Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 49

Chapter 49 – The Bloom Beneath the Mask

The boys—Zatariel and Jayson—sat against the hallway wall, quiet at last.

Both looked drained, like they'd said things that were never meant to leave their mouths.

Neither of them noticed the change in the air. The faint rustle of rose vines sliding over polished marble.

They crept slowly along the floor, thin shadows against the light, moving with a purpose that no garden should have.

Toward the tall column at the end of the hall. Toward the woman standing behind it.

First Lady Jane Dom remained perfectly still, one gloved hand resting against the cold stone. She had heard everything.

Her expression didn't change. But something tight pulled at her chest.

Her gaze drifted to the boys again—her son and the boy who stood beside him in everything.

Children.

Still children. And yet already tangled in a fate neither of them had chosen.

Her fingers curled slightly against the column.

They shouldn't have to carry this.

But time was running out.

Somewhere far beyond this mansion, something had begun to stir. Jane could feel it the way one feels thunder long before the storm arrives.

And— Miexha Wayne.

The girl's power was waking. Slowly, but inevitably.

When it did, the enemies would notice. Some already had.

Jane closed her eyes briefly.

Sarah had believed the Dom family could protect the girl. That their blood, their position in the world, would be enough to keep certain... creatures at bay.

Perhaps she had been right.

But protection came with chains. And chains left scars.

Jane's gaze returned to Jayson.

Her son.

Raised like a soldier. Trained too early. Always reminded that his life would one day belong to a duty larger than himself.

She had told herself it was necessary.

But tonight, after hearing his voice break in that hallway...

It didn't feel necessary. It felt cruel.

Jane exhaled softly.

The vines responded immediately. Petals unfurled across the marble like quiet secrets blooming. A cool mist followed, fragrant and slow, slipping through the hallway.

The boys blinked. Their eyes grew heavy.

Jayson yawned first. Zatariel tried to speak, but the words dissolved into sleep.

Both of them slumped where they sat.

The vines moved at once.

Careful.

Gentle.

Zatariel was lifted first, the roses cradling him like silent hands. They carried him and opened his bedroom door, and laid him onto the bed. The blanket pulled itself neatly over his shoulders before the vines slipped back into the walls.

The door closed with a soft click.

Then they returned for Jayson. Jane followed them up the staircase.