Shackled Dreams

The scent of fresh chamomile and bergamot lingered in the air from the steaming teapot placed on the table between Helena and Lyvia. The clinking of porcelain was the only sound in the silence as Helena took a slow sip from her delicate teacup, her gaze fixed firmly on her daughter, who sat across from her.

Helena placed her cup down gently, the soft clink against the saucer masking the steel in her voice. "I'm glad to see you've finally come to your senses, Lyvia. It's about time you stopped locking yourself in your room like a sulking child."

Lyvia exhaled heavily and ran a hand through her loose, dark curls. She stared down at the untouched tea in front of her, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her skirt. "I just needed time," she muttered, unwilling to meet her mother's piercing gaze.