly only to find herself on the negative end of Violet’s questioning. She soon answered, [color=teal] “I did some research. I can give you the information I was provided… I will leave it in your room tonight. ”[/color] Lily then took a step back toward the stairs.  [color=teal] Anything else you need, please feel free to seek me out. I will give you your space. “ [/color]

She paused before she had been about to ascend the stairs, a frown forming on her features. [color=teal] ”But before I go… Did someone hurt you, Violet? I can’t help but notice the mark on your cheek. “[/color] 

Violet stood silent for a moment. She felt the need for her mother creep inside of her. Wanting to tell her about her first kiss, about how her heart fluttered. How he hurt her. [color=firebrick] “Just had a little too much at the tavern. It’s nothing.”[/color] she said calmly. Slowly untieing her tattered cloak she removed it, passing it over to a maid that stood close by. She took it with ease, her expression unable to hide her shock at the state of it. [color=firebrick] “ Will need some mending,”[/color] she reassured as the women nodded before scurrying out of the room. 

Heading towards the stairs to return to her room, she passed her mother before stopping on the landing. Her red eyes peered down to Lillian as the venom in her voice caused a slight chill in the air. .[color=firebrick]” If Lord Ravenwood comes calling regardless of where I am, I’m not here. “[/color] she paused as if wanting to say something else but instead Violet turned back around and headed up the stairs towards her room.  [/color]