Over the days that followed, Mariam was plagued by those unsettling dreams, and despite the Marchioness remaining in her room, she would see Dorothy in her room, beckoning her to come with her. It wasn't until the fifth day that a wizard arrived at the mansion. As soon as he crossed the threshold, a chill ran through his body; there was a dark aura about the place. Barely greeting the Marchioness, he informed her of the ominous presence, though he could not quite pinpoint its origin. However, when led to Mariam's room, he sensed a strong concentration of energy.
"I will need to place a sealing of purification throughout the entire house; otherwise, this will not stop, and we need to find the culprit," he warned her.
"Of course, do whatever is necessary; my daughter must be saved—I'll pay whatever the cost," the Marchioness spoke in desperation.
The wizard thanked her and entered the room, where Mariam cowered in a corner, her eyes shadowed with dark circles reflecting her sleepless reality.
"Lady Mariam, fret not, for I have come to purify your chamber. Soon you will rest comfortably," he reassured.
The Marchioness approached her daughter who embraced her. The wizard stood center of the room, chanting the purification incantation. If a curse lingered in the room, it would be shattered. After several minutes, the oppressive atmosphere lifted from Mariam's quarters, and she felt relief. The Marchioness summoned the maids to attend to Mariam, while she tendered payment to the wizard.
"I am grateful, Marchioness, yet a dark energy pervades the entire house. If you wish, I can purify it entirely, though naturally, the cost will be higher."
The Marchioness considered her options. Ignoring the situation could mean suffering for her or her daughters. Hence, she agreed to the full purification. Meanwhile, Charlotte stood at her room’s window, a composed smile on her lips as she nibbled on grapes.
"She'll believe that all is well tonight," she smirked mischievously, "then I'll deliver the final blow..."
***
That night, Mariam asked her mother to stay with her. Even though the wizard had purified the room, she did not wish to be alone.
"Now, all shall be well again. Soon you will rejoin the world, and your debut day will arrive. You will look beautiful, attracting the finest suitors."
"Of course, Mother, if only the crown prince weren’t such a debauchee, I might captivate him and become queen."
The Marchioness pursed her lips. Certainly, if not for his reputation, she would have encouraged her daughter to pursue the crown prince. But a man of vices and other women could mean trouble; she had heard of women falling ill from their husbands' indiscretions and would not risk losing Mariam. Besides, Rogelia was still young and in time might charm the second prince.
Charlotte slid open her window and stepped onto her bedroom balcony, climbing the railing as a dark mist engulfed her. Sensing someone's presence, she leaped to an adjacent balcony, attacking with a dagger. A shadow dodged the assault and spread its wings—it was Amira, appraising the young girl.
"What a surprise, you detected my presence," she proclaimed mentally.
"Who the hell are you?" demanded Charlotte.
"For a child, your language is hardly fitting of a lady," Amira teased.
"I have no interest in being a lady, and you haven't answered... why are you spying on me?"
"It's a secret..." She gestured silence with a thumb to her lips.
Charlotte, impatient, unleashed an attack with the dark mist that struck like razor-sharp daggers. Amira evaded, drawing her sword and advancing on Charlotte. The young girl blocked with her dagger, her small frame and strength inadequate against her adversary.
The quiet of the night was shattered by the clashing of their weapons, sparks flying with each strike. Mansion guards, despite magical lanterns, could see little, for the battle took place upon the roof. As they approached the scene, the combatants retreated to another spot.
The Marquis himself came to investigate but was helpless to intervene.
"A demon, it was a demon, I saw its wings," exclaimed a guard.
Confusion spread among them; it had been centuries since anyone had seen a demon. Though they existed in lore, no sorcerer could summon them, for they had been sealed long ago. Moreover, they were uncertain about the opponent.
Amira kept on the attack, impressed by the girl's agility despite her youth. Though lacking in strength, she compensated with swiftness and cunning attack patterns.
"I must admit you're skilled, but could kill you if I wished," Amira posed.
"I think the opposite," retorted Charlotte.
She clenched her fist and the mist ensnared Amira—this she had not anticipated.
"Now tell me, who are you and why do you follow me?"
"I cannot reveal that; only my contractor can compel me to speak the truth, and I have been ordered to maintain silence."
Transforming into a small bird, she flew swiftly away from the mansion, while Charlotte vanished into the mist, evading the approaching guards. The mist dissipated into the woods where Charlotte emerged, disappearing into the forest's darkness.
.....
Amira, reverted to her true form, flopped onto Sigrid's couch, exhausted.
"That child is extraordinary... she fought well and nearly took my life."
She was sure that if she had not escaped, the girl could have killed her—her command of darkness was growing.
"If she discovered you, you should have fled."
"That was my intent, but she attacked," Amira responded. "If you wish to win her over, you must tread carefully."
"Then, I shall begin to earn her trust," Sigrid said with a cunning smile.
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