The morning light filtered through the grand windows of Ahicia's room, casting golden hues across the plush furnishings. She stretched leisurely, relishing the temporary quiet. Damian's cryptic words from the night before had unsettled her, but she had taken solace in the belief that she had at least a week to prepare for his family's arrival.
A sharp knock at the door shattered her thoughts. She frowned, brushing back her hair as she called, "Come in."
A young maid entered, her expression hesitant. "Miss, Master has asked me to inform you that the family has arrived. They'll be expecting you shortly in the main hall."
Ahicia froze. "What?" she asked, her voice sharper than intended.
The maid shifted uncomfortably. "They arrived early this morning. The Master said to let you know immediately."
Biting back a curse, Ahicia nodded. "Thank you. That will be all."
As the maid left, closing the door quietly behind her, Ahicia's mind raced. This wasn't part of the plan. Why had they come so soon? More importantly, how much did Damian suspect?
Quickly dressing in a simple yet elegant gown provided by the household, she steadied herself. Whatever awaited her downstairs, she couldn't afford to falter now. Her footsteps echoed softly as she descended the grand staircase, her pulse quickening with every step.
The main hall was a spectacle of wealth and power, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and its marble floors gleaming under the morning sun. A cluster of figures stood near the fireplace, their conversations hushed but intense.
Damian's golden eyes were the first to meet hers as she entered. He was standing tall, his posture commanding as always, but his gaze held an edge of warning. Beside him stood several individuals whose bearing and attire screamed influence—his family, no doubt.
But it was the three familiar faces among them that sent a chill down her spine.
Her father's sharp features were as stern as she remembered, his dark eyes scanning the room with calculated precision. Her mother stood beside him, poised and regal, her expression unreadable but her presence commanding. And then there was her younger sister, wide-eyed and fidgeting, a stark contrast to the composed figures flanking her.
Ahicia's heart pounded as a mixture of emotions surged through her—anger, confusion, and a pang of vulnerability she'd buried long ago. What were they doing here? How had Damian's family convinced them to come?
"Ahicia," Damian's voice broke through her thoughts, drawing the room's attention to her. "Allow me to introduce you."
She forced a smile, stepping forward with measured grace. "It seems you've been busy," she said, her tone light but her eyes challenging as they met Damian's.
"Family is important," he replied smoothly. "And given the circumstances, it only made sense to… expedite things."
"How thoughtful of you," she said, her words laced with sarcasm.
"Ahicia," her father's voice cut in, firm and authoritative. "We need to talk."
She turned to him, masking her emotions with practiced ease. "Father. Mother. Sister. This is quite the reunion. I wasn't expecting to see you here."
"Neither were we," her mother said, her tone sharp but restrained. "It seems circumstances have… changed."
Damian stepped forward, his presence an anchor in the room. "There will be time for personal discussions later. For now, let's focus on the matter at hand."
Ahicia's eyes flicked to him, suspicion and irritation bubbling beneath her calm facade. "And what matter would that be?"
"The truth," Damian said, his golden gaze locking onto hers with unyielding intensity. "Why you're here. Why you've gone to such lengths to conceal your power. And why you seem to attract so much… attention."
The room fell silent, the weight of his words pressing on everyone present. Ahicia's mind worked furiously, but she knew one thing for certain—this was only the beginning. The stakes had just risen, and the game was far from over.