Chapter 13

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The heavy wooden door creaked open as I entered the familiar yet imposing corridors of our family mansion. The soft glow of candles illuminated the grandeur of the Raven estate, a stark contrast to the adventures and challenges I had faced in the labyrinth. My heart raced as I knew the consequences of my actions were about to unfold.

"Amy, where have you been?" Luka's voice, tinged with concern, echoed through the hallway. His worry was evident, and I felt a pang of guilt for causing him distress. The labyrinth had brought us closer, and I hated to be the source of his worry.

Before I could respond, Aunt Rosalie's stern voice cut through the air. "Amaryllis Violin, do you have any idea how worried we've been? You disappear for two days, and we have no clue where you are. This behavior is unacceptable."

I lowered my gaze, avoiding eye contact with both Luka and Aunt Rosalie. I knew I had crossed a line, but the lure of the labyrinth had been too strong to resist.

Uncle Aureus's voice, authoritative and measured, spoke from the doorway of his private study. "Come in, Amaryllis. We need to discuss your actions." The gravity in his tone made my stomach churn with anxiety. I followed him into the study, the heavy door closing behind us.

Seated behind his desk, Uncle Aureus looked at me with a mix of disappointment and concern. "Amaryllis, sneaking out and defying the rules is not befitting of the Violin family heir. We've raised you with a sense of responsibility and duty. Your actions reflect not only on yourself but on the legacy of your parents."

"I didn't mean to cause trouble," I muttered, my voice barely audible. "I just wanted to explore, to experience something beyond these walls."

"Amy, we understand your desire for exploration, but there are rules in place for a reason," Luka interjected, his eyes pleading for me to grasp the gravity of the situation. "We care about your safety."

Aunt Rosalie, though her expression held a mix of concern, wore an air of stern authority. "You're not just Amaryllis Violin; you're a symbol of your family's strength. Sneaking out jeopardizes not only your safety but the reputation of the Raven name."

Uncle Aureus leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "We cannot allow this behavior to continue. As the heir, you have a responsibility to uphold the values and traditions of the Violin family. Sneaking out endangers not only yourself but our entire legacy."

"I understand," I whispered, the weight of their expectations pressing down on me. But, amidst their admonitions, I couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped, suffocated by the rigid expectations placed upon me.

Aunt Rosalie's scolding continued, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of rebellion. They were focused on my lineage, my duty, but what about my own desires and aspirations? The labyrinth had offered a taste of freedom, and I yearned for more.

The discussion stretched on, each reprimand feeling like another layer of confinement. I felt the sting of being controlled, molded into a predetermined role. The labyrinth had shown me a world beyond these walls, and I couldn't reconcile that newfound freedom with the constraints imposed by my family.

As the lecture continued, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of frustration. Did they truly understand the complexities of the labyrinth, the choices I had to make? The reprimands felt like an imposition, a stark reminder that my desires were secondary to the expectations placed upon me.

After what seemed like an eternity, Uncle Aureus sighed. "Your magic lessons will be much harsher, Amaryllis. No excursions, no more defiance. You need to focus on your studies and the responsibilities that come with your position. I will make sure that you forget about sneaking out."

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