Siege

she'll string you along, she'll sell you a lie (iii)

Back down South, the three siblings returned to Wakefield, a solemn air around them. They parted ways as soon as they reached the second landing with all the bedchambers without another word. The manor was gloomy, the children not being any better.

Euryale was long asleep in the arms of her nanny, the poor babe unaware of what was happening. Carmilla looked out to the window from her windowsill, wanting to pick up an instrument. Any instrument, so long as she can release the misery welling inside her. She'd never thought to seek comfort outside her home, or anywhere else where her family isn't present, yet now she yearns for the warm embrace of her lover.

But she cannot possibly leave, not when she knows she'll be leaving Levi alone in this cold manor.

After a while, she came out of her room and went for her brother's. She knocked and heard his faint answer before coming inside, where she finds him frowning at a note and remnants of a bird's feathers drifting about.

"Levi? What is that?"

She neared him, curiously peeking at the note. He hands it to her and she diligently reads as he answers, "Keres' missive."

"Oh?" Her brows shot up at the note. "She's leaving alone? Without taking Eli or any of the guards?"

"No. Eli is coming here with Lilith."

"I wonder why...?" She trails off, playing innocent.

"She's been acting different since she started training to be a mage. Her actions thus far have continued to surprise me." Levi goes on about Keres' strangeness until his eyes flew to her. "Do you know anything? You're the only one who's been keeping her company the past few weeks."

"N-No. I don't think I see the change in Keres you're seeing."

"Hm." His gaze studied hers for a while, before drawing out a breath and turning away. Carmilla carefully exhaled the breath she'd been holding, her shoulders slumped. "Must be because you often saw her."

"It seems so," she agreed, her eyes wandering. "Well, brother, now that Eli and Lilith will be here shortly to keep you company, I will be going outside for a while."

Levi's focus was on the window looking out to the front of Wakefield, seemingly deep in thought. With his back turned on her, he distractedly waved his hands.

"Alright, do return before dark. The streets here are not as safe as Littletown."

Carmilla left the room with quick and long strides, just in case he'd change his mind. In quiet haste, she went to her room and took her purse. The glistening spirit plaque inside made the purse gleam ever-so-slightly, so she tightly clutched it in her arms. She went down the stairs with excited steps, calling for a carriage at once.

"To the Wizards' Tower."

Because they're in the Capital, the tower was much closer and easier to visit. And after their parents' death, this was her first time visiting again. She was restless, wondering how Cecilion will react to her surprise visit. She bit her lips, biting back a smile at the thought.

· • —–٠ ☀ ٠ —– • ·

"The funeral procession must be finished by now, hmm?" Eli tilted his head as he asked, looking out the window of their carriage. They had just entered the walls of the capital. He saw Lilith nod quietly, her eyes also busy scanning the bustling streets.

The carriage entered a manor with a large courtyard and a fountain in the middle. The mansion, called Wakefield, was intricately carved and designed for its honorable masters.