Chapter 11: The Game of Obedience

The silence in the Vasiliev mansion had a weight of its own, one that Ana was beginning to understand with each day she spent there. The rules were not written down, but felt on her skin like a constant chill, a reminder that her existence hung in the balance. And within those rules, there was one that was never said out loud, but everyone knew: not to cross Viktoria Vasiliev.

Lucian's older sister was like an imposing ghost gliding through the corridors with her expensive perfume and dagger-sharp elegance. She didn't raise her voice, she didn't need to. His presence was enough to freeze the atmosphere and make everyone move out of his way.

Ana was not so lucky.

Her first real encounter with Viktoria occurred in the greenhouse of the mansion. She had been ordered to bring tea to the place, where the woman used to spend her afternoons reviewing documents and making calls. The other maids warned her not to speak, not to make noise, not to look more than necessary. Ana obeyed.

But that didn't stop Viktoria from noticing her.

-You're the new one," she said, not looking away from the papers on her marble desk. His tone was languid, almost lazy, but there was something sharp in it.

Ana stood still, holding the tray in her hands.

-You don't have a tongue? -Viktoria insisted, finally looking up.

Anne lowered her eyes immediately. -Yes, madam.

Viktoria let out a soft laugh, as if something in her answer amused her.

-Madam... How obedient," she murmured, taking the teacup gently. Does Lucian know you have such good manners? I'm sure he likes it when you talk to him like that. Or maybe he'd rather you just look at him with those frightened little girl eyes.

Anne felt a shiver run down her spine. What was he implying?

-Don't look at me with that face," Viktoria continued, now resting her chin on her hand. Lucian has always had a weakness for the... broken. Like a child who collects damaged toys. But tell me, what will you do when he gets tired of you?

Ana didn't answer. She didn't know how.

Viktoria smiled, but her expression held no trace of warmth. He got up slowly and walked towards her with the patience of a predator enjoying the moment before the attack. He circled Ana as if inspecting an object on display.

-You are fragile," he whispered close to her ear. Fragile and replaceable. Don't forget that. No matter how hard you try, you will never be more than a shadow in this house.

Anne pressed her lips together, feeling the air in her throat grow thick.

-Now go," Viktoria ordered, returning to her seat as if nothing had happened. And make sure you don't spill the tea next time. You don't want Lucian to have to clean you up again...

Anne felt the weight of those words even as she left the greenhouse with bated breath. It hadn't been a chance encounter. It had been a warning. A warning that even though Lucian had protected her once, at the Vasiliev mansion, Viktoria was the real mistress of the game.