The summons came at dusk.
A silent servant delivered the message, eyes averted, hands trembling slightly as he handed Maryna a sealed envelope. The wax bore Vasilios's insignia — an ornate butterfly, its wings spread wide.
Inside, a single sentence:
"You will dress for the occasion."
No explanation. No instructions. Just expectation.
Maryna's heart pounded as she followed the servant through the labyrinthine corridors of the estate. They stopped before a set of grand double doors she hadn't seen before. The servant pushed them open, revealing a room bathed in golden candlelight.
Mannequins lined the walls, each adorned with gowns of exquisite craftsmanship. Silks, satins, velvets — fabrics that whispered of opulence and power. Colors ranged from deep crimson to midnight black, each more alluring than the last.
In the center stood Vasilios, his presence commanding as ever. He gestured to the gowns.
"Choose."
Maryna hesitated, her eyes scanning the room.
"For what purpose?"
He stepped closer, the air between them charged.
"Tonight, you will accompany me to a gathering. You must look the part."
She bristled. "I'm not your doll to dress up."
His eyes narrowed, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth.
"No, you're not. But appearances matter in our world. Choose wisely."
Maryna turned away, her fingers brushing against the fabrics. She selected a gown of deep emerald green, its bodice adorned with intricate embroidery, the skirt flowing like water.
Vasilios nodded in approval. "A fine choice."
As she changed behind a screen, Maryna couldn't shake the feeling of being a pawn in a game she didn't understand. Yet, a part of her — the part that remembered the strength her father had instilled in her — refused to be cowed.
Emerging in the gown, she met Vasilios's gaze head-on.
"I'm ready."
He offered his arm, and she took it, the silk of her glove brushing against his cool skin.
Together, they stepped into the night, the path ahead uncertain, but Maryna's resolve unwavering.
I will survive this.
To be continued…