Celeste strode the plush corridors of Raventhorn Manor with unyielding tread, expressionless face. Servants parted for her, their own face split with fear and wonder—as with everything.
Good. Fear was a valuable asset.
This time, however, she would not squander the opportunity on lesser acts of spite.
She had just one month remaining before Liliana's plan would be activated. Just one month before she would be betrayed by Damian.
She would not be waiting for fate to play its hand. She would play hers.
"Where is my father?" she asked upon arriving at the principal hall.
Mina recoiled from the chill of the tone. "The Duke is in his library, my lady."
Celeste did not lose any time.
His father, Duke Alistair Raventhorn, had been a dominant force, a fighter of vampires and werewolves at his disposal. But he had, for one moment, trusted the wrong people with his life. That had ended up costing him his life.
Not this time.
She flung the heavy doors of the study wide, and from beyond the desk looked up at her with a hint of surprise. He was still strong, still alive.
"Celeste? How did you arrive here early?"
She looked at him intently. There was the dictator with the iron fist, yet the viper had remained hidden, even in his own home, when he was still alive.
Lil
Celeste's fingers curled into white-knuck
I had to speak with you about Liliana, she said firmly.
Her father frowned. "What about her?"
She drew a deep breath. She could not reveal the whole of it. But she could plant the initial seed of doubt.
"You believe her too much," she said bluntly.
"I believe that she is not as naive as she seems."
Alistair sighed. "Celeste, I know that you and your stepsister don't get along, but—"
"She is no sister of mine," interrupted Celeste, flashing with eyes. "And if you just keep believing what she tells you, she will murder you."
The words hung in the air.
He stood transfixed, his face impassive.
You appear.different, he said last.
He did not flinch from looking at his eyes. "I can see better now."
Her father sat quietly for a long time, then sighed. "Okay, Celeste. I will pay closer attention."
It was not a total success. But it was the start.
And she needed only a start.