DAGON MANSION

CHAPTER NINETEEN: THE CONVERSATION

Mia fixed her gaze upon Ryan, her eyes wide and gleaming with disbelief. Her voice trembled, caught between fury and despair.

"Married? Is this some kind of cruel joke?"

Ryan's expression did not falter. "No, Mia. It is true. I have married."

For an instant, the world seemed to drain of air. A cold sweat gathered on Mia's forehead; her pulse hammered as if her own heart had turned against her. She pressed trembling hands against her chest and throat.

"I... can't... breathe..."

Ryan rose, alarmed. "Mia, calm yourself. Take a deep breath."

She stared at him — the man she had once loved, the man who now seemed a stranger — before bursting into a fit of ragged sobs and screams.

"No! Damn you! You couldn't have married her!"

Her fists struck his chest, her blows desperate rather than violent. He caught her wrists with firm but gentle hands.

"Listen to me, Mia. We need to talk. But you must stay calm."

Ryan guided her toward a chair, his own face drained of color. She sat, trembling, eyes blazing with disbelief.

"Who is she?" Mia whispered, her voice breaking.

"Theolinda Brady."

A dry, incredulous laugh escaped Mia's lips.

"And to think... I was the one who brought her to you. What a fool I was."

"Mia, there's no use resisting the truth. You have to accept it."

"I will not," she said coldly. "I refuse."

Ryan's gaze hardened with quiet resolve. "There is something else. Theolinda will be moving into Dagon Mansion in a few days."

Mia's body stiffened. The silence between them grew poisonous.

"Scarlett owns Dagon Mansion," she hissed. "What is that woman doing there?"

"She is my wife, Mia. She must live in the family home. I only ask that you treat her with respect."

Her laughter returned, bitter and sharp. "Respect? Ryan, we are in love."

Ryan looked away. "I'm in love with Theolinda."

Mia's eyes flashed. "Look at me," she ordered, seizing his chin. "Look at me and say it again."

He hesitated, his breath shallow. Then, forcing the words: "I love Theolinda."

Mia released him. Her expression turned still, ghostlike.

"I'm not playing games, Mia. I married her. I love her. She will live at the mansion. This is final."

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She turned her face away, whispering inwardly: You still love me. You're only saying this because of that cursed prophecy.

Out loud, she murmured with a semblance of calm, "Very well. I accept it. But don't expect friendship between us."

"I never intended that," Ryan said. "I'll see you later, Mia — but only when Scarlett is present."

When she was gone, Ryan collapsed into his chair, his chest tight. The silence of the prison cell pressed upon him like a weight. He thought of Mia — her scent, her trembling hands, her eyes glimmering with old love. He did not know how he had restrained himself from taking her in his arms again.

But he had. He had remained faithful to Theolinda, his wife. She had brought him peace, something close to redemption. She deserves my loyalty, he thought, pressing a hand to his heart.

Just then, a knock echoed through the iron door.

"Sir," said Jeremiah, stepping inside, "there's a call for you. From Rowena."

Ryan stood, frowning. "Put her through."

"Rowena?"

"Ryan," came the soft, smoky voice through the line. "I have news — news about your bride."

Ryan's pulse quickened. "Tell me."

"Theolinda's father was Desmond Brady. Among the magical orders, he was known as Protector Bonorum — a member of the Order Sapientiae Antiquae."

Ryan's brow furrowed. "I've heard whispers of him. A man both feared and respected."

"Yes," Rowena said. "Before he died, he placed a powerful spell upon Theolinda — a protection from both light and darkness. No demonic or celestial force can harm her. She is untouched by the very currents that rule our world."

Ryan leaned back, a shadow crossing his face. "The Order... They were said to guard humanity from magic — even as they practiced it in secret."

"Indeed. They wielded the fire they feared," Rowena murmured. "But in this case, their legacy shields her. You need not fear for Theolinda's safety. Your curse will not touch her."

Ryan's throat tightened. "Then she is safe — from me."

"Yes," Rowena said gently. "And she should be told. She has a right to know what she carries within her blood."

Ryan nodded, his eyes distant. "I'll tell her. Thank you, Rowena."

"Be careful, my dear Ryan," she whispered. "The heart can be more dangerous than any curse."

That same week, Theolinda arrived at Dagon Mansion.

The sky hung low and grey, and the sea mist rolled across the gardens like a shroud. The great iron gates creaked open, revealing the house — a colossal silhouette rising from the cliffs, its windows reflecting the last light of the dying sun.

Mia and Scarlett stood waiting by the entrance. Xena and Brisa had also come for the reception, though Xena's gaze darted uneasily between the two women. She feared the storm that simmered beneath their polite smiles.

Theolinda stepped out of the car. A shiver ran through her body. So this is where I shall live now — among the ghosts of the Dagon name.

The front doors opened. Mia stood there, radiant and cold, her hands clasped in front of her as if she were already the mistress of the house.

"Welcome to Dagon Mansion," Mia said softly. "I trust you'll find it... comfortable."

Theo's eyes met hers. "Thank you. I intend to."

The wind swept through the marble hall as she crossed the threshold — and somewhere, deep within the house, a door creaked open on its own.

The mansion had accepted its new mistress.

Or perhaps, it had simply begun to watch her.