Moon and Shadow

CHAPTER 6

WITH AN ACHING FEET AND A RACING HEART AND MIND, THE LADY OF TSIBEYA NAVIGATED HER WAY THROUGH THE LONG CORRIDORS OF THE GRAND PALACE, LETTING OUT A SIGH IN RELIEF AS HER GAZE FELL UPON THE MODEST DOUBLE DOORS THAT LEAD TO HER CHAMBERS. But her relief lasted only for a few moments. Twisting the doorknob, she allowed herself in, only to be met with a sight of her entire family, except for Mikhail who was fast asleep, lounging around her bedchambers.

Vanya sat on a chair next to the fireplace, a robe tied tightly around her slender figure while her blonde hair were let out of the intricate hairdo, flowing down her back in effortless curls. Her eyes lit up as she found her elder sister enter, instantly jumping to her feet as she approached the lady with a huge grin. "How was it?" She chirruped, taking her sister's hands in her grasp.

Yelena saw as everyone turned their attention to her, waiting for her to answer. She knew she was expected to show as much enthusiasm as her younger sister, if not more. But there was no strength left in her to portray an emotion she did not felt at the moment. Hence, she settled on offering a small smile to her sister while she squeezed her hand gently, reassuringly. "It was good."

The grin on the younger lady fell as she noted her sister's lack of enthusiasm and a frown took place. "Why do you seem so... disinterested?" She queried, letting go of her sister's hands as she wrapped her hands around herself. Her eyes were filled with contempt, and a hint of jealousy.

From the corner of her eyes, the lady saw her twin move, his jaw clinched and fingers balled in fists. In his eye, danced the devil of anger, and she could swear that the fire burning in the fireplace grew furious. But before he could say or do anything, Duke Volkov's voice boomed in the silent room. "That is no way to address your sister." A shill ran through Vanya's spine, as she slowly turned to her father; all of her annoyance evaporating in thin air, and replacing it was fear.

"But father-" she tried to argue but was stopped by a single raised hand. The girl gulped, her eyes moving to look between her brothers for help, but neither seemed to do anything. Viktor was fuming, his fist clinched by his side as he tried to control his abilities and the lure of the blazing fire dancing in the fireplace, while Danil was already too deep in his cups to care for anything other than himself.

"Go and sleep. You seem quite tired," the patriarch commanded in a cold voice, ignoring the small plea that left his daughter's lip, instead turning his focus onto his eldest who stood glancing in between him and her sister. "You shouldn't be worrying your lip like that, girl," he hissed, making Yelena immediately let go of her lower lip that had instinctively found itself in between her teeth.

Vladimir took two wide strides, his eyes watching his daughter, studying her closely before he looked over his shoulder. "I see you haven't moved." Vanya gulped, her steps hesitant as she approached the double doors, glancing over her shoulder pleadingly. But no one heard her plea, too invested in their own thoughts. With a huff, she left with deflated shoulders, grumbling under her breath.

"Danil," Vladimir called, his narrowed eyes watched as the boy stood up from his seat on trembling feet, struggling to find balance. There was a visible sway to him, his blue eyes glossy while a lazy smile draped over his features. "Father," he slurred, stretching the word as his hand found the back of the couch, slowly stumbling his way over to where the Duke and Lady of Tsibeya stood.

There was no denying that the Duke was beyond angry. His fists were clenched by his side, jaw tight while he watched his younger son disdainfully. "Leave," the patriarch ordered, observing as the boy only grinned slowly, swaying as he huffed, "gladly." 

Soon enough, only the twins were left along with their father, whose face had hardened significantly. They could feel anger rolling off the Duke, filling the entire room in a dangerous glow.