A trembling started in my fingers.
"Take it," Aurora urged quietly. "Let them dress you."
The maids had already started. One of them stepped forward, holding out undergarments that looked like clouds wrapped in ribbon. Another brought over a chair and guided me into it. I felt like I was in a daze, like I'd been dropped into someone else's dream.
They draped me in undergarments, petticoats, corset – dear God, the corset with its layers of silk and lace. I tried to help, but they gently moved my hands aside with soft smiles. My heart raced the entire time. It was the first time in years I'd let anyone touch me without bracing for pain.
When the dress slipped over my head, I swear I forgot what breathing was.
It was silver-blue, stitched with tiny beadwork that glittered like morning frost. One maid stepped back and curtsied after putting me in high heels. Another brought a mirror.
I looked and I saw her.
A girl I didn't recognize. One with light in her eyes and a gown fit for a queen. One who could be dangerous.
"I… I don't know what to say," I said finally, my voice tiny in the grandeur of the room.
"Say thank you," Aurora replied with a smirk that told me she knew exactly how overwhelmed I was. "And then learn how to walk in heels."
I looked down and winced. The shoes were pretty. Deadly. Like swans with blades for feet.
"Oh, God," I muttered. "Do I have to walk in them now?"
"You'll need to. He'll want to see you."
That made me snap upright. "What? When?"
Aurora's smile was stoic. "When he's ready."
So helpful. So calming.
I took a shaky breath and tried a step. My heel wobbled and I lurched sideways—straight into one of the maids, who caught me with the reflexes of someone who probably used to work for a spy agency.
"She looks lovely," another maid giggled.
I flushed.
Aurora raised a hand, and all five women immediately stepped back into formation like chess pieces called home.
"These are Caligo's personal maids. They work only in the east wing and answer directly to me."
To her? Did she hold that much power in this household? I thought she was just a servant.
I turned, startled. "To you?"
She nodded. "I've been here longer than most of the walls in this place. If there's one thing I've learned, it's who to trust. And these women are the only ones I trust near you."
The maids inclined their heads respectfully.
"You'll call for them using this," Aurora said, pointing to a small gold bell on the vanity. "Each bell has a sound. Never ring the wrong one."
"What happens if I do?" I asked.
"Someone you don't want might show up."
That wasn't ominous at all.
Just as I was absorbing the shock of that sole declaration, the room's atmosphere shifted dramatically. The heavy double doors burst open, and in swept a sight of elegance and authority. Nyx, Caligo's half-sister, entered with a commanding presence that drew every eye in the room.
The maids, who were previously bustling around me, immediately ceased their activities and bowed deeply. Their synchronized movements resembled a well-rehearsed performance. Aurora also inclined her head respectfully but remained by my side.
Nyx's gaze swept over the room, settling on me with an appraising look. Her violet eyes sparkled with intrigue. She was dressed in a flowing gown of midnight blue, adorned with silver embroidery. Her dark hair cascaded in waves down her back.
"Ladies, you may leave us." She addressed the maids sweetly, yet authoritatively.
The maids bowed once more and exited swiftly, their departure as seamless as their entrance.
Turning to Aurora, Nyx offered a warm smile. "Aurora, would you be so kind as to fetch the rose-scented hair oil from my chambers? I intended to gift it to Rose, but completely forgot."
Aurora hesitated for a moment, like she could tell this was a device to get rid of her. Her eyes flickered between Nyx and me. "Of course, Lady Nyx," she replied finally.
With a final glance at me that shouts 'behave', she departed, leaving me alone with Nyx.
Nyx approached me gracefully. "Welcome to our world, Rose."
Well, here was Caligo's half sister smiling sweetly at me. Don't blame me if I don't know how to act around her.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, suddenly acutely aware of my elaborate attire and the grandeur surrounding me. "Thank you, Lady Nyx," I murmured.
"Please, just Nyx," she corrected gently. "We're of similar age, after all."
I nodded, still feeling somewhat out of place.
"I wanted to apologize for my mother and sister's behavior earlier," Nyx continued in a sincere expression. "They can be... intense."
"It's fine," I replied quickly, not wanting to delve into that uncomfortable encounter.
Nyx studied me for a moment, then said, "I hope we can be friends."
F-friends? She wants to be friends with me? Why? We were so far from being on the same league. I mean, look at her…
Her offer caught me off guard, leaving me uncertain of her motives.
"You seem surprised," she observed.
"It's just... unexpected," I admitted.
"Understandable," she said. "But unlike many in this house, I have no ulterior motives."
Unlike many others? Here we go again…
"What do you mean?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as I shifted closer to her, suddenly interested in this topic.
Everyone here seemed not to want me to trust others but themselves.
"I'll explain everything in due time," she promised. "For now, trust only me and Caligo."
Caligo? I frowned, recalling Aurora's warnings. But… Aurora said I shouldn't trust Caligo. Now, his sister wanted me to trust just him and her?
What exactly was going on in this Godforsaken mansion?! Were they even family at all?
Nyx's expression softened when she read the unarticulated confusion on my face. "Caligo is complex. He rarely shows affection, yet he cut off a maid's fingers to protect you. That's unprecedented."
I shuddered at the memory, conflicted by the contrasting portrayals of Caligo. I was beginning to understand that being associated with him—let alone under his protection- was like walking around with a live grenade in your pocket. No one dared touch you, but you also had to be very, very careful not to trip.
"Anyone dear to Caligo is dear to me," Nyx declared. "Despite being half-siblings, he's done much for me, girl. Such a huge…" Her eyes grew dreamy. "…huge sacrifice."