AUBURN DISTRICT, CLARE IN IRELAND; LUTTRELLSTOWN CASTLE RESORT
Madden slipped off his shoes and exchanged them for a pair of slides, the cool floor greeting his tired feet. He clutched his shoes in his left hand as he headed straight for the parlor.
Darkness welcomed him.
Just like his life;dark.
He flipped on the light switch. Instantly, the room was bathed in a red hue. The bulbs glowed a deep, bloody crimson, casting an eerie, ominous glow across the room.
They suited him perfectly.
"Big bro, I thought I changed those bulbs. Why did you switch them back?" came a sweet, small voice from behind.
Startled, Madden turned toward the familiar scent fresh flowers,and voice he recognized instantly.
There she stood: his younger sister, Tyra, with a stack of plantain chips in one hand. She wore bunny-print pajamas, a pair of worn flip-flops, and a childish head warmer tugged snugly over her curls.
Her almond-shaped, sparkling blue eyes were narrowed in mock accusation.
"You dared to change it?" she said, eyes gleaming with threat.
Madden placed a hand to his chest with theatrical flair, then reached forward and gently poked her forehead with his index finger.
"Why did you come here without telling me in advance?" he asked.
"Don't change the subject," she scolded, glaring. "And I've told you to stop pushing my head."
She pouted.
With a sigh, Madden slumped onto the couch, exhaustion radiating from every movement.
"I had a hectic day at work. I'm completely worn out."
"You're just avoiding my question," Tyra huffed, pulling out her phone. She dialed a number and waited as it rang.
"I'm ordering bulbs. Bright, beautiful ones that actually make a space look cheerful,unlike your creepy horror movie setup."
Madden shot her a look of contempt, one that promised he'd change them back the moment she left.
"Kingstown Estate, Luttrellstown Castle Resort," she said into the phone before hanging up.
"Done," she announced with a grin, then turned back to face her brother,only to find him reclining on the couch, eyes closed.
His brows were drawn together. His perfectly chiseled, fair features were tight with stress. Lines creased the corners of his eyes, his thin lips looked dry, and his beautiful chestnut-brown hair was scattered and disheveled. Every inch of his face screamed exhaustion.
Tyra's heart clenched.
"Why are you pushing yourself this hard?" she whispered, walking behind him and gently massaging his temples.
"What do you want for dinner? Mama Chef left some desserts," she offered, her voice soft as she stroked the tension from his skin.
"I've already eaten," he murmured, melting slightly under her touch.
Tyra squinted in suspicion. "Why do I feel like you're lying?"
"Whatever," he muttered flatly.
He suddenly rose, disrupting her massage, and began walking away.
"Where are you going?" she called after him.
"I need to freshen up," he replied coolly, stepping into the elevator.
Tyra watched him go, a sigh pulling from her lips.
He was pushing himself too much.
And he was all she had left.
"Should I make you a midnight snack?" she yelled.
But it was useless. He was gone. Out of earshot.
---
BACK TO MARCHE DISTRICT IN ITALY; VELVET VIXENS' DOMAIN; THE LILITH'S COVEN...2AM
Shante stood in silence, gazing at the girl's lifeless body. She stared, unmoving, as slow, silent tears slid down her cheeks, tracing her jaw and falling onto her nightgown.
The transparent fabric clung to her body, soaked from the tears, exposing the pale whiteness of her breasts.
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
The words rang in her mind, but her lips didn't move. The only thing distinguishing her from a statue was the steady stream of tears gliding from her hollow eyes.
"Madam Te?" someone called softly as the door creaked open.
Shante wiped her face with trembling hands, sniffed, and blinked repeatedly to clear her eyes. She composed herself, then turned to the door.
"Madam Te, I've been looking all over for you. I just decided to check here, and... found you," the girl said, cheerful at first but quickly trailing off.
Shante didn't respond.
Feeling uneasy, Mae,her second lieutenant,studied her carefully.
"Are you okay, Madam Te?"
"Hmn?" Shante murmured absently, her voice distant.
Mae stepped closer, concern rising. "Are you alright, ma?"
"Yeah… yeah, I'm fine. Don't I look fine?" she said, the words stumbling incoherently out of her mouth.
"No. You don't look fine," Mae replied softly.
"Why would you say that?"
"Your face says it all. And since San died, you've been quiet... you showed emotion. You never show emotion. You've been... down. Dull. That's not the Madam Te I know."
Shante gave a bitter smile, her voice low and uneven.
"Don't worry. Your Madam Te will be back before sunset."
"Madam Teee..."
"Trust me. Just this once."
"I've never doubted you, Te."
"Then don't you dare start now," Shante whispered, offering a small, fragile smile before turning her gaze back to San's body.
Mae hesitated. "What should we do with her? Are we just going to leave her here?"
Shante turned to the window, sighed, and then looked back at the girl on the floor.
"Send her back to her family. Also send ten million. Tell them to give her a proper burial."
"Yes, ma."
Mae turned to go, but Shante called softly after her.
"Maema…"
Mae paused and looked back.
Shante smiled gently.
"Teeee…"
"Thank you," Shante whispered. "You've made me feel alive again."
Mae chuckled humbly, lowering her eyes with respect.
"It's only right, Te. If you're down, the rest of us will follow. So…"
Shante simply smiled and nodded, dismissing her with a soft wave.