In the tranquil garden of an austere manor nestled in the Austrian countryside, the late afternoon sun draped golden light over manicured hedges and blooming roses. The scent of fresh earth and lavender mingled in the warm breeze, carrying with it a deceptive calm.
A man and a woman walked side by side along a stone path lined with stone statues, their footsteps silent on the gravel. The woman's long golden hair shimmered softly as she gently clasped the hand of the man beside her. His dark brown hair contrasted with his striking blue eyes—eyes sharp and calculating, reflecting the subtle tension in the air.
After several moments of quiet, the man finally broke the silence, his voice low and measured. "So, tell me, Sophie… what has your mother been doing these recent days? As far as I know, that witch of a woman sank my family's ship in the ocean—carrying precious potions and magical artifacts. Valuable ones. Lost forever."
Sophie sighed heavily, the weight of recent events evident in her delicate features. "I'm sorry about that," she said softly. "But you know, she's found a new obsession these past few months."
Maximilian raised an eyebrow, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. "A new obsession? For a woman like her? What could possibly consume her so?"
She hesitated, then glanced sideways at him. "It's your niece, Eira White."
For a few seconds, Maximilian stopped walking, staring ahead with a hardening expression. "What could possibly make Alina Trévér fixate on her? Why Eira White?"
Sophie's voice lowered, her tone tinged with unease. "I don't know for sure. But one day, mother went out alone, and after that, everything changed. When she returned, she told the family that any information about Eira White must be brought directly to her. She even assigned four people to follow Eira constantly."
"She's stalking Eira?" Maximilian's voice was sharp with disbelief.
Sophie nodded solemnly. "Yes, and more than that… whenever there's news about Eira in the papers, especially photos, Alina smiles… stupidly, some would say. She murmurs to herself, Mine, mine, she's mine. Over and over."
Maximilian's jaw clenched, eyes flashing with dark intent as Sophie continued. "That's disturbing. Some family members whisper that mother has lost her mind—insane since you killed her husband, Charles."
He shook his head slowly. "I don't believe that's the cause. No. This… obsession is between Alina and Eira. Something deeper."
Sophie's voice dropped further. "Then why didn't you finish the job on that day? If you had killed Alina back then, our war would be over. We would have been free."
Maximilian's lips pressed into a hard line. "I intended to. But she sent Charles to the Duel of Honor instead of herself. I was expecting her, not that coward. Because of that, the war escalated beyond control—so much so that the world barely notices anymore. When members of either family die, it's like… it's expected. Newspapers don't even report it."
Sophie's eyes darkened with frustration. "When will you end this, Maximilian? When will you finish it once and for all?"
He paused, thoughtful. Then a slow smile crept across his face. "So she's obsessed with Eira, yes? Then we will use that to our advantage. We'll make Eira the key to breaking Alina's defenses—either to kill her or have them destroy each other."
Sophie's eyes widened. "But… what about your niece? She's your sister's daughter."
Maximilian's smile vanished, replaced by cold resolve. "I don't care about anyone useless to the family. If it means sacrificing her to save the Voclain legacy, so be it. I care only about the family."
Sophie frowned, stepping closer. "And your mother, your sister? From what I hear, your sister still has a close relationship with Eira—and her family's assistant, Emma, is always at the Ministry of Magic with Isabella."
Maximilian's face twisted with bitterness. "Since that hearing at the Ministry, my sister severed ties with us completely. She hasn't set foot in our manor since, only attending Ministry meetings. My mother? She resigned from teaching potions at Beauxbâtons and retreated into herself. Doesn't care about Isabella leaving, or Eira's fate. It's no surprise."
He exhaled, eyes distant. "If I showed mercy, I'd spare Eira. But mercy isn't part of our plan."
Sophie smiled softly, resting her hand on his arm. "Please, do what must be done. I'm tired of this endless war."
Maximilian pulled her into a tight embrace. "I will, my love. I will. I love you, Sophie."
She leaned in, their foreheads resting softly together. "I love you too."
Their breaths mingled in the quiet garden, the world around them fading until nothing remained but the gentle beating of two hearts entwined in shadow and strategy.
Slowly, Maximilian tilted his head, his lips brushing hers in a soft, lingering kiss—full of promise and unspoken words. Sophie responded, her fingers threading into his hair as the kiss deepened.
When they finally parted, their eyes held a new warmth—an unbreakable spark of desire and lust forged in a moment of intimate closeness.