Clocks and Buttons

Chapter 1

Anastasia stood at the window of her childhood bedroom, the soft glow of the morning sun filtering through the lace curtains. It felt like a lifetime ago that she had left Bordeaux for Lyon, chasing dreams of independence and a life untethered by family obligations. But now, that life felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the weight of grief.
The clock on the mantel ticked steadily, a rhythmic reminder of the time slipping away. Each tick echoed the memories of laughter shared, of dinners around the table, and of her sisters' playful bickering. Now, silence reigned in the house, broken only by the occasional cough from her mother down the hall."Anastasia?" Her mother's voice, once strong and vibrant, was now a mere whisper. The ache in Anastasia's chest deepened. She knew she needed to be strong for her family, but the thought of facing her aunt filled her with dread. Aunt Madam Grey had always been an enigma—a woman shrouded in mystery, wielding a power that both fascinated and frightened Anastasia.With a heavy heart, she gathered her belongings, packing only what she needed. The magical heirlooms that adorned her childhood room, however, were another story. She hesitated before slipping a small silver locket into her bag—a keepsake from her late sister, imbued with memories and a hint of magic that she could never fully explain.As she closed her suitcase, a strange sensation washed over her, a tingling at the nape of her neck. She brushed it off, blaming it on nerves, and headed downstairs. Her brother, Jules, was already waiting, his youthful face set with determination that seemed too heavy for someone just eighteen."Are you ready?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for reassurance."As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, forcing a smile. "We'll get through this together."The drive to Bordeaux was filled with an uneasy silence. Jules fiddled with his phone, tapping away at messages, while Anastasia stared out the window, watching the landscape change from the familiar city streets to the winding roads leading into the heart of the countryside. Each mile brought her closer to the looming presence of Aunt Madam Grey's estate, a sprawling mansion that seemed to watch over the land like a guardian—or a prison.When they finally arrived, the mansion stood before them, majestic yet foreboding, its dark stone walls cloaked in ivy and shadows. The air felt thick with tension, and Anastasia's heart raced as they approached the grand entrance."Let's get this over with," she muttered, steeling herself for whatever awaited inside.As they crossed the threshold, the scent of old books and polished wood enveloped them. The foyer was grand, with an intricate chandelier casting a warm glow over the dark, rich furnishings. But something felt off. A chill ran down her spine, as if the house itself was alive, holding its breath."Anastasia!" A voice called from the shadows, and before she could brace herself, Aunt Madam Grey emerged. Her presence was commanding, her long silver hair cascading over her shoulders, eyes sharp and calculating. "Welcome home."Anastasia forced a smile, her stomach twisting. "Thank you for having us.""We have much to discuss," Madam Grey said, her gaze flickering to Jules, who stood stiffly beside his sister. "And there are matters of great importance at hand."Anastasia felt the weight of those words settle heavily in the air. What could possibly be more important than the state of their family? But before she could ask, a figure stepped out from behind Madam Grey—her butler, a tall man with an unsettlingly serene demeanor. His eyes held a darkness that made Anastasia's heart race."Allow me to assist you with your bags," he said, his voice smooth yet chilling. She hesitated, instinctively stepping closer to Jules, who looked just as uneasy."Thank you, but I can manage," she replied, keeping her distance. There was something about him that set her on edge, a whisper of danger she couldn't ignore."Very well," Madam Grey said, a hint of amusement in her tone. "I do hope you find your stay... enlightening."As the doors closed behind them, sealing them within the mansion's walls, Anastasia couldn't shake the feeling that they had crossed a threshold into a world she was not prepared to face. The clock continued to tick ominously in the background, each sound echoing a warning she couldn't yet understand. Little did she know, her life was about to change in ways she couldn't imagine, and time was running out.