The morning was a blur as servants bustled about Anastasia’s room, preparing her luggage for the carriage that would take her to the Marquess’ residence in Dragny, now to be her new home. She watched as the maids she had been familiar with since childhood packed away a majority of her summer wear, as the Dragny climate was much warmer in comparison to the chill of Valenris. It would at least be nice to visit somewhere new, even if that place held sinister implications.

  Anastasia’s thoughts drifted to her dream, and the stranger’s warning.

  “Beware of the marquess, Anastasia, he is not to be trusted.”

  Remembering those words gave her a sinking feeling in her stomach. She didn’t know why, but she could feel the truth behind the figure’s words. Those rumors about the marquess must have some merit to them after all, and she wasn’t surprised if Lady Lilith was also aware of this. She didn’t doubt that her stepmother would jump at the chance to send her off like a lamb to slaughter. At least she wouldn’t be clueless, thanks to that warning.

  Anastasia walked past the bustling servants and checked over the one luggage she was allowed to pack herself. She had wanted to at least bring a small piece of home with her, even if the years had been unkind. Gently opening the small trunk, barely larger than a jewelry box, she surveyed the contents, mentally checking if she had packed everything. A small book full of piano sheet music, given to Anastasia by her mother, laid in the box alongside a gold locket, delicately engraved with the initials “AV”. At first glance, it would look like it belonged to Anastasia, but in truth this locket belonged to her mother, Aurora Valenris. Two of her most prized possessions would come with her into the lion’s den, a beacon of light against the murky shadows of uncertainty.

  Securing the latch on the box once more, Anastasia decided to personally take the box with her, fearing Apphia or some other servant of Lady Lilith’s would get ahold of it. As if the thought lured her, Apphia burst in with a scowl.

  “Quit dawdling everyone! The Dragny carriage shall arrive at any moment. I want this luggage on the front steps before it even appears on the horizon!” Apphia barked over the scrambling servants, who immediately set to moving the trunks at a faster rate. Nobody wanted to land on Apphia’s bad side, since she had Lady Lilith’s ear and one word would have them thrown out onto the streets. Setting her sights on Anastasia, Apphia marched toward Anastasia. Quickly hiding the box behind her, she braced herself for the onslaught of insults Apphia no doubt had in store for her.

  “Hmph…well look at you,” Apphia looked Anastasia up and down, “Even though we’re throwing you to the wolves, the Dragny name is much too noble for the likes of you,”Apphia taunted. Anastasia leveled her with a cold gaze, refusing to let Apphia have the last laugh.

  “You know, Apphia,” Anastasia took a step forward, causing Apphia’s smirk to falter. “Although it’s just a marquisate, the Dragny house holds a powerful sway in many circles,” Anastasia smiled lightly. “Once I become Marchioness Dragny, I won’t forget any of your transgressions,” placing a hand on Apphia’s shoulder, Anastasia leaned in to whisper in her ear. “So I would be quite careful with my words if I were you.”

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  “I--What do you--you,” Apphia stammered her words, flustered at Anastasia’s sudden conviction. Huffing, she stomped off to order whatever poor maid was closest. Anastasia couldn’t bring herself to feel too guilty though. Not a single person in this house was on her side, and they had never offered a hand to her once. Going into Dragny territory would require all of her strength and wits, and being complacent as she had been would no longer suffice. To survive, being cold and assertive was her lifeline. It’s not like death was enough to scare her, as she had grown numb to it long ago.

  “My Lady, the carriage has arrived,” a maid called from the door.

  “Very well, let us be off then,” Anastasia walked off, leaving the maids to quickly scramble for the last of the luggage. Walking down the hall, she realized it would likely be the last time she ever set foot in the estate. She had expected to feel sad about leaving her childhood home, but this place had ceased to be a home to her since her mother died.

  Standing at the top of the grand staircase, Anastasia was met with quite the sight. It seemed that every single servant and maid was gathered to see her off, along with her family. Her father stood firm, his face devoid of emotion. She didn’t think he’d be emotional about her departure, but it still hurt her deep down to see him so uncaring. Her stepmother stood by her father’s side, dressed in extravagance, as though this were all a grand party. Anastasia supposed this was a celebratory occasion for Lady Lilith, seeing as she finally succeeded in removing her from the Valenris line of succession. Once she reached the base of the stairs, Lady Lilith stepped forward, grabbing onto Anastasia’s hand.

  “My dear stepdaughter,” Lady Lilith drawled, putting on a show for her father no doubt. “I will truly miss you, my dear. Please stay safe,” she smiled sweetly, but her eyes were filled with venomous hate. “Do not disappoint us.” Anastasia saw right through her hidden threat. Don’t even think of running away. Of course, there was no escaping this, there was no need for such a thinly veiled reminder.

  Anastasia only nodded in response, not bothering to waste her breath on this woman. Her father gave her a curt nod, echoing his wife’s sentiment. Glancing at his side, she spied Lia-Rue, whose eyes were meekly downcast. Silent and complacent to the very end, it would seem.

  With one final bow to her family, Anastasia stepped up to the grand oak doors as two guards pulled them open. Stepping into the early morning air, she breathed in deeply and rolled her shoulders back. The Dragny carriage awaited her, ornate and golden. The raven crest of Dragny stared back at her, and she could feel the weight of the situation begin to press down upon her. Forcing her feet to move, the footman opened the carriage door to the luxurious interior. Closing the door behind her with a click, she settled on the plush scarlet seat and fished out her mother’s box that she had hidden in the folds of her dress.

  Running her hands over the box, she gazed out of the window as the carriage began to move. She looked over her home one last time, trying to commit every detail to memory before she closed her eyes, and let it leave her heart forever.