DAGON MANSION

CHAPTER ELEVEN: XENA IN DAGON MANSION

When Mia opened the great oak door, Xena smiled.

She looked breathtaking — pale skin framed by the shimmer of her hair, the faintest fatigue beneath her eyes only deepening her allure. Xena had seen her in many states before, but this domestic grace struck her with quiet reverence.

Mia guided her past the entrance hall into one of the grand salons. The room was bathed in the fragile light of winter, filtered through tall windows. Velvet drapes and ivory walls softened the cold, while a fire crackled faintly, as if afraid of disturbing the silence.

"Please, sit," Mia said.

Xena sank into the plush cushions. Scarlett, in her playpen, looked up with bright curiosity.

"Scarlett," Mia said gently. "This is Xena, your sister. I don't know if she understands, but I explain everything to her as if she were an adult."

Xena laughed.

"You're right to do so. I've always thought that speaking to children in nonsense tones was idiotic."

Scarlett clung to the bars and announced with a small stumble:

"Mom, Mom — I want to ply with her."

"She seems to like you," said Mia, smiling. "Usually, she's quieter."

Xena crouched beside the child. There was something eerily familiar in the girl — Mia's blue eyes, yes, but Ryan's grin, and something else: a glint of her own spirit, proud and knowing.

"You want to play with me, little one? How would you like to play?"

Scarlett lifted her stuffed dragon — green with brown wings — and flung it toward Xena. She caught it deftly by a wing, exchanging a look with Mia that said more than words.

"The girl inherited your powers," Xena murmured.

"She's amazing, isn't she?"

Mia rose, crossing to the table to fetch her phone — and suddenly the light vanished.

Everything dimmed, as though the room itself had drawn a breath and forgotten to release it.

Scarlett screamed.

"Mom!"

Xena was already at her side, catching Mia before she fell, lowering her gently to the couch. She rang the small silver bell nearby; a maid appeared instantly, terror in her eyes, and ran for water.

When she returned, Xena took the glass and pressed it to Mia's lips.

Scarlett cried until her voice cracked. Xena knelt beside her, smoothing the child's hair.

"Your mother will be fine, sweetheart. I'll take care of her."

Scarlett blinked, studying her face with uncanny focus.

"Hank yu," she said solemnly.

Xena was startled by the child's composure — almost adult, almost ancient.

When Mia finally stirred, Xena clasped her hand.

"You must see a doctor tomorrow. Are you eating properly?"

"I'm not hungry anymore, Xena."

"Then I'll make sure you eat. I'll stay here — at least for the rest of my winter break."

Mia smiled faintly.

"At Dagon Mansion?"

"If the lady of the house allows me," Xena said, glancing toward Scarlett, who giggled softly.

"She seems to agree," Mia whispered. "But what about your girlfriend?"

"Brisa will understand. She'll join me next weekend."

"Then it's settled," Mia said, and her eyes glistened with quiet gratitude.

The next morning, they visited the doctor in town. Mia sat pale and silent, her pulse thin beneath Xena's fingers.

"You're anemic," the doctor said at last, "from a vitamin B-12 deficiency. You must eat better."

"Don't worry, doctor," Xena replied. "I'll see to her meals myself."

That evening, the mansion was asleep. The wind pressed against the windows, and the fire in the drawing room cast long, trembling shadows.

"Xena," Mia said, her voice low, "I can't do this anymore. I love my baby, but I'm exhausted. Even with Mother and Grandmother's help, it's too much. And there's something else—something that won't let me rest."

"Ryan," Xena said quietly.

Mia's eyes filled.

"Yes. I love him, and it's killing me."

"Then stop letting him destroy you."

"Don't say that. It isn't him — it's what he told me."

"What did he say?"

Mia's voice trembled.

"That he's in love with another woman."

Xena clenched her fists.

"Damn him."

Mia's tone hardened suddenly.

"He's your father. Don't speak ill of him. It's a lie — I know it is. And I'll prove it."

There was a fever in her gaze, a near-mad conviction. Love had become the curse's perfect vessel.

The next day, Mia took Scarlett to visit Ryan. The child squealed with joy at the sight of him.

"Dad, Dad!"

Ryan lifted her into his arms, his expression softening as she laughed against his chest.

"How's my little princess?"

"She's wonderful," Mia said, watching them. Then, as if by accident, she added:

"You should know Scarlett and Xena get along beautifully."

Ryan paused.

"Xena? She came to visit?"

"She's staying with us at Dagon Mansion," Mia replied, eyes averted.

The words struck him like a blade. A hot pulse of jealousy flared — images, half-memory and half-fear, flooding his mind. He wanted to tear the walls apart, to destroy the world that confined him. But instead, he forced a smile.

"I'm glad you two are close again. I wish you both the best."

He turned away, hiding the storm in his eyes.

Mia, watching him, thought: He's pretending. He must be. He'll break sooner or later.

But he didn't. He remained calm, and his indifference shattered her far more than rage ever could.

That night, back at Dagon Mansion, the house seemed to breathe differently. The mirrors fogged without reason. The air trembled faintly in the halls.

And somewhere, deep beneath the marble floors, something — or someone—stirred.